Early Childhood Update - October 2022

Throughout August and September 2022, the department’s Early Learning Leadership Forums gave those in leadership roles in delivering kindergarten programs across Victoria important opportunities to connect and collaborate.

Focusing on the theme ‘Access and equity: Facilitating genuine family and community partnerships’, the forums were held in 17 department areas across the state.

Each forum featured locally tailored, interactive sessions including guest speakers, case studies and panel discussions. The sessions gave attendees the opportunity to reflect and share their insights and experience.

Attendees heard from the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Ingrid Stitt, about the Best Start, Best Life reform, along with an interview between ECEC consultant Catharine Hydon and Emma King, Chief Executive Officer of Victorian Council of Social Service.

Catharine and Emma called on the attendees to consider how, in their leadership roles, they can keep their strategic purpose in mind while delivering high-quality programs for all children.

It was fantastic to see so many leaders from across the state coming together to connect and collaborate.

The next leadership forums will take place in Term 1, 2023. Keep an eye on your inbox for details about dates and venues.

Find out more

If you want your service to take part in the Early Years Learning Leadership Forums, contact the Practitioner and Leadership Development team by email: ec.forums.networks@education.vic.gov.au

Financial incentives are now available to attract qualified early childhood educators and teachers to work in services delivering Three-Year-Old Kindergarten next year.

For educators

Incentives of $9,000 are available for eligible educators working outside funded kindergarten services, or relocating from interstate or New Zealand, to take up a role in a funded kindergarten program at any service delivering Three-Year-Old Kindergarten in 2023.

There are also $9,000 educator location incentives available for eligible educators to take up a role in a funded kindergarten program at selected services. The department will notify services if they are pre-approved to offer an educator location incentive.

For teachers

Individual incentives of $9,000 are available for eligible early childhood teachers working outside the Victorian early childhood sector, or relocating from interstate or New Zealand, to take up a role at any service delivering, or planning to deliver, funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten in 2023.

There are also location incentives between $9,000 and $50,000 available for eligible early childhood teachers to take up a role at selected services. The department will notify providers if their services are pre-approved to offer a location incentive.

Eligible teacher and educator applicants who meet the criteria for location and individual incentives can receive both payments.

A relocation supplement of up to $8,000 is also available for teacher and educator incentive recipients who move more than 200 kilometres to take up a role.

Find out more

Find out more For further information about financial incentives, refer to financial support to study and work in early childhood.

Children's Week is a national celebration that recognises the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children. Please share information about Children’s Week events, and how families can get involved, with parents and carers at your service.

Held from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October 2022, the week is a great opportunity for Victorian families to enjoy fun, engaging and educational experiences at no cost.

This year’s theme for Children’s Week is ‘All children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development’, drawn from Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

During the week, local councils, not-for-profit organisations, schools and early childhood services organise open days, displays, special events and virtual activities for children and families.

All Children's Week events are free for families with children aged from birth to 12 years.

Find out more

For more information and to find an event near you, please refer to Children's Week.