SUPPLEMENT TO THE AEU NEWS • MARCH 2013

EARLY CHILDHOOD SECTORNEWSLETTER

Shayne Quinn vice president, early childhood

WITH negotiations due to start in early April for agreements for community and local

authority-run preschools, important groundwork is underway.

We are unpacking the responses to our log of claims from Early Learning Association Australia (formerly Kindergarten Parents Victoria, party to our community preschool agreement VECTAA) and the Municipal Association of Victoria (for LGECEEA, covering many council-run preschools).

This is necessary in order to progress discussions in the manner sought by ELAA and MAV, negotiating jointly on matters in common to both employers and separately on others.

So we are now determining what common positions exist between the employer organisations.

These written responses give us a fair picture of their starting positions, but we need to clarify with each of them their intentions behind a number of items.

Then we can complete our analysis and negotiations can begin.

What is evident to all parties is that the progress — or more accurately the lack of progress — of the schools sector agreement will affect the progress of our negotiations.

For almost a decade now, our agreements have seen early childhood teachers enjoy pay parity with government school teachers, firstly at entry and then at both entry and the top of the scale.

So our wage claim is linked to the outcome of the school sector dispute; the longer the State Government refuses to make a fair and reasonable offer, the longer we wait to identify our target for parity and for the true meaning of the Government’s wages policy to become clear.

As with every bargaining round the issue of affordability of services provides an important context.

Employer organisations are understandably concerned that access to preschool programs should not be hit by the cost of our agreement.

This concern is not solely the province of employers; it never has been.

In every bargaining round, the AEU has argued with government that it must fund the outcome in a

way that supports affordability and access. Where we may differ with employers is in our

belief that we should fight for the funds to ensure the delivery of a fair and reasonable agreement which supports staff in their work, rather than expect them to subsidise services delivered at a cut rate.

As negotiations get underway the employers’ position on this will become clear.

Employer organisations have repeatedly acknowledged the value and quality of the work you do with young children and their families and the increased demands that are placed upon you.

They have commented on inadequate funding and called on government to improve it.

We hope that employers will support an approach with government that focuses on achieving an agreement that delivers affordable, quality services that don’t have to be paid for by staff.

Once formal bargaining has begun, we will provide verbal reports to members on progress (see Staying in the loop, page 2). �

Talks require funding actionThe State Government must fund fair agreements for preschools that don’t leave parents or staff footing the bill.

Will your preschool join the party?BODIES such as ELAA and MAV require the

consent of employers to negotiate on their behalf for what is termed a “single-interest employer” agreement such as VECTAA or a multi-employer agreement such as LGECEEA.

Community-run preschools must give ELAA the authority to negotiate on their behalf, while MAV must seek the same from local governments for council-run preschools.

This can be a slow process for both organisations. ELAA has been reminding its members of their need to return the bargaining authority forms. Check that your employer has done so.

So far, MAV has been unable to advise us which councils intend to participate in the agreement. However it informs us that two councils party to LGECEEA 2009 — the cities of Casey and Yarra — have decided not to be party to its successor.

This means that the AEU will return to the pre-LGECEEA days of joining other local government unions in a single bargaining unit and becoming party to the council EBA.

Many other council EBAs are due to expire this year. Should any other council decide to return to an individual EBA, members will be notified. �

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2 Early Childhood newsletter | march 2013

Martel Menz deputy vice president, early childhood

OVER 40 early childhood student and beginning teachers gathered at the AEU on a Saturday

earlier this month for a workshop on documentation and time management.

The topics were chosen in light of the increasing demands on time and the workload pressure so common in our sector. These are key issues that graduates regularly raise with us — how unprepared they often find themselves to deal with the administrative side of the job.

Facilitated by Nicole Bourke and Justine Walsh, it was a highly successful day.

Among the messages they reinforced was the importance of delegating work — a point gratefully received by members. As one said: “It makes so much sense and helps establish teamwork and collaborative practice.”

