More than 60 Early Years Learning Networks are currently convened by the department across Victoria. Networks meet once per term, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and expertise from early childhood teachers who work in sessional and long day care services with a funded kindergarten program.
Networks are local, collaborative and focussed on professional practice.
As an attendee you can:
- connect and collaborate with other early learning professionals across your local area
- engage in reflective conversations around practice, pedagogy and the VEYLDF
- learn more about the Best Start, Best Life reforms
- work with other professionals to discuss how to manage changes in your service or explore solutions to common problems.
The Best Start, Best Life reforms are the most significant change to Victoria’s early childhood education and care sector in a generation. Networks provide members with opportunities for local-level change management discussions on how to best realise the gains that come with these nation-leading reforms. These collaborative sessions are key supports for teachers to successfully deliver the reforms to your families and communities.
Who should attend
Early childhood teachers and educational leaders working in sessional and long day care services with a funded kindergarten program are invited to attend a local Network meeting each term.
If you are a service manager or provider, we encourage you to support your early childhood teachers to attend so that they can contribute and benefit from sharing professional practice and expertise with peers in your local area.
Contribution to backfill
From 2024, services are eligible to claim a contribution to backfill for up to 2 early childhood teachers or diploma-qualified educators per term to attend a local Network meeting.
To find out more about how to claim a contribution to backfill, download the Early Years Learning Networks Contribution to Backfill Policy.
How to find your local Network
Your service is linked to a local Network in your area. To find out more about how and when to attend the next Network meeting, contact your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch.
What others have to say
Networking and connecting
- ‘It is very welcoming and I feel comfortable to speak and seek advice. I’m starting to get to know regular faces and the (topics) always provoke great discussion.’
- ‘The meetings are getting better and better as we create connections and collaborate and learn and share with each other.’
- ’A wonderful opportunity to catch up on what services have been implementing or what's been happening since the last meeting. A great opportunity to share stories and support each other.’
Being inspired by other teachers
- ‘The information and insights that were shared were useful for my current practice as well gaining an understanding of what the new reform may bring.’
- ‘Hearing other teachers’ ideas and the different ways people do things is helpful to me. It helps me grow and think outside the box.’
Reflecting on teaching practice
- ‘These meetings are so valuable and are a great resource for teachers to engage with others whilst increasing their knowledge in the EC sector.’
- ‘It is always good to critically reflect. Being able to do this together is beneficial.’
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