We are pleased to invite you to the Enhance Family Day Care August Regional Zoom Meeting on Wednesday 20 October at 7pm, hosted by our Children Services Managers.
These virtual meetings will keep you up to date with the Enhance service happenings and provide exciting training opportunities.
We are pleased to share the meeting agenda for next Wednesday night, as follows:
Enhance FDC Policy rollout update
FDCAQ Values
Christmas Closures and process for educators
Projects update
HR update
COVID-Safe Guidelines
Admin Update
You are invited to a Zoom meeting Wednesday 20 October, 7pm
Once registered, you will receive an email containing information on how to join the meeting.
The dates of all 2021 regional and organisational meetings can be now found in the Educator Portal, under Event calendar.
We look forward to seeing you online next week!
Educator Alert | Safe Play Spaces Training Module 3
SAFE PLAY SPACES POLICY AND GUIDELINES ROLL OUT
Online Training Module 3
Thank you for your engagement with the first two modules of the Enhance FDC Safe Play Spaces policy and guidelines roll out. We appreciate how busy your daily schedules are and your commitment to ensuring the safety of children in your care is commendable.
We are here to support you and collaborate with you to find acceptable and no or low-cost changes to your environment, if required. If you believe there is anything in the guidelines which requires significant change, please clarify your understanding and solutions with your Practice Mentor.
This week, Module 3 of the Safe Play Spaces training is being rolled out. Module 3 focusses on your outside environment and practices. To access this mini module, login to the training site, using the same login details you have used for previous modules.
Access the training module by clicking the button below:
This training module extends from the first two modules, which we recommend completing first. The first mini module covered the new policy, grandfathering arrangements and physical environments, whilst the second module covered safe indoor play spaces.
The deadline for completion of all training modules is close of business on Friday 15 October. A draft copy of your Critical Reflection and Action Plan is to be submitted to your Practice Mentor by Friday 22 October.
If you require assistance, please reach out to your Practice Mentor or submit your request and/or feedback via the following Smartsheet form:
We thank you for your assistance with this training and for your unwavering commitment to your Enhance children and families.
Educator Alert | Safe Play Spaces Training Module 2
SAFE PLAY SPACES POLICY AND GUIDELINES ROLL OUT
Online Training Module 2
Thank you all for your engagement with the first module from our Safe Play Spaces policy and guidelines roll out last week. We understand that you are very busy and your commitment to ensuring the safety of children in your care is commendable.
We are here to support you and collaborate with you to find acceptable and no or low-cost changes to your environment, if required. If there is anything in the guidelines which requires significant change, please clarify your understanding and solutions with your Practice Mentor first.
This week, Module 2 of the Safe Play Spaces training is being rolled out. Module 2 focusses on your inside environment and practices. To access this mini module, you will be asked to login to the training site, using the same login details you have used for previous modules.
Access the training module by clicking the button below:
This training module extends from the first module, released last Tuesday 21 September. The first mini module covered the new policy, grandfathering arrangements and physical environments, and provided you with the opportunity to download copies of the new policy, guidelines, resources, the critical reflection and action plan template. It is recommended that you complete Module 1 first.
You can access this module by clicking the button below:
The deadline for completion of all training modules is close of business on Friday 15 October. You will need to have a draft copy of your Critical Reflection and Action Plan to your Practice Mentor by Friday 22 October.
If you require assistance, please reach out to your Practice Mentor or submit your request and/or feedback via the following Smartsheet form:
We thank you for your assistance with this training and for your unwavering commitment to your Enhance children and families.
COVID-19 Update | Stage 2 Restrictions
Further to this morning's announcement, made by the Queensland State Government, six LGAs will move to Stage 2 COVID-19 restrictions from 4pm today, Thursday 30 September. Following six new locally acquired cases, increased restrictions and vigilance will continue for the next two weeks.
