Alison’s update
Chief Operating Officer
Welcome to the June 2023 Family Newsletter. At Petit Early Learning Journey, we believe “The learning environment is a place of potential and possibility.” The environment nurtures children’s interests, development and experiences and it inspires children to explore their world, discover new curiosities, opportunities and passions. Both indoor and outdoor spaces play a crucial role in shaping our children’s future.
Petit ELJ’s curriculum intentionally focuses on the learning environment and whether it is inviting. We use invitations to investigate, to create play, extend interests and scaffold your child’s abilities. Our areas inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Children feel safe and supported in their play and learning spaces, where they are encouraged to be risk assessors and try new things.
One of the key elements is the presence of a supportive, engaged and experienced educator. Our qualified teaching teams collaborate to support your child to feel motivated and engaged. They play a crucial role in creating positive connections where they are present with the children, listening, noticing and facilitating play-based learning.
Another essential aspect of a successful learning environment is the presence of resources and materials that support learning. At Petit ELJ, we emphasise natural materials, open-ended loose parts, and specifically designed equipment to maximise learning. When choosing resources and materials, our teams consider the impact these have on our environments and the children’s experiences, highlighting environmental responsibilities of a sustainable future.
Great learning environments link and foster a sense of community and belonging where children develop communication and social skills and support each other to find solutions. Children’s agency is supported through conversations with children where they become decision makers involved in the planning of their environments.
At Petit ELJ, we encourage our educators to get down to the child’s level to explore their learning environment and its influences. Flexible and adaptable spaces are essential for creating responsive places where children can choose between quiet time or play in groups in busier areas. Children thrive and can achieve their full potential where play and learning flows.
Please speak to your Centre Director if you would like to find out more about our beliefs or learning environments. We are always here to help.
Good news: Child care subsidy is increasing in July
Great news for families across Australia! From the 10th July – childcare is going to be significantly more affordable for many families, thanks to the new Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
96% of families will benefit from the CCS changes, with increased subsidies and broader income eligibility thresholds. That’s right – most families will see their subsidy rate shoot up, with the maximum amount of CCS increasing from 85% to 90% for families earning $80,000 or less.
Even if you’re a higher-income family, you’re not left out. The income limit for CCS eligibility is taking a giant leap to $530,000 per year.
Let’s talk numbers: Imagine a family with a combined income of $180,000. Their child attends childcare 2 days per week, costing them $142 out of pocket. From 10th July, their subsidy will rocket from 50% to 70%, saving them $46 per week. This means they can send their child for an extra day of care every week, at no extra cost, and still save money!
The new CCS is all about giving your child the best possible start, without breaking the bank. Get ready to embrace these changes and let your child’s potential shine.
Reminder to families: Confirm your income by 30 June 2023
Families must confirm their earnings from 2021–22 and 2020–21 by 30 June to avoid losing CCS or incurring a debt. The end of financial year marks two important deadlines for families:
• First deadline for confirming 2021–22 income.
• Second deadline for confirming 2020–21 income.
If a family misses the first deadline, their CCS will stop. If a family misses the second deadline, they will lose their CCS eligibility and may have to repay any CCS they received for that financial year.
At the end of each financial year, Services Australia compares a family’s income estimate with their actual income to check they got the right amount of CCS. This process is called balancing.
Families must confirm their income by 30 June for balancing to occur.
Exceptional team member for June
Leena Williams from Petit Early Learning Journey Coffs Harbour
Congratulations to Educator Leena Williams at Petit ELJ Coffs Harbour for her selection as this month’s exceptional performer. Leena has been part of the Coffs Harbour team for over five years working in every studio. Leena brings fresh ideas and a positive attitude each day.
What do you like most about being an educator with Petit ELJ Coffs Harbour?
I like the freedom to express and show my abilities as an educator to support each child’s needs. I taught myself sign language and am deeply interested in helping children with autism and special needs. I enjoy connecting with the occupational therapists who visit the centre about how we can better support the children. I like to bend down to the child’s level to make them feel secure and jump in with dancing, singing or being boisterous and flamboyant. No day is the same, and I am blessed to work here.
