What is the Preschool Growth Places Project?
The Department of Community Services and the NSW State Government decided that the remaining funds left to be allocated from the Preschool Investment and Reform Plan will be allocated to increasing the number of children attending preschool in NSW.
The Community Child Care Co-operative Preschool Growth Places Project is the project that will be implementing this program for most of NSW.
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| Download Growing Places, Summer 2009/10 | PDF Download | Download Growing Places, Spring 2009 | PDF Download | Download Maximise Your DoCS Funding Factsheet, Spring 2009 | PDF Download |
How can new preschool places be created?
By addressing Barriers to preschool participation in NSW such as:
- affordability;
- lack of family knowledge of preschool options;
- complicated access mechanisms;
- confusion about early child development program options;
- mismatches between community needs and service provision;
- possible mismatches between transport links and service locations;
- lack of understanding of the roles preschools play in connecting families;
- lack of understanding of child development needs and how preschools address these needs;
- lack of a clearly articulated and understood rationale around the benefits of a preschool program; and
- attendance patterns based on affordability.
And also by:
- Working on demand and supply sides of creating new places;
- Knowing existing licensed numbers and utilisation patterns;
- Identifying growth barriers for each preschool; and
- Addressing these barriers using a community development approach.
Community Child Care Co-operative will help identify which preschools can:
- Maximise children occupying available spots;
- Expand licensed places with relative ease;
- Increase participation with lower fees...
...at the same time as helping preschools:
- Prepare for changes brought by Commonwealth Government actions;
- Prepare for Commonwealth Government’s 15 hour commitment; and
- Adjust to funding changes bought about by the implementation of the new Resource Allocation Model of funding.
It may mean more money for your preschool
Services who can increase their places may be eligible for additional funding through the Growth Project in line with the existing Department of Community Services Resource Allocation Funding Model.
Preschool Growth Project Staff
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Julia Cameron, Project Officer, Hunter/Central Coast and Northern (New England) Julia's experience spans a variety of predominantly
not-for-profit children's services over 30 years in both city and
country areas. She established and directed two Occasional Child
Care Centres and was instrumental in laying the foundations for
the establishment of a Long Day Care Centre. Julia holds a Bachelor
of Teaching (EC) Degree and she sits on several early childhood
committees within her region. Besides directing and teaching in
a preschool service, Julia's particular interest lies in Behaviour
Management and is currently completing her Marte Meo Practioners
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Gabrielle Connell, Project Officer, Western Region (Riverina Murray) Gabrielle has a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development and a Graduate diploma in Special Education. She has worked in preschools for the past 25 years, the last 10 being Director of Albury Preschool. Gabe was one of the founding members of “Children’s Choice”, the lobby group responsible for securing funding under the Preschool Investment and Reform Plan. She is the Riverina/Murray Representative on the SCAN State Reference Group, and the Early Childhood Services representative on the IEU Executive. She hopes that through the PIRP Growth Phase and the National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education that Preschool Education will finally become equitable, accessible and affordable for all children in NSW. Mobile: 0407 403 853 |
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Jan Lawson, Project Officer, Metro Central Region Jan has extensive experience in a range of children’s services including working in community-based preschools, family day care and as a consultant for long day care centres. She also has experience working for the NCAC as a Validation Support and Development Officer. Jan has a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) and is currently enrolled to complete a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and is committed to high quality educational outcomes for all children. Phone: 8922 6413 |
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Gai Lindsay, Project Officer, Southern Region Gai holds a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) and a Bachelor
of Education Studies. Gai has worked as a preschool teacher and
director for 20 years, largely serving in community-based preschools
in NSW. She is a passionate advocate for community-based services
and has been very active in the Children's Choice Campaign, currently
serving as a moderator of the NSW preschools e-group. In recent
years, Gai has been honored to receive awards for her work including
a CeeCees Advocacy award (2007) and an ACE award for Outstanding
Achievement in Education (2008) and a 2008 REAIE scholarship to
participate in the 2008 study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. Gai
is very excited about the opportunity to support and affirm the
efforts of directors, preschool staff, families and committees
to build capacity and viability for community-based preschools
in NSW. |
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Phillipa Maher, Project Officer, Far North Coast and Mid North Coast Phillipa has a Bachelor of Education (Degree in
Early Childhood) and a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and
Training. She has almost 20 years of experience in the early childhood
field as a director, teacher, advocate, leader, researcher and trainer
in a range of EC services and adult education. Phillipa’s particular
expertise has been as a Director of various community-based preschools
in rural NSW. She has a wealth of experience in this area and has
led some innovative and dynamic approaches to excellence and ongoing
viability within preschool management and programming. Her wide ranging
interests in early childhood education include: effective management,
leadership and professionalism; building connections with families
and the community; and quality service delivery to ensure better
outcomes for children. Phillipa has two children and lives on the
Mid North Coast with her family. |
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Laurette Sider, Project Officer, Metro West and Metro South West Laurette has qualifications including a Bachelor of Education from Macquarie University and a Diploma of Community Services (Children’s Services) Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE. She has over 12 years experience in children's services working as a Validator at the National Childcare Accreditation Council, as well as being a director, teacher, and leader in many different service types, including preschools, long day care centres, before and after school care and occasional care services. Laurette has a passion for early childhood education and enjoys working with services as a Project Officer with the Preschool Growth Program. Phone: 8922 6416 |
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Questions? If there are any questions about the Preschool Growth Places Project, please send an email to: preschoolgrowth@ccccnsw.org.au |
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DoCS’ information on preschool funding The NSW Department of Community Services has information available on preschool funding: Please go to the NSW Department of Community Services website. |
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News
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Documents The letter from Community Child Care Co-operative that was sent to all preschools about the project is available here. Preschools Growth Places Project – What will it mean to your preschool? |
Growing
Places Newsletter, September 2009 | 