Engagement
Effective and genuine engagement leads to better policy outcomes and improved service delivery, which is why we are committed to listening to and supporting the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector and our broader communities. When we work together to develop positive connections, our communities thrive.
We regularly engage with different stakeholder groups that include representatives from:
- ECEC peak bodies
- academics specialising in ECEC
- ECEC and child advocates
- early childhood professionals
- community representatives.
We welcome feedback from all stakeholders on projects and programs that affect the ECEC sector. Your feedback helps us better understand the views of the community, and work together towards a shared vision for the future of children across NSW.
Current engagements
ECE Connect - Online (March/April)
ECE Connect online is back with the latest updates, advice, and resources from a range of experts in our informative webinars for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) community. Topics include mentally healthy workplaces, new requirements for the safe arrival of children travelling between services, understanding and supporting children’s behaviours plus many others.
Register now to join your peers from across the ECEC sector for this free online event.
Our advisory groups
The department supports regular engagement with the sector through several advisory groups who provide insights about ECEC that help inform programs, policies and priorities. Time limited sub-groups may be formed to consult on strategic issues that require in-depth discussion and/or extending the discussion to a target number of organisations.
Our current advisory model is outlined as follows:
The Early Childhood Advisory Group (ECAG) is the key advisory group for our work, where we consult with members and seek feedback on a range of policy items from both the Early Childhood Outcomes Division and the NSW Regulatory Authority.
Membership: ECAG consists of senior level representatives from government, governing bodies, peak organisations, universities, and service providers who represent the high-level views of the sector on matters discussed by the Group.
Gudjagang Gulgul is our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ECEC committee whose focus is on the department’s delivery on the First Steps strategy.
Membership: Gudjagang Gulgul Committee is the key group to consult with to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lens has been applied to ECEC initiatives. The Committee consists of senior level representatives from government, governing bodies, peak organisations, community representatives, ECEC service types and subject matter experts who represent the high-level views of the sector on matters discussed by the group.
The ECAG Commissioning and Funding Subgroup has been established to provide a forum for the Early Childhood Outcomes executive team to consult with key sector stakeholders on initiatives, funding and program development in relation to ECEC.
Membership: The ECAG Commissioning and Funding Subgroup includes NSW Department of Education executive staff and members from ECAG. Guests are invited at the discretion of the Chair to present on items within their remit.
The Child Safety Working Group (CSWG) is a sub-group of ECAG. It discusses child safety risks, emerging issues, reviews new resources and collaborates to solve challenges with meeting regulatory requirements related to child safety. The group’s work contributes to strengthening child safety practices across the early childhood education and care sector.
Membership: CSWG membership includes NSW Department of Education staff, members from ECAG, and participants nominated by ECAG. Members are staff that hold responsibility for child protection, or in a role that influences or has expertise in the child safe practice of organisations.
The data sub-group is a sub-group of ECAG. It provides a forum for sharing information in relation to topics about data raised in ECAG meetings.
Membership: ECAG Data sub-group consists of senior representatives from government, governing bodies, peak organisations, universities, and service providers who have an interest represent the high-level views of the sector on data matters discussed by the Group.
The 100 Preschools DEL Advisory Group discuss and provide feedback on the 100 Public Preschool program and keeps DELs informed. The group provides input on challenges, opportunities and school community insights.
Membership: 100 Preschools DEL Advisory Group includes Directors of Educational Leadership from across NSW, along with NSW Department of Education staff working towards the delivery of the NSW Government commitment of 100 Public Preschools.