We’ve now entered the second half of the year, which is a good time to reflect on how far your child has progressed in their early learning and care centre this year…Think about what your child has learnt, the skills have they developed and the special relationships they have they formed…Isn’t it amazing how much a child can achieve in only six months?
Highlights of 2017
As an organisation, ECMS has made solid progress this year too. We’ve continued to invest in our educators’ ongoing professional development (PD), so they can continue to provide families with the highest quality early learning and care experiences. Our May staff PD day reflected our commitment to child safety and educators learnt how to introduce personal safety programs to children as part of the educational curriculum. It’s been wonderful to see our services already reflecting their PD learnings in their work with children and families. In the next six months, we’ll further embed child safety across ECMS, including the introduction of an exciting project focused on capturing children’s voices in our daily practice.
We’ve also been busy planning our September conference. This will move from a sector conference to an ECMS staff-only event, enabling us to better tailor conference sessions to our educator’s and centre’s needs. Educators will learn fresh, research-based approaches to building strong relationships with children, families and communities from leading local and international early childhood experts.
Another highlight of the year so far is the ongoing recognition of quality in our services. We’re proud that our early learning and care services continue to perform above state and national averages for services exceeding the National Quality Standards set by the government. We’re working with each service to reflect on the work our educators do each day and planning for new ways to improve outcomes for children and families.
Additional hours of care
For families accessing our childcare services, the new financial year signifies the renewal of your annual Child Care Benefit. This is a good time to think about picking up an extra day or two of care – even on an occasional basis. We know that the longer children spend in a quality early learning and care environment, the better their outcomes at school and beyond. If you’re considering extra days of care for your child, please speak to your Centre Director.
Supporting transitions to school
This term, transitions to school will start to be a prominent topic for families enrolled in our four-year-old kindergarten programs. Your child’s educators will work with you over the next two terms to ensure your child and family feel well supported to enter this exciting next stage of your child’s educational journey. We’ll also provide tips during upcoming editions of Engage.
Departing ECMS
Also on the topic of journeys, my seven-year journey with ECMS will come to an end this week. Over those seven years, I have been inspired by our work in creating opportunities for children and families to learn, discover and realise their potential. Along the way, it’s been an absolute privilege to work with so many talented educators, carers and support staff and thousands of families from all over Melbourne.
ECMS will update you once a new CEO has been appointed.
I wish your child and family all the best for the future. I’m confident your child’s education and care is in the best hands with ECMS.
Kind regards
Bernie