“VECTEA recognizes the value of teachers and educators and has created career paths in the early childhood sector. As an early childhood educator, the increase was well received to give us equal pay for teachers in other sectors. The work of the Director of Education and the designated supervisor is gradually gaining the recognition it deserves for working in these roles, with the allocation of one hour of overtime per week,” said Ms. Bandy. We know that early childhood teachers are well trained and make a huge difference in children`s lives. They deserve to be paid, and under VECTEA they are paid, much like their fellow teachers. The updated agreement also gives educators and teachers time to plan and reflect, expand their own practice, and support children`s outcomes. A wellness support programme for confidential counselling has also been added to help ECTs and educators debrief the issues they face and help them cope with workplace stressors. More information on the VECTEA agreement is available here. VECTEA 2020 is not limited to maintaining the workforce. It`s about recognising and strengthening the profession – from building the capacity of temporary teachers to developing mentors, setting up joint planning days for all staff and funding professional leave. “Access to a wellness support program is also important because our work can sometimes be very stressful. This is of great importance because when educators have a strong sense of well-being, they are better equipped to support and shape the well-being of young children,” said Liz Bandy, Head of Education at ECKA.

Educators are often ill-equipped to deal with families in turmoil, and many are victims of family bullying. Access to a wellness service that can provide advice and guidance will help educators develop strategies to manage stressors in their workplace. As COVID continues to impact our communities – and as early childhood education and care centres remain open as essential services – it is crucial that additional support is provided. The well-being of educators is important – well-being refers to the quality of the program, as it is more difficult for stressed educators to build relationships with children. VECTEA 2020 was approved by the Fair Work Commission earlier this week, and the agreement provides for significant salary increases for early childhood staff in Victorian kindergartens. Key changes to the agreement include an increase in employer-paid parental leave for primary caregivers, 20 days of paid leave for domestic and family violence, and an increase in paid leave for individuals and caregivers to 15 days for each year of service (on a pro rata basis). “We are pleased that teachers can earn more than $100,000 per year under this agreement,” said Megan O`Connell, ELAA`s Director of Advocacy Solutions. The granting of professional salaries goes hand in hand with professional conditions. Salaries under VECTEA 2020 allow educators and teachers to earn more than the prize, and additional classifications provide a career structure. “The early childhood workforce is experiencing a skills shortage, and teachers and educators are needed at all levels. It is hoped that the incentives within VECTEA will push people to consider roles in early childhood,” said Ms O`Connell. It places a strong emphasis on supporting the workforce in providing quality early childhood education and care, including by making arrangements for workers` access to a welfare support programme.

The importance of the early childhood education and care sector is widely recognized. It is important that we have a high-quality and well-educated workforce to support children in their most formative years. VECTEA 2020 paves the way that other sectors should be aiming for. by Megan O`Connell OAMl, ELAA Advocacy Solutions Director. .