ECE Connect on the Road a big success

The NSW Department of Education recently met with more than 105 early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers and educators from across the state as part of the popular ‘ECE Connect on the Road’ initiative.

The unique engagement event allows the Department to visit different communities across the state, including regional and rural towns, and hear directly from the early learning sector.

‘ECE Connect on the Road’ launched in western Sydney, before travelling to Wagga Wagga where department leaders connected with around 80 childhood educators.

Executive Director of Early Childhood Outcomes, Jenny Merkley, attended the Wagga Wagga session and welcomed the return of the annual event.

“ECE Connect on the Road gives us the chance to answer any questions in person about reforms and provide updates on policy initiatives, programs, funding and regulatory matters,” Ms Merkley said.

“It’s an opportunity to build on the success of the sector to ensure every child gets the best start in life by working together as a community dedicated to early learning.”

The annual event demonstrates the Department’s commitment to listening and learning from teachers and educators and hearing about the issues that are most important to them.

Presentations made by the Department included details on Start Strong funding for long daycare and community preschools, the Flexible Initiatives Trial, the Workforce Strategy, assessment and ratings and the rollout of the digital Hub, which is a new centralised system for reporting, data collection and administration.

An information session was also held about the 100 new preschools to be established in NSW public schools by 2027.

Department leaders heard directly from educators, providers and industry experts in a series of roundtable discussions throughout the day.

Topics up for discussion included workforce, assessment and ratings, local support, transition to school, and quality practice and regulatory support.

The Wagga Wagga and western Sydney sessions followed ECE Connect Online in March, which saw more than 5000 early childhood education and care professionals across NSW attend webinar sessions on a range of topics.  

Visit ECE Connect online for more information.