All Family Day Care Educators and families within the 6 LGAs are required to wear a mask at all times in doors, unless alone in a room, or when eating or drinking. Masks must be worn outdoors when unable to physically distance by 1.5m.
We wish to clarify that all other Queensland residents are encouraged to carry and/or wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible. For further information on current restrictions please view the Roadmap.
Anyone whom has symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild, must get tested immediately and isolate until results are found to be negative. Children who are unwell and/or display symptoms of COVID-19 are not to attend care. For up to date information visit the Queensland Government website or call Queensland Health on 13 42 68. If you have any further questions around service operation, please contact your Practice Mentor. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.
COVID-19 Restrictions | Mask Extension
Educator Alert | Safe Play Spaces Policy and Guidelines Roll Out
ONLINE TRAINING MODULE
Thank you for all your work to date in supporting the implementation of our new policies. Your support to implement these policies and undertake the training and critical reflection ensures the highest of standards for children's safety and wellbeing. The new policies and guidelines also assist and protect you in maintaining compliance with national laws and regulations.
Our next policy for rollout is the Safe Play Spaces Policy. This policy ensures your home environment is safe, suitable, and designed to achieve the best learning, safety, and wellbeing outcomes for children.
The Safe Play Spaces Policy has been developed with a set of guidelines that cover all physical spaces in the Family Day Care residence and has been specially developed to assist you.
The primary component of this training package is an online, self-paced training module. You will be asked to login to the training site, using the same login details you have used for previous modules, to start the training.
To help you work through each module at your own pace, we have broken up the training into four mini modules. The first (below) focuses on the new policy, grandfathering arrangements and physical environments. Modules 2,3 and 4, focus on aspects of the safe play spaces guidelines. These mini modules will be sent to you via a weekly email, over the next three weeks.
Access the training module by clicking the button below:
At the end of each training module, you will be prompted to download copies of the new policy, guidelines, resources and the critical reflection and action plan template.
The deadline for completion of four online training modules is close of business on Friday 15 October. Your Practice Mentor is required to have a draft copy of your critical reflection and action plan by Friday 22 October.
We are here to support you and collaborate with you to find acceptable and no or low-cost changes to your environment, if needed. If there is anything in the guidelines which requires significant change, please clarify your understanding and solutions with your Practice Mentor first. If you would like this assistance, please reach out to your Practice Mentor or submit your request and/or feedback via the following Smartsheet form:
We thank you for your assistance with this new process and for your commitment to your Enhance children and families.
We are now on Instagram!
Educator Alert | Register now to attend our Enhance Educator Conference!
SECOND VIRTUAL EDUCATOR CONFERENCE
Register by Monday, 13 September to Secure Your Spot!
Do you want to be inspired? Do you want to challenge your thinking and learn new skills? Do you want to reconnect and spark the magic of childhood?
Join us for the Enhance Family Day Care, Virtual Educator Conference (Part 2) that will INSPIRE you, SPARK your spirit and IGNITE your passion!
Don't miss out on this incredible professional development opportunity! Register your attendance by Monday 13 September, to secure your spot.
Join us and register now!
Please use the link below to complete your conference registration. Once you have registered, you will receive an email containing the Conference Zoom Link.
We are pleased to invite you to the Enhance Family Day Care September Organisational Zoom Meeting on Tuesday 7 September at 7pm, hosted by Cathy Cahill and Jason De Bakker.
These virtual meetings occur quarterly and cover agenda items including organisational planning, focus areas and projects.
We are pleased to share the meeting agenda for next Tuesday night, as follows:
Organisational Values
Upcoming projects
Organisational updates
Please register for this meeting by clicking the below link:
You are invited to a Zoom meeting Tuesday 7 September, 7pm
Once registered, you will receive an email containing information on how to join the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you online next week!
Happy Early Childhood Educators' Day!
Thank you Enhance Educators!
Happy Early Childhood Educators' Day! Today we celebrate you, our incredible Enhance Family Day Care Educators, for your unwavering passion and commitment to your families, their children and our service.
With COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, this year has been challenging. However, your incredible contribution to the wellbeing and constant support of the children in your care and their families, has not gone unnoticed. We could not be more proud and appreciative of the work you do for each child and family in your care.
To extend our heartfelt thanks, we have produced a video expressing our sincere gratitude for your continued dedication to your children and their families during these unprecedented times. We wanted to show you just how much you mean to us. The video features children, Practice Mentors, the Admin team members, families and Managers, whom are eternally grateful for the magical work you do.
Happy Early Childhood Educators' Day! View the video below:
From everyone at Enhance Family Day Care, we say thank you!
COVID-19 Update | Restrictions to Ease at 4pm Today
Following the Queensland State Government's announcement, COVID-19 restrictions are expected to ease to Stage 2 for South East Queensland affected LGAs, from 4pm today, Friday 20 August.
Restrictions for Cairns Regional Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council will have the same restrictions as the rest of Queensland.
Stage 2 Restrictions
You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to.
During Family Day Care drop off and collection both Educators and families are required to wear a mask.
Outdoors: you must wear a mask when unable to stay 1.5m apart from people who are not part of your household.
Indoors: you must wear a mask in indoor spaces (including workplaces, but not your own home) unless it is unsafe or you can stay 1.5m apart from other people.
Educators are required to wear masks whilst providing education and care for children.
The above restrictions will apply until Friday 27 August at 4pm.
Please remember, anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 must get tested immediately and isolate until results are found to be negative. Children who are unwell and/or display symptoms of COVID-19 are not to attend care.
Thank you for continuing to help keep our communities safe.
Educator Alert | Virtual Educator Conference!
SECOND VIRTUAL EDUCATOR CONFERENCE
Saturday 18 September, 9am-1pm
Do you want to be inspired? Do you want to challenge your thinking and learn new skills? Do you want to reconnect and spark the magic of childhood?
We invite you to join us for the Enhance Family Day Care, Virtual Educator Conference (Part 2) that will INSPIRE you, SPARK your spirit and IGNITE your passion!
Join us and register now!
Please use the link below to complete your conference registration. Once you have registered, you will receive an email containing the Conference Zoom Link.
Planting the seeds of cultural connections for future generations
Practical ways to embed NQS Quality Area 2 into your program and practice
Developing enriching and stimulating early learning programs
Keep an eye on your inbox as we will be announcing our speakers soon in our final Conference Program in the coming weeks.
We look forward to sharing these exciting training opportunities with you. See you online!
Educator Alert | Regional Meeting Invitation
REGIONAL MEETING INVITATION
Wednesday 18 August at 7pm
We are pleased to invite you to the Enhance Family Day Care August Regional Zoom Meeting on Wednesday 18 August at 7pm, hosted by our Children Services Managers.
These virtual meetings will keep you up to date with the Enhance service happenings and provide exciting training opportunities.
We are pleased to share the meeting agenda for next Wednesday night, as follows:
Educator Portal functions
Enhance FDC Policy rollout update
Changes to smoke alarms legislation
Marketing and Educator recruitment update
You are invited to a Zoom meeting Wednesday 18 August, 7pm
Following the announcement made earlier today by the Queensland State Government, Cairns COVID-19 lockdown restrictions will be eased from 4pm today, Wednesday 11 August.
The following restrictions will apply until Sunday 22 August at 4pm.
Face Masks The Queensland Health directive outlines that mask wearing is to continue for everyone in these areas for the next two weeks. During Family Day Care drop off and collection both Educators and families are required to wear a mask. In addition, Educators are required to continue to wear masks when caring for children. Children 12 years of age or older are now required to wear masks.
Contact Tracing Queensland Health is continuously updating the contact tracing list and has included information for Close, Casual and Low Risk contacts. Please remember to check these lists regularly here.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 must get tested immediately and isolate until results are found to be negative. Children who are unwell and/or display symptoms of COVID-19 are not to attend care.
