Dear colleagues
Through this time when significant attention is on quality and safety in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, I want to acknowledge the professionalism you bring to work each day and thank you for your ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children in your care.
I would like to highlight some recent information we’ve shared directly with services.
As you would be aware, a Rapid Child Safety Review is now underway to identify the immediate actions that can be taken to improve the safety of children in ECEC settings. This Review will be completed by Friday 15 August 2025 and we’ll have more information to share after this time.
In addition, the Early Childhood Workforce Register is now live, and requires Victorian Government-funded ECEC services to record information on all employees at the service who have regular contact with children. Services have until Friday 29 August 2025 to update the register. You can find out more about the register, including Frequently Asked Questions.
Please be reminded that anyone with concerns about the safety of children in early childhood services should call the Regulatory Authority (QARD) on 1300 307 415. Reports can be made anonymously. All notifications are taken seriously and investigated.
As communicated in our July update, a dedicated phone line is available to provide wellbeing support to teachers, educators and other staff at all Victorian early childhood services. Staff can access professional and confidential support through TELUS Health by calling 1800 971 573. Please share this information with your services and staff.
Meanwhile, Early Childhood Educators’ Day on Wednesday 3 September is an important opportunity to acknowledge the vital work educators do every day. We encourage you to start thinking about how your service might mark the occasion and recognise your team. You’ll find ideas and resources in the article Early Childhood Educators' Day.
You’ll also find a range of other resources and opportunities in this edition, including:
- our Early Childhood Workforce Retention Guide and how it can support service leaders with retention efforts
- how improvements to our Transition Learning and Development Statements make completing them faster and easier, helping the transition to primary school
- information sharing resources and training on your Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management reforms obligations
- how to apply for the latest round of Building Blocks grants, supporting services with facility upgrades and new equipment
- an updated resource to help services promote early childhood education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
I hope you find this information helpful in your work supporting children and families across Victoria — and that it helps you stay informed and supported.
Bronwen FitzGerald
Deputy Secretary
Early Childhood Education
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