“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject is Families are supported (community support and resources).
Element 6.1.3: Current information is available to families about the service and relevant community services and resources to support parenting and family wellbeing.
How does your Service ensure that current, relevant, useful information and resources are made available to families on a consistent basis?
Supporting families and providing them with information and access to parenting resources is just one, crucial way that Services can support and empower families to feel better equipped with the knowledge and information to support them in their parenting roles.
As we know, the early years of a child’s life are a critical period for development, and the role of the Service and educators extends beyond direct education and care to encompass the holistic wellbeing of families. By offering guidance, resources, and support, ECEC Services empower parents, enhance children’s development and outcomes, and foster a nurturing environment both at home and in educational settings. This comprehensive and consistent support not only strengthens parent-child relationships but also promotes equity, community engagement, and early identification of developmental needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Consider appointing one of your team members as “Community/family Support Officer”, where they may consistently research to provide parents/families with current and relevant information, initiatives and resources to support them in their parenting roles.
Provide information about community services, professional development and resources in:
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- areas of the Service regularly used by families and also areas that can be accessed privately if required as the topic/s may be of a sensitive nature
- a dedicated parent information/resource area
- digitally on a designated device for parent use (at the Service)
- online via your information sharing app or social media platforms
- service documentation such as the Parent/Family handbook
- parent information sessions hosted by the Service
- easy-to-read information about the Service and community resources in languages used/represented at the Service and in the local community
Ensure that the information is updated and reviewed regularly to ensure its currency
Provide a range of resources and information to support families within their parenting roles, fostering healthy relationships and responsibilities associated in running a household. Some of these may include information about:
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- Healthy lifestyle
- Behaviour management
- Community events and resources
- Community initiatives, i.e. local food banks/ pantries etc.
- Child development and strategies to foster their child’s language and literacy, physical, social and emotional development
- Children’s health and safety i.e. safe sleep practices, road safety etc.
- Parent/family payments
- Digital/cyber safety
- Educational resources and activities that foster children’s development and encourage physically active play
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Additional needs resources and support
- Relationship support services
Resources for Services:
Early Education Show podcast- Element 6.1.3
Build Strong Partnerships with Families
Partnering with Parents: Building quality relationships that benefit children
Resources for families:
Raising Children- Government parenting payments
Department of Communities and Justice
Munch & Move- Healthy Lunchboxes
MyTime– Support for parents and carers of children living with a disability
Within System7 go to Quality Area 6/ Module 12 to submit self-assessment notes and if required, open a QIP issue if you identify any areas of improvement.
The Childcare Centre Desktop has a range of resources to assist services with supporting families. These include Family Handbook template, monthly Newsletter templates, and much more.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links:
Childcare Centre Desktop – Childcare Centre Desktop
National Quality Standard – Element 6.1.3: Families are supported
National Regulations – 76, 111, 157
System7 Module – QA 6/ Module 12
If you have any questions send us a note via the Contact page here!
