Dear colleagues
Welcome to the November edition of Early Childhood Update.
I'd like to begin this message by acknowledging Kim Little, who has now moved to a new role, and the significant contribution she has made to the early childhood education and care sector in Victoria.
Kim has been appointed the inaugural Chief Executive of the South Australian Office for Early Childhood Development, and I know she leaves Victoria with a heavy heart, but also great pride in our achievements. Kim’s appointment is clear recognition of the outstanding leadership she has provided to the sector’s nation-leading reforms here in Victoria.
It has been a privilege to work with Kim on the design and delivery of these reforms. Her commitment to the early childhood sector has been a source of great inspiration and I am honoured to act in the Deputy Secretary role for the time being.
While this will represent a change for the department, it won’t alter our path towards reform.
I look forward to continuing to transform early childhood education together, through the Best Start, Best Life reforms, working in partnership to support our teachers and educators, and providing access to high-quality early childhood education to children across Victoria. Our partnership with the sector, and community more broadly, is critical to delivering on our bold ambitions for children in Victoria.
Reflecting on the Voice referendum
With this emphasis on community, I’d like to comment on the outcome of the referendum on whether to alter the Australian Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
We recognise the important role culture plays in the education of all children, and that providing safe, inclusive learning environments is vital to meeting the needs of Victoria’s diverse community.
In the weeks since the referendum, you may have seen different responses to this outcome in your services and the community, including disappointment or distress for some staff, children and families.
If they need support, please let your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators, teachers and support staff know that they can contact Yarning SafeNStrong or 13 YARN – both 24-hour, free and confidential counselling services run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
The department remains committed to the journey of reconciliation and we know you work hard to create culturally safe places for Koorie children and families, as well as to include Aboriginal perspectives in the learning curriculum and environment.
To help you to continue to create more inclusive and respectful environments for Koorie communities, I encourage you to refer to the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated Aboriginal Early Childhood Cultural Protocols.
Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education also provides a range of resources and tools to help educators embed reconciliation into their everyday activities and curriculum.
Looking ahead
With November now upon us, planning for next year is well underway. Service providers will have received funding rates advice for 2024, including for Free Kinder. Please note, the Free Kinder participation survey is now open for 2024 and will close on Friday 10 November 2023.
Finally, I would like to recognise the finalists in this year’s Victorian Early Years Awards. Next week, on Thursday 9 November 2023, the annual event will showcase the very best of the outstanding professionals who make vital contributions to supporting children and families across the state.
This is always a wonderful occasion to be a part of, and I look forward to celebrating the great work happening in early childhood education.
Bronwen FitzGerald
Acting Deputy Secretary
Early Childhood Education
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