📘 In-Service & Staff Development Policy (QA7) (Video)

National Quality Standard (NQS) - Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership

Implementation

The ECA Code of Ethics suggests that in relation to being professional, educators will take responsibility for articulating their professional values, knowledge and practice and the positive contribution to the early childhood profession. Educators will engage in critical reflection, ongoing professional learning and support research that builds knowledge and that of the profession. 

Management will ensure:

• The roster supports at least one educator who holds a recognised and current first aid qualification including CPR, child protection, asthma and anaphylaxis management training
• A budgeted amount is available to provide relevant training to educators and staff
• To record all professional development completed by educators and staff and pass on relevant material to enhance skills and knowledge
• The Nominated Supervisor undertakes professional development in accordance with National Regulations and the individual professional development plan 
• Provide a variety of professional development for educators and staff which includes: current research and readings, team meeting discussions, in-house training, networking, conferences etc
• Educators and staff have the opportunity to experience different rooms. This shall be achieved through rotation of educators and staff at the beginning of each calendar year. However, rotation may occur at other times of the year when deemed necessary. Individual needs will be considered when rotation occurs but the final decision should not hinder other staff members from the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge.
• Continuity of care for the children will be the primary consideration when moving staff to different rooms. Where possible, one person familiar to the children will remain in the room.
• Mentoring programs and management support networks are implements for educators and staff to ensure guidance and inspiration 
• They are positive role models for Educators and staff 
•  Educators are supported to attend professional development by committing time and resources in order to develop new skills and knowledge

A Nominated Supervisor will: 

• Ensure Child Protection training is valid and updated every 12-18 months to maintain skills and knowledge required by National Regulations and best practice. 
• Hold a current first aid (including CPR), asthma and anaphylaxis training at all times
• Attend a minimum of 4 professional development courses over a 12 month period
• Be a positive role model for Educators and Staff 
• Collaborate with the Educational Leader to identify training needs across the service and source appropriate training and mentoring for educators 
• Ensure strategies are implemented by Educators to make practical use of the information gained from professional development. 

Educators will:

• Keep up to date with Child Protection training ensuring currency and compliance 
• Hold a current first aid (including CPR), asthma and anaphylaxis training at all times
• Attend a minimum of 4 professional development courses over a 12 month period
• Permanent-part time and casual staff (other than relief staff) are to attend a minimum of 1 in-service per calendar year.
• Seek assistance and direction from the Service’s Educational Leader regarding the in-services and training.

Example of professional development resources and experiences

• Networking with other services & professionals                                  
• Mentoring & Coaching programs
• In-house or external training (workshops, courses)                             
• Self-Paced training packages
• Sharing information gained from formal studies                                  
• Hands-on the job training 
• Learning & skills sharing                                                                               
• Conferences
• Visitors from local areas                                                                               
• Meeting discussions
• Reading professional publication & websites                                        
• viewing professional DVD’s
• Engage in professional reflection (journals)                                           
• Readings