How did you come to work in early childhood education and care?
Initially, I wanted to travel overseas and be an au pair. So, I began working with young children when I was 19 and completed a Certificate in Childcare. I loved being with the children and enriching their day. I have also worked as a nanny, in nursing homes with people with disabilities, and as a bookkeeper. However, my joy of working with children drew me back to the sector. I updated my skills in 2015 and began working for Petit ELJ Coffs Harbour in 2017. Recently, I had to change my hours to spend more time with my family. Petit ELJ was very understanding, providing me with flexible hours and the opportunity to work in different studios.
Which parts of educating and caring for the children do you enjoy the most?
The educator’s role is to guide and teach children, but the parts I like best are the relationships and connections that I build with the children. Nothing is more satisfying than being caught up in their happiness and seeing them grow and develop. I share the children’s passion when they’re playing and learning, and now, I can do this with more children across multiple studios.
What is your most memorable experience with Petit ELJ?
My most memorable experience is when children begin recognising you as someone they can depend on. When children start with us, it can be difficult for them to trust at first, but one day, you walk into the room, and they recognise you. It is an enlightening moment, even with the babies. The children are so expressive and so happy to see you. You’re a familiar face, and that bond between you clicks.
How to create a baby keepsake box
As parents, we often find ourselves looking for ways to preserve precious memories from our child’s early years. A baby keepsake box can accomplish this – a place to store all those unique artefacts your baby or older child has collected over the years…
Community connections
Petit Early Learning Journey Murwillumbah supports student pathways
Report from Centre Director Shanyn Pelling & Educational Leader Renae Van Eck
This term at Petit ELJ Murwillumbah, we have partnered with Murwillumbah Learning Community High School (MLC) to offer work experience to their students interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Educational Leader Renae Van Eck connected with MLC about the Big Picture program they had at the school.
The partnership allows MLC students to learn about their chosen careers and enhance their ability to grow their knowledge and passion as they leave school. It gives them access to sector knowledge and provides opportunities for pathways into early education. Our mentorship gives students real-life experiences in their chosen fields and enhances and accelerates their chosen career paths.
We have three students visiting us weekly for term two with this arrangement continuing for terms three and four, and we plan to continue supporting students from our local area next year. The students are proving their skilfulness with each visit, feeling more comfortable in the environment and using their initiative to interact with our children and educators within the service.
These pathways are of enormous importance to the ECEC sector as it highlights our work with children and families within the first five years of life, which are the most fundamental learning years. Having the MLC students be a part of our Petit ELJ community helps us to advocate for children in Murwillumbah.
Big life changes: Helping young children cope with change
Big life changes can be tough on anyone, but especially on young children. It can be incredibly challenging for young children who may not fully understand how to cope with change…
Latest parent review
Petit Early Learning Journey Caloundra
“I feel so lucky that both our children get to attend Petit Caloundra. Every single educator takes so much pride with the education and care they provide our kids. My son had a particularly hard time adjusting to daycare and all the educators, including the Director Doug, did everything they could to help him adjust happily. They are inclusive of special care needs, my son has his AHA visit him in studio each fortnight, which allows him to practise his therapy in real world circumstances. I cannot recommend Petit Caloundra enough, they are the best!”
– Emily Delaurence
Our culture: What educators should know about the NQF
At Petit Early Learning Journey reflection is an essential part of our services’ practice. It should come as no surprise that we like to unpack what our educators think about the National Quality Framework (NQF)…
Experiences from around our services
Petit Early Learning Journey Barton practises sustainability
At Petit ELJ Barton, children and educators enthusiastically collected rain water. They used it to water the centre’s plants and rinse the lunch dishes. Practising sustainability empowers children to construct knowledge, explore values and develop an appreciation and respect for the environment.
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