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A reminder that from 1 October 2020, services that offer, or arrange, the transportation of children will be required to have in place transportation-specific policies and procedures.
These new requirements include transportation-specific risk assessments and obtaining written authorisations for transportation.
Although these changes are designed around transportation other than as part of an excursion, minor corresponding changes relating to excursions that involve transporting children will also take effect.
These requirements will come in the form of new and amended provisions of the National Regulations, a full list of which is available in the following ACECQA fact sheet.
Guidance from ACECQA on existing policies and procedures is that, while it may be possible for a service to adapt existing policies or procedures in order to cover the new requirements for risk assessments and authorisations, these new requirements will differ from existing requirements.
ACECQA has published a Transportation Risk Assessment Template on their website ahead of the changes to assist service providers and educators.
FDCA encourages our members to refer to the ACECQA website for further information on the changes which will be enacted through the Education and Care Services National Amendment Regulations 2020.
Please be assured that we will continue to dissect and disseminate the details of these new requirements as they become available. If you have any questions about these new requirements, please get in contact with us at enquiries@fdca.com.au.
On Monday 24 August 2020, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that his government will seek a 12 month extension to the state of emergency.
Under the current legislation, a state of emergency can only be extended for 6 consecutive months and allows the Chief Health Officer to make legally enforceable directives for the protection of public health, including restrictions regarding the use of masks and social distancing.
Victoria’s state of emergency is due to end on 13 September 2020.
Mr Andrews has advised that his government will seek to consult with relevant parties soon regarding the change to legislation, and hopes for support.
FDCA encourages our Victorian members to reach out for assistance if needed. Please be assured that we will continue to dissect and disseminate any details that may affect our members.
Following on from a record-breaking number of nominations, the momentum of the 2020 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards continues with more than 1,000 submissions received across all awards categories.
FDCA would like to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to place a submission in this year's awards and again thank you to all those who placed nominations.
All FDCA members who were nominated will receive a certificate of nomination. These certificates will be mailed to members in the coming weeks.
The awards program now moves into the review phase with all submissions and accompanying nominations to be assessed before the Regional Educator of the Year winners,the first round of award recipients, are announced in early October.
To find out more about the review process and how it works, click here.
Time is running out for you to secure your exclusive members-only 12-month payment plan ticket to the must-attend professional learning and networking event on the family day care calendar in 2021, the FDCA 2021 National Conference.
Only five days remain for you to take advantage of our most popular ticket option, with access to the 12-month payment plan set to end on 31 August 2020.
This members-only ticketing option has been specifically developed to help our members balance their professional development needs while also helping to manage cash flow. Your 12-month payment plan will allow you to access your conference ticket for only $52 per month.
To ensure you take advantage of this option before it's too late click here.
As we know, the spread of COVID-19 has presented additional risks for those with asthma, including children. Spring is also a time where asthma flare-ups can be more prevalent.
The theme for this year’s Asthma Week is ‘take a breather’. FDCA encourages our members to take time this week to participate in the Asthma Week initiatives from Asthma Australia:
For more information on the ‘take a breather’ checklist, or to explore the other fantastic work that Asthma Australia does to support people with asthma, check out their website: https://asthma.org.au/get-involved/asthma-week/.
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