Following the announcement made earlier today by the Queensland State Government, South East Queensland COVID-19 lockdown restrictions will be eased from 4pm today, Sunday 8 August.
Given the additional confirmed case in Cairns, Yarrabah and Cairns will now go into lockdown for three days, from 4pm today.
Face Masks The Queensland Health directive outlines that mask wearing is to continue for everyone in these areas for the next two weeks. During Family Day Care drop off and collection both Educators and families are required to wear a mask. In addition, Educators are required to continue to wear masks when caring for children.
Contact Tracing Queensland Health is continuously updating the contact tracing list and has included information for Close, Casual and Low Risk contacts. Please remember to check these lists regularly here.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 must get tested immediately and isolate until results are found to be negative. Children who are unwell and/or display symptoms of COVID-19 are not to attend care.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.
Educator Alert | Lockdown Update & FAQs
COVID-19 UPDATE
Lockdown Extended for 11 Local Government Areas
As you would be aware, the Premier has announced the following local government areas (LGAs) will be extending the lockdown, until 4pm on Sunday 8 August, 2021.
City of Brisbane
City of Gold Coast
City of Ipswich
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Logan City
Moreton Bay Region
Noosa Shire Council
Redland City
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
Reminder: Anyone who has been in these local government areas is expected to stay at home except for essential purposes. This includes people who have travelled to these areas from other locations.
Please note: Early childhood education and care will remain open for children of essential workers and vulnerable persons only.
Contact Tracing Queensland Health is continuously updating the contract tracing list and has now included information for Close, Casual and Low Risk contacts. Please remember to check these lists regularly here.
Face Masks The Queensland Health directive outlines that mask wearing extends to everyone, including all staff working in early childhood education and care. This includes Family Day Care Educators.
A mask should only be removed when communicating with a child, student or person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
Families will not have to use their 42 days of allowable absences during the lockdown. Additional absences will be available until the end of the hotspot declaration. During this time the Parent Gap Fee still needs to be paid for absences.
Family Safety Questions If you are located in a one of the 11 LGAs, we require you to ask your families the following questions, on arrival to your service, in order to keep you and your families safe. The below questions will determine if the child can attend FDC:
Has anyone in the family been to an identified exposure site? (as per the QLD Health contact tracing list)
Is anyone in the child’s home quarantining due to COVID-19?
Is the child feeling unwell?
If the answer is yes to any of the above questions, the child cannot attend FDC until they return a negative COVID-19 test and/or complete QLD Health isolation requirements. Please refer to the QLD Health Contact tracing list. An email will be sent out to all families, detailing the questions included and the outcome of answering yes.
For more information please click on the button below to access the Queensland Government COVID-19 frequently asked questions for early childhood education and care:
We thank you for your commitment and dedication to your children and families during these challenging times.
Educator Alert | COVID-19 Snap Lockdown Update
COVID-19 UPDATE South East Queensland Snap Lockdown
Following a further six locally acquired cases of COVID-19, linked to Indooroopilly State High School, South East Queensland will be entering a three day lockdown from 4pm today.
To protect the health of Queenslanders, the following areas will be subject to new restrictions:
City of Brisbane
City of Gold Coast
City of Ipswich
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Logan City
Moreton Bay Region
Noosa Shire Council
Redlands City
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
From 4pm today (Saturday 31 July) until 4pm Tuesday (3 August), residents of the aforementioned areas will only be permitted to leave home for one of the following reasons:
Obtaining essential goods or services, including healthcare.
Attending essential work or child care.
To exercise, with household group and/or on other person from outside your household.
Assisting vulnerable persons.
To receive vaccinations.
To be tested for COVID-19.
Family Day Care will continue to operate, therefore families who decide to not access care will be required to use absences. Absences used will continue to attract a gap fee. For children who are not accessing care the usual absence rules apply unless notified otherwise.
