Dear colleagues
I hope it has been a smooth start to the year at your service and that everyone has settled in well. March is upon us and it’s shaping up to be another significant month for the sector.
In late February, new child safety laws came into effect. They include mandatory training and a new national register. They also set out a requirement for the safety, rights and best interests of children to be the paramount consideration for all decision makers in the sector. You can read more about them here to inform your ongoing work to safeguard the safety, health and wellbeing of the children in your care.
Later this month, we celebrate Cultural Diversity Week (Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 March 2026). It’s a great time to celebrate our state’s diverse and strong multicultural communities.
Embracing diversity and inclusion is vital to children’s learning and development. Personal, family, and cultural backgrounds all shape a child. Respecting diversity is how early childhood professionals can help children learn best, starting with a sense of welcome and belonging.
To make sure all Victorian children get the best start in life, Free Kinder is available to all families, no matter their visa status. Refugee and asylum seeker families can access extra funded hours. We spoke to 3 families about their experiences and you can hear what they had to say here.
As we settle into 2026, it’s also time to start looking ahead to enrolments for next year. In this edition, we share resources to help you promote your service this enrolment period.
This month, we’re inviting parents and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to share their feedback on the Koorie Kids Shine program to make sure the program remains effective in respectfully engaging with families and the community.
The Best Start, Best Life Evening Leadership Series is back for 2026, with the next event taking place on Thursday 26 March. It’s a great opportunity for leaders and aspiring leaders to learn how they can support and strengthen their practice as the reforms continue.
International Women’s Day is on Sunday 8 March. It’s a chance for everyone to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. Find out how you can mark the day at the International Women’s Day website.
Finally, I’d like to reiterate the department’s appreciation for you, the early childhood education workforce. Your skill and professionalism continue to make a profound difference in the lives of children and families every day. Thank you for your vital work in supporting children’s development and strengthening our communities.
I invite you all to read and share this month’s edition with your colleagues and take time to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week with your colleagues and the children and families in your service community.
Wishing you all the best for the month ahead.
Bronwen FitzGerald
Deputy Secretary
Early Childhood Education
Updated