The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) is acutely aware of the enormous impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the early learning sector.
The prevention of the spread of this virus is an ongoing priority for the Australian Government and State/Territory Governments.
In 2021, as the ongoing approach to reducing the spread involves very localised, targeted responses, the Department of Education, Skills & Employment (DESE) is reminding early learning services to stay informed about the COVID situation in their local area through official government websites.
A January 2021 email from the Department to all approved providers stated that “It is incumbent on childcare services to stay up to date on how the constantly changing circumstances may affect your area and operations, and to plan in case of a local emergency even if one does not seem imminent.”
The Department has strongly encouraged approved providers to refer to the official state-based websites to remain up to date with developments in local areas:
ACA's state bodies will provide the most current updates via direct emails to our members where required.
Below are some articles you may find useful in relation to the ongoing operations of your early learning service(s) in the COVID-19 context.
- Coronavirus - Is it safe for children and educators to continue attending early learning services in the current climate
- Coronavirus - Helping children feel safe
- Coronavirus – What should I be telling families?
- Coronavirus – When should I exclude children or staff?
- Coronavirus - What additional measures should you put in place to keep staff & children safe?
- Coronavirus - What does self-isolation actually mean?
- Coronavirus - When should I close my centre?
- Coronavirus - Pandemic Action Plan
- Financial support from government for early learning services affected by the Coronavirus
- Coronavirus: How does it impact employee pay & leave entitlements?
- Coronavirus - Mandatory Closures, Stand down & Employee wages
- Coronavirus – How to stay on top of food/stock shortages
- Coronavirus - Political, stakeholder & media engagement
- Coronavirus – Useful links & training resources
Please be assured that we continue to engage with Education Minister Alan Tudge and the relevant Departments on behalf of our members and the early learning sector, to ensure they understand the importance of ensuring that the early learning sector remains stable and that individual services remain viable.