At risk Educators who do not feel comfortable operating during the lockdown are within their rights to not provide care, however, they are required to advise their service and cannot charge their families for absences.
COVID-Safe Requirements
Residents of lockdown areas are required to wear masks everywhere except at home.
Educators and families are required to wear masks during drop off and collection, if you are unable to socially distance from other adults.
Sanitiser is required to be accessible to families, at point of entry, when signing their child(ren) in and out of care.
Educators are encouraged to work with families to coordinate staggered drop off and collection times for families.
Only one adult per family is permitted to attend drop off and collection.
Transportation of children to and from home is acceptable, if following COVID-Safe guidelines.
Anyone (Educators or families) who has travelled to the aforementioned areas on or since Thursday 29 July will need to self-isolate for the three days and follow the same rules.
Regardless of where you live, please continue to keep COVID-Safe practices at the forefront of all of your actions and remind families to keep children at home if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
If you or a household member are experiencing symptoms or have come into contact with a COVID-19 patient, you are required to get tested immediately, quarantine at home and do not return to work until you receive a negative result. If you have any further questions regarding today's South East Queensland snap lockdown announcement, please contact your Enhance Practice Mentor.
We will continue to update Educators as information comes to hand. For more information, please visit the Queensland Government Website here.
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy week.
Educator Alert | The Educator Portal is now Live!
EDUCATOR PORTAL LAUNCH
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the brand new Educator Portal - now live on the Enhance website for you to access!
How do I get access? Login details will be emailed directly to you. Please keep an eye on your inbox and remember to check your junk folder for an email from WordPress. You will need this email to access the portal. You can click the link above or access the portal from our website as per below:
How do I use the portal? We have created training videos as a quick and easy guide to using the Portal:
If you have any further questions or need support, please either use the Contact Us form via the Portal, or speak to your Practice Mentor.
Should I still keep my USB or my hard copies of the Enhance FDC Policies? No, the Educator Portal will have the most current version of all policies, forms and resources. Please discard any previous versions.
Our Educator Portal is your one stop shop, containing:
Policies
Forms
Resources
Contact Information
Training
Meetings
and so much more!
This is what you have been asking for! We are excited for you to start using this fantastic new Educator resource.
Educator & Family Alert | COVID-19 Restrictions - Mask Extension
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE Wearing of Face Masks Extension
Following yesterday's announcement by the Queensland Government, face mask restrictions will continue to apply in South East Queensland for a further seven days, until 6am Friday 30 July, 2021. This includes anyone who has been to the following impacted areas in the last 14 days.
Impacted areas of South East Queensland include:
City of Brisbane
Moreton Bay Regional Council
City of Gold Coast
City of Ipswich
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Logan City
Noosa Shire Council
Redland City
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
If you have been in any of these regions since Tuesday 29 June, 2021, Government directives are to carry a mask and wear it whenever you are outside the house (excluding vigorous exercise or when seated and eating and drinking). If in doubt, always wear a mask.
What are the impacts for Educators with Enhance Family Day Care in the affected areas?
Home visitations from your Practice Mentor will resume from Monday 26 July. Both Practice Mentors and Educators will be required to wear masks during these support visits.
Excursions can continue, however, all Educators must follow the directive of the Queensland Government by carrying a mask and wearing it whenever you are outside the house (excluding vigorous exercise or when seated). Face masks must be worn in indoor spaces where you are unable to physically distance.
Educators are required to wear masks when children are delivered to and picked up from care. When working with children and no other adult visitors are present, Educators do not have to wear a mask.
Families are required to wear masks and sanitise hands appropriately during drop off and collection. Please remind families to keep children at home if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and to get tested and remain isolated until a negative result is confirmed.
Continue to maintain and encourage COVID-Safe practices, including: limiting adults at sign in areas, staggered arrival and drop off times, regular hand washing, maintaining social distancing, coughing and sneezing into your elbow or tissues.
For more information, please view the Queensland Health website by clicking on the button below:
