ATTORNEY-GENERAL OPENS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CENTRE FOR CHILDREN

Wednesday 30 June, 2010

The Attorney-General, the Hon. Robert McClelland, officially opened SDN Acacia Children's Education and Care Centre in Canberra today.

SDN Acacia is a state-of-the-art 59 place purpose built centre for children aged 0-5 located in the Attorney-General's Department opposite Parliament House, and is open from 7.30am-6.00pm.

At the launch, attended by more than 100 people, the Attorney-General said that the new work based centre has many benefits for families. "This new centre plays an important role in helping families create the right work-life balance," the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said.

SDN Children's Services operates 21 Children's Education and Care Centres in NSW and two in Canberra – SDN Acacia in Barton and SDN Bluebell in Belconnen – all providing a preschool program combined with the convenience of long day care hours.

The CEO of SDN Children's Services, Ginie Udy, said that SDN is setting the standard of early childhood education and care in Canberra.

"At SDN, we operate well above government regulations. We have long operated with 1:4 staff to baby ratios for infants under two and employ university-qualified teachers in all of our centres. Our preschool program is based on the new government Early Years Learning Framework and we have incorporated our own Curriculum Principles based on the internationally renowned Italian schools in Reggio Emilia."

"With 24 places for infants under two and a preschool program that conveniently operates within a long day care setting, this new SDN centre is helping to alleviate child care shortages in Canberra," Ms Udy said.

At the launch, the children gave the Attorney-General framed portraits they had painted of the new Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and asked that he pass them to her on their behalf. The children watched the historical events on TV last week knowing that it was happening just metres away. After Julia Gillard became Prime Minister the children wanted to paint her portrait.

SDN is one of the most experienced and trusted organisations in children's services, established in 1905. SDN provides high quality early education and care to more than 3,000 children each year through long day care and preschool. SDN also provides targeted support services for children, families and the early childhood sector, including early intervention, Aboriginal employment and community programs as well as autism and disability support programs.

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554    www.sdn.org.au

SDN was originally called the Sydney Day Nursery and Nursery Schools Association

Ginie Udy and Jessica Smith with portraits the children painted of the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard

Above Left: Jessica Smith, Director of SDN Acacia, the Attorney-General and Ginie Udy

Ginie Udy, the Attorney-General and children from SDN Acacia with painted portraits of the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard

Ginie Udy, the Attorney-General and children from SDN Acacia

SDN HAS A WIN WITH OUR CAMPAIGN FOR DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN AROUND CHILDCARE CENTRES AND PRESCHOOLS

Wednesday 23 June, 2010

The NSW Government says it will consider new 40km/h zones at childcare centres and preschools on a case by case basis. This follows calls from SDN earlier this year for drivers to slow down to 40km/h around childcare centres and preschools. The issue has been reported in the Daily Telegraph and by Channel 9 News. For more details on this issue see the media coverage below.

Click here to view the Daily Telegraph article
Click here to view our original press release

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554    www.sdn.org.au

SDN was originally called the Sydney Day Nursery and Nursery Schools Association

NSW GOVERNMENT SELECTS SDN FOR ABORIGINAL EARLY LITERACY PROJECT

Wednesday 16 June, 2010

The NSW Government today announced that SDN Children's Services has been chosen to deliver a new literacy program for Aboriginal children.

The Aboriginal Early Literacy Project will focus on improving the literacy skills of children under the age of five, and their parents, in the Inner West, Northern and South-East Sydney.

The CEO of SDN Children's Services, Ginie Udy, said that SDN is proud to be selected through a competitive tender process as the successful organisation to work with Aboriginal communities to strengthen children's early literacy.

"We're absolutely delighted to be chosen to develop a project that will support the early educational outcomes of Aboriginal children, as well as lay a strong foundation for life-long learning. This new program complements several other initiatives we have, including educational scholarships for young children; an early childhood training course specifically for Aboriginal women (in partnership with TAFE); and employment of Aboriