Having expressed concern last week about the future viability of its centres in wake of the ECEC relief package announcement, Australia’s largest early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider, Goodstart Early Learning, has welcomed an announcement made by the Federal Treasurer that charities, including Goodstart, will be able to apply for JobKeeper payments for their staff.

Although a lot of attention has been placed on occupancy and viability, as well as managing health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are various functions and features of early childhood education and care (ECEC) business administration that remain, including submitting session reports in an accurate and timely manner, ensuring details are accurate in the child care subsidy (CCS) system, and being aware of newly updated inclusion support program (ISP) guidelines.

Educators at Guardian Childcare & Education Marsfield have been inspired by the leadership demonstrated in their preschool cohort, launching a tailored leadership program for the children that builds on strong sibling relationships, and the eagerness of the children for mixed age grouping.

With early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings in all Australian states and territories, many in the sector are watching the responses from Goodstart Early Learning to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic, seeking guidance about the best way forward in a rapidly changing environment.

One of Sydney’s oldest preschools, Binnowee Kindergarten in West Pennant Hills, recently celebrated their 85th birthday, having opened in 1935 and fast becoming an inseparable part of generations of families in the area.