Another participant said she now felt “relaxed and inspired to document differently. Today gave me ideas of how to include the families’ voice more in the program.”

The use of “in the field” presenters sharing practical knowledge and the opportunity to network and swap ideas and resources with other early childhood educators also received positive comments.

Other members in the sector can rest assured

we haven’t forgotten about your needs in this area — similar workshops will be available as part of our Early Years Conference program on July 27. �

Staying in the LOOPFor updates on our negotiations, tell us about your local networks — and why not stand for AEU council?

Shayne Quinn vice president, early childhood

AS WE prepare to negotiate our successor agreements to VECTAA and LGECEEA 2009,

a connected, informed and active membership has never been more important.

Stand for sector councilSector councillors hold a very special position in the building and maintenance of the AEU as a strong, growing and campaigning union.

Throughout negotiations our sector council is our key reference group; as representatives of members in their electorates councillors bring those views to the table.

They discuss proposed changes to the agreements; help shape any campaign to secure our goals; and ultimately endorse any agreement before it is put to a ballot of members.

With vacancies remaining on sector council, the views of members in a number of areas across the state are under-represented. A further round of elections will shortly be called to fill those vacancies. Teachers and co-educators (assistants) are both eligible to nominate.

Keep your eye out for the email calling for nominations. Ask yourself if your electorate is adequately represented. If you want to know more about becoming a member of sector council, call Shayne Quinn on (03) 9417 2822.

Tell us about your networksAs negotiations proceed you will want to keep informed of developments. Protocols generally make it hard to give detailed information in emails or newsletters, but we can give information face-to-face.

You can help us to arrange meetings for this purpose by telling us about the networks you participate in. Please complete the Early Childhood Networks form at www.aeuvic.asn.au/ec_networks before the start of Term 2.

This information will help us connect to existing networks and, where possible, build AEU briefings on to their meetings. �

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Join the conversation

OUR Facebook group goes from strength to strength, with more members joining the

discussion on all manner of issues — Universal Access, managing parent expectations, sharing ideas for learning spaces, and understanding regulatory and NQS requirements.

It’s a great way to combat professional isolation and have a voice in discussions that take us across Victoria and beyond.

It’s also a useful tool for keeping up with the latest AEU early childhood news. You can join the group by searching for “Early Childhood Teachers Victoria” (a Facebook profile is required). �

www.aeuvic.asn.au 3

Shayne Quinn vice president, early childhood

WENDY Ryan and Cheryl Scherger are proof that age is no barrier to

learning. Both have extensive

experience as early childhood assistants or co-educators, much of it at the Mildura centres where they currently work.

Faced with new regulations that require early childhood staff to have at least a Certificate III in Children’s Services, they considered their options: apply for “grandfathering” — which exempts experienced staff from the requirement — or hit the books.

Both recognised that if they were to leave their employers and seek relief work, they would need the Certificate III.

While proud of the skills and knowledge that have come with experience (61 years between them), their ages (a young 60-plus) and the fact that neither had studied for a considerable time made them apprehensive.

After much discussion they decided to undertake the Certificate III off-campus through FKA Services in Richmond.

Wendy, a co-educator at Kathleen Kelly Kindergarten, said: “I started studying in July 2011 and spent many, many hours hitting the books and studying together with Cheryl at weekends — with lots of phone calls to each other in between.

“I finished my Cert III last September. There were times when we both thought, ‘What are we doing?’ being over 60 years of age and back studying, but it was worth it.”

Cheryl, who works at Pasadena Kindergarten, agreed: “While it had its stressful moments, studying with a friend and colleague was good for keeping us

motivated.”Wendy faced the

challenge not only of studying but also of managing the work on the computer. Luckily she had an expert advisor.

“I was a computer novice but I learnt very quickly as I went along, even asking my 11-year-old granddaughter for advice at times.”

