“Positive Beginnings” Michael White A/Executive Director, Office for Children Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Presentation to Best Start Forum 26 November 2007

Overview The National Reform Agenda – Victoria’s Plan for Early Childhood Early Years within The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Fostering Leadership and Change to bring about improved outcomes for children and families

The National Reform Agenda: Victoria’s plan to improve outcomes in early childhood

Development of Victoria’s plan

Recognising families and services ANTENATAL CARE … HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT … EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE … WORKFORCE

Key features: “ A series of actions to develop an integrated, high-quality and accessible early childhood service system that includes: –A more professional early childhood education and care workforce –Stronger universal learning services for three and four-year-olds and the eventual integration of child care and kindergarten –Better targeting of resources and services to disadvantaged children and their families”

Early Childhood Development- The National Reform Agenda Children –% Health Birth Weight –% “Skills for Learning and Life” Families and Community –Workforce Participation

Victoria’s plan under the NRA 3 Groups of Actions, 53 in all 20 Victorian commitments ($136m over four years, funded in budget 24 recommended directions for Victoria’s ‘next steps’ –Major reforms eg higher kindergarten hours –Need engagement and support of Commonwealth 9 specific Commonwealth actions – Particularly extension of Child Care Benefit

The Early Years within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Establishment of DEECD signals new commitment to building human capital in Victoria: “Linking early childhood services and school education recognises that children’s development is a continuous process from birth to adulthood, and government services must reflect this to provide each child with the best opportunity.” The Honourable John Brumby Premier of Victoria 2 August 2007

The creation of DEECD provides opportunities to improve outcomes for children and families A single point of focus for human capital development from 0 to 24 –Greater ability to track progress intervene where needed –Greater efficiency in services children and families – Integrated and seamless service delivery for families –Improved transition between stages of growth –Place based approaches

Delivering through DEECD Human Capital Reform Agenda: From Birth to Adulthood Youth Transitions 16 –24 years Early Childhood Development 0-8yrs Middle Years Development 8 – 16yrs Universal system of support combined with a targeted approach in areas of high need

Challenges and opportunities Child’s learning & development at the centre Partnerships - schools, kindergarten, child care, playgroups, parent resource centres, parent groups, families & communities Seamless system, support for transitions Local government a major partner Mix of providers Health responsibilities Focusing on vulnerable families Community expectations

Fostering Leadership and Change to bring about improved outcomes for children and families

Successful leadership of multi- agency teams Developing a shared philosophy, vision and principles Ensuring a perception by users of cohesive and comprehensive services All members of the team sharing an identity, purpose and common working practice A strong commitment by all partners to fund and facilitate the development and delivery of integrated services (DfES 2003)

Shared vision Developing a culture of collaboration Allowing time for development Getting the balance right Facilitating the process Widening the scope Recognising outcomes Adequate funding & resourcing (Statewide Evaluation of Best Start, 2006 Melbourne University) Key factors underpinning successful partnerships in Best Start

Partnership Survey Best Start

Systems and Services - Implementing change in Best Start Joint Planning Joint & Cross Promotion Joint Projects Joint Professional Development Sharing Information & Cross Referral Sharing resources & Co-Location

How much was Best Start responsible for changes in the service co-operation activities?

What drives behaviour? “Language affects thinking. Thinking effects behaviour. Companies must change how people speak if they are to change how people behave” (Buckingham & Coffman, 1999, P.237) Language that is coherent with mission: talking the talk; Appealing to the best in people; Positive views on children, families and their needs; Modelling dissatisfaction. Speaking positively of staff. Leaders don’t require procedures but results

Conclusion Lead the early childhood agenda to be the force to realise your vision and achieve the outcomes for our children “Positive Beginnings” make a lasting impression for each and every child Thank you