Child Care Industry News September 9, 2014

Child Care Industry News September 9, 2014 - CareforKids.com.au®

Child Care Industry News
September 9, 2014

Welcome, this week meet Sarah Ferguson Manager of AnglicareSA's Daphne Street Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre and find out about a new resource to help disabled children successfully transition to big school.

Transitioning disabled kids

Helping disabled kids make a successful transition to big school

As we approach the end of the year many early childhood education and care services make school readiness a more explicit focus of the program. Popular initiatives include days where kids can wear a school uniform to their services and school days, where children have the opportunity to practice the more structured activities they participate in in their first year at 'big school'.

To help children with disabilities make a more successful transition to life in primary school the NSW chapter of Early Childhood Intervention Australia has developed a new online resource to provide advice and information to families, early childhood services, schools and the wider community on the special needs of children with disabilities.

The resource has been designed to acknowledge the fact that starting 'big school' is an important milestone in any child and family's life and but that for families of children with disabilities, transition to school requires additional thought, time, planning and support to make the process as smooth and positive as possible.

ChildcareJobs.com.au

new + improved

find out more »

$406m for 2015 preschool funding

Preschool funding has been confirmed for 2015 via a Government allocation of $406 million. The funding extension means families can continue to access up to 15 hours of preschool per week.

Federal Assistant Minister for Education Sussan Ley said the Commonwealth would offer state and territory governments an extension of current national partnership arrangements for preschool funding for a further 12 months after they expire in December 2014.

"We want parents and preschools to be able to plan their arrangements for next year with certainty and confidence" said Ms Ley.

Ms Ley said the Abbott Government was also improving access to preschool by ensuring the new national partnership arrangements made funding available to all types of accredited preschool programmes – regardless of whether they were delivered through schools, standalone preschools or long day care centres.

"These new rules mean a fairer go for all preschools and families and ensure funding is distributed equitably, which is particularly important in disadvantaged and regional areas," Ms Ley said.

Ms Ley said extending the national partnership for 12 months was a "common-sense" approach, given the current Productivity Commission Inquiry into Child Care and Early Learning was not due to hand its report to the Federal Government until late October 2014.

"This $406 million extension of national partnership arrangements gives us time to carefully consider future policies without unnecessarily impeding parents and preschools looking for certainty next year," she said.

Boost your occupancy

Our Premium and Enterprise services will increase parent enquiries to your child care business

find out more »

Child care person in the spotlight

Sarah Ferguson is the Manager of AnglicareSA's Daphne Street Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) which is a 20 place centre dedicated to providing long day care specifically for children who have a diagnosis of Autism.

What is your full name and where do you work?
My name is Sarah Ferguson I am the Manager of AnglicareSA's Daphne Street Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) which is a 20 place centre dedicated to providing long day care specifically for children who have a diagnosis of Autism.

What is your professional background and career experience?
I have various qualifications in Children's Services, Psychology, Arts, Business Management and Counselling and I am currently studying a Master's Degree in Special Education. I began my child care career as soon as I left school working across various long day care and OSHC services. After graduating from University, I joined AnglicareSA initially as a Supervisor in the Foster Care team, then as a researcher in the ASELCC and I have been in the Manager role since 2011.

What does a 'normal' day look like for you?
I am in the privileged position of working with early learners who have Autism. While my role primarily focusses on strategy and governance for the centre and the wider organisation, I love to sneak away from my desk and spend some time in the classrooms with our wonderful children and incredible staff when I can. I am a big believer in continuous improvement so I spend a lot of time overseeing our clinical and educational models, ensuring that we are delivering the EYLF in partnership with our ASD framework.

Parent ratings & testimonials

Parents trust reviews & testimonials by other parents. Take advantage of this powerful tool to enhance the reputation of your childcare service

find out more »

Products & Services
Advertise with Us
Advanced listings
Jobs
Daily News
Newsletters
Subscribe