Wendy and Cheryl said they felt well supported

by their teacher colleagues, whose willingness to answer questions and provide advice was greatly appreciated; and by a colleague who had already

completed the Certificate III as a mature student.

They believe their investment of time and energy has been worth-while. “My Certificate III has given me more knowledge and confidence and has re-familiarised me with rules, regulations and policies and how they relate to the Quality

Improvement Plan,” said Cheryl.Wendy agrees: “The end results have given me

a great feeling of satisfaction and pride. All those hour of studying and typing were very worthwhile. The knowledge and skills I have learnt over the

years were updated and refreshed and brought with them a very positive attitude.

“I have learnt so much along the way which has given me more confidence (at work).”

“It just proves that it doesn’t matter how many years’ experience you may have, you can still learn so much more from doing this course,” said Cheryl.

As a bonus, completion of the Cert III means Cheryl and Wendy are now paid at the higher rate applicable to the Level 2 classification. �

Age is no barrierExperienced assistants may be exempt from a new qualification requirement, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go back to school.

“I finished my Cert III last September. There

were times when we both thought, ‘What are we

doing?’ being over 60 years of age and back studying,

but it was worth it.”

“I was a computer novice but I learnt very quickly as I went along,

even asking my 11-year-old granddaughter for advice

at times.”

“I have learnt so much along the way which has

given me more confidence (at work).”

Cheryl Scherger (left) and Wendy Ryan post off their coursework

4 Early Childhood newsletter | march 2013

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A full and varied program of activities awaits early childhood members this year.

YOU should have received our AEU Events Calendar for the year — if not, you can find it online at www.aeuvic.asn.au/events. Members should also check out the great early childhood program offered by

our training partner, the Teacher Learning Network, at www.tln.org.au.

Upcoming events at the AEU

Welcome Marg PekinMANY of you know former early childhood teacher Marg Pekin

as an informed and reassuring voice in the AEU Membership Services Unit.

For 2013, as our deputy vice president, Martel Menz, prepares to take parental leave, Marg steps into the role of organiser with early childhood responsibilities.

Marg taught in the Mill Park and Cobram areas before joining the MSU. Now, as an organiser, she will continue to provide valuable support to members in what promises to be a busy year. �

Got a QUESTION?

THE AEU’s Membership Services Unit is your first port of call for all work-related

questions. We can advise on any aspect of your pay and conditions, and we’re happy to look over your letters of employment, rosters, rates of pay and other documents. Call the MSU on (03) 9417 2822 or toll free on 1800 013379 or email melbourne@aeuvic.asn.au. �

Early childhood PDSaturday April 209am–3pmAEU Abbotsford and online.Celebrations and Working Effec-tively with Colleagues and FamiliesThis workshop is open to all members. If you can’t join us in Abbotsford, you can participate online. Full details and registration at www.tln.org.au/register.

AEU Women’s Conference Saturday May 259.30am–3.30pmAEU AbbotsfordGuest speaker Anna BlighCome along and participate in a range of workshops on topics including wellbeing, activism, conflict management, the federal election, money matters and your rights in the workplace.

With guest speaker Anna Bligh, places will fill fast. Details and registra-tion available from the start of Term 2 at www.aeuvic.asn.au/women.

Annual Early Years Conference Saturday July 279am–4pmAEU Abbotsford and online.Looking After Ourselves in a Time of ChangeAt a members-only fee of $55 this promises to be a fantastic day of PD tackling the key issues in early childhood and the early years of primary school. Register early to secure your place and workshop pref-erences at www.tln.org.au/register.

Validation workshopsFollowing the interest in our Term 1 session, Rosalie Kinson will be back to run another session in Term 2. Details will be available shortly at www.aeuvic.asn.au/validation. Groups of members interested in organising a session in their district should email Shayne at shayne. quinn@aeuvic.asn.au. �

EVENTSCALENDAR

2013

AEU ACTIVECONFERENCES

PD AND TRAINING