SECTION 1 EYM OUTCOMES AND MONITORING EYM outcomes guide the leadership and delivery of high-quality early years services. EYM OUTCOMES The EYM outcomes that follow were developed using evidence that identified key elements for providing high-quality early years services and provide the basis for monitoring the impact of EYM in Victoria. They provide a consistent focus on: achieving improved educational outcomes for children promoting community confidence in an EYM organisation’s ability to deliver quality, sustainable services, now and into the future. The EYM outcomes align with the way the Department monitors sector performance broadly across early childhood, schools and higher education. Working towards the outcomes will also progress Victoria’s commitment to become the Education State, which prioritises the following five areas for reform to achieve excellent outcomes for all Victorian children: earlier engagement in learning boost to educational quality more support for parents more support for children and families experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage better connection between services. While the outcomes are primarily focused on guiding EYM organisations in the management and delivery of kindergarten services, in working towards achieving these outcomes EYM organisations will be well-positioned to deliver additional early years services that respond to the needs of families and their communities.
FOUNDATION OUTCOME: SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIVE SERVICES EYM organisations are sustainable, viable and responsive to children, families and communities. They are built on strong and effective governance and partnership arrangements. The community has confidence in EYM. Good internal governance and leadership systems are essential to delivering EYM outcomes. EYM organisations have strong internal governance and leadership systems that: support, develop and empower early childhood professionals and staff to deliver quality services. These systems proactively manage financial, regulatory and reputational risks, and ensure the viability of the EYM organisation and the services it manages establish and maintain productive partnerships with stakeholders, so all parties understand their roles in supporting the provision of quality early years services and improving outcomes for children. EYM organisations have planning systems in place that improve their responsiveness to local needs. By tuning in to the needs of the community, EYM organisations are able to provide integrated services that seek optimum participation in early years services. Evidence Management that focuses on responsiveness to local needs, quality improvement and effective team building is a crucial component in delivering quality early childhood education and care.1 An American study found that services delivering high-quality education and care had leadership that emphasised good financial planning and management, respected and supported educators and looked beyond minimum licencing standards to guide program practice.2 Good organisational governance has been found to drive performance, rather than the other way around.3
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS EYM organisations collaborate with all EYM partners, community organisations, schools and other early years stakeholders to lead the development and coordination of quality services that improve outcomes for children. EYM organisations commit to and value strong partnerships that support a coordinated approach to providing high-quality services for children and families. They actively engage with all EYM partners, other early childhood organisations and schools. EYM organisations lead the development of collaborative organisational cultures and processes by building communities of practice within and beyond their organisation. This occurs through strong partnerships with all early childhood stakeholders, schools and other EYM organisations. Evidence Research demonstrates that parental engagement in ECEC services enhances children’s achievements and adaption.1 Likewise, if the connection between schools and communities is strong, it is easier for children to develop the skills they need to be successful – socially, emotionally, physically and academically.2 More information about EYM performance monitoring and application of the draft EYM Performance Framework is available in the EYM Kindergarten Operating Guidelines.
The Role of Families in EYM- Managed Kindergarten Services In EYM-managed kindergarten services, families can choose to actively engage with the EYM organisation by participating in a PAG. The PAG provides families with the opportunity to focus on enhancing their children’s experience, and connecting with the broader community. EYM organisations are expected to engage families who use every kindergarten service they provide to ensure that the program is responsive to the needs of the local community. A PAG is a clear mechanism to facilitate feedback from families accessing the service regarding: the objectives of the kindergarten and EYM organisation the development of kindergarten policy, where appropriate decisions that affect opportunities for families to be involved in a kindergarten program development and delivery of the kindergarten program and service delivery, and any community issues or concerns to the EYM organisation input into the future planning of the service negotiated roles, like fundraising. A PAG supports the EYM organisation to deliver an effective EYM service, which is guided by the EYM vision (see page 13), the EYM Outcomes and Draft Performance Framework, the EYM partnership agreement (where relevant) and the EYM Kindergarten Operating Guidelines. For EYM services that are not kindergartens, consultation between families and the EYM organisation is still important, but may not take place through the same formal structure as a PAG. EYM organisations need to engage families in a way that suits them and their participation in the service.
Strategic Planning Strategic planning is key to matching the EYM organisation’s vision and priorities with the EYM Outcomes and the long-term sustainability of service provision. Strategic planning for EYM organisations includes: undertaking regular, ongoing planning processes in consultation with management, staff, families and parents reviewing data about local needs and consulting with the local community working closely with local government and local stakeholders to gain input into the Municipal Early Years Plans understanding the operating environment, such as current policies, legislation, relevant local plans and community needs planning for and implementing government initiatives, like increasing access for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, and implementing the NQF considering future growth plans and having a clearly articulated position and strategy on expanding the organisation, where appropriate. Community Engagement EYM organisations have a strong presence within their local communities, and are expected to collaborate so they can provide services that the community needs, at the times they are needed. It is vital that EYM organisations establish and maintain robust relationships with EYM partners and other stakeholders through regular and proactive engagement. To engage effectively with the local community, EYM organisations: maintain strong relationships with local government, and participate in all local planning and central enrolment processes (where available) establish relationships with other local stakeholders to ensure disadvantaged children and families are engaged and participate in the service establish relationships with schools to support transition to school processes maintain cooperative relationships with other EYM organisations to coordinate services and share best practice.