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21 April 2021

Secure your FDCA 2021 National Conference 4-month payment plan today!

Providing our members with more ways to access professional development and networking events is important to us. That’s why we’ve launched a final 4-month payment plan for the FDCA 2021 National Conference.

The 4-month payment plan allows you to purchase your conference ticket at our early bird pricing, with 4 monthly payments of $156.00. This offer ends 31 May 2021.

Don’t delay your great escape. Click here to secure your payment plan today!

Extended refund policy for your peace of mind

To provide our members with a risk-free ticket purchasing experience, Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) will ensure that any members who are unable to attend the conference due to COVID related circumstances will receive a FULL refund on their ticket purchase up until three weeks out from the conference.

This means you can take advantage of our 4-month payment plan knowing that we’ve got you covered!

Preliminary conference program available to view!

Start planning your unique conference experience with the release of our 2021 National Conference preliminary program.

Conference attendees will have 24 workshops to choose from on a range of different topics, in addition to keynote addresses from experts in the early childhood education and care sector.

On the final night of the Conference, you’ll have the chance to let your hair down and get your boogie on at the Gala Dinner!

Click here to view the program.

National Quality Framework Review consultations closing soon

As part of the 2019 National Quality Framework (NQF) Review process, a second phase of national consultations is currently underway following the recent publication of a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS).

The proposals put forward in the CRIS could result in changes being made to the Education and Care Services National Law, the Education and Care Services National Regulations or guidance materials covering the application of the legislation.

The CRIS explores a total of 21 issues relating to:

  • safety, health, and wellbeing;
  • family day care;
  • outside school hours care;
  • workforce;
  • understanding of quality ratings by families;
  • changes in fees within the NQF system;
  • oversight and governance of services and providers; and
  • proposed changes to the NQF arising from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

FDCA has recently consulted with members to inform our submission to the CRIS and ensure we present a strong and united position on behalf of our members. Thank you to all those members who completed our recent survey.

Members are also able to have their own say, if they wish, by completing the NQF Review online survey before 30 April 2021.

Once this second consultation phase has concluded, feedback will be incorporated  into the development of a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (DRIS) which will assist Education Council in deciding what – if any – options for change should be implemented. Any options for change that are agreed by Education Council will be implemented from 2022 to 2023.

Do you want to share your latest excursion in JiGSAW magazine?

Have you recently been 'Out & About' and want to take the opportunity to tell everyone about it?

We are now taking Out & About submissions for the 2021 winter edition of JiGSAW. If you’re an educator or a service that has a story to share with the sector, we would love to hear from you!

Simply send a short email to marketing@fdca.com.au and tell us about the excursion you want to share.

The lucky winner will have a full page article published in the winter edition of JiGSAW magazine and will receive additional copies of the magazine to share with families and friends.

To see the most recent Out & About feature inside the new autumn edition of JiGSAW, click here. You can also see previous features by viewing past editions of JiGSAW in your FDCA Member Zone.

Putting mental health and wellbeing first with Business Wellbeing training

Everymind, a leading national institute dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing, has launched Business Wellbeing, free online training tailored to the unique needs of small business owners in Australia, including family day care educators.

The training will equip small business owners  with knowledge and tools that can support them  when  facing challenges at work that can impact their  wellbeing.

Business Wellbeing comprises four 15-minute modules on mental health and wellbeing, stigma  in relation to mental illness, effective communication, and addressing mental health in the workplace, and can be completed at any time before 30 May 2021.

To help evaluate the effectiveness of the training, participants will be asked to complete a very short survey before and after taking part.

Access the training here to start learning skills that will help promote your mental health and wellbeing.

2021 Narragunnawali Awards - submissions closing Friday 30 April

Held biennially, the Narragunnawali Awards is the first national awards program to recognise and celebrate Australian schools and early learning services that are implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives.

Finalists are acknowledged for the ways in which they strengthen relationships, build respect, and provide meaningful opportunities around the school or service and with the community.

There are two Narragunnawali Awards categories:

  • Schools: this category incorporates primary, secondary, senior secondary and combined schools within the Government, Independent or Catholic sectors.
  • Early Learning: this category incorporates early childhood education and care, including family day care.

Educators, coordinators, service staff, families and community members are eligible to nominate for an Award a family day care service that they believe is demonstrating exceptional commitment to reconciliation.

Once a service is nominated, the Service Director will be notified and encouraged to formally apply for a Narragunnawali Award 2021.

Nominations and applications can be submitted online any time before Friday 30 April 2021.

For more information about the nomination and application process, please visit the website, www.narragunnawali.org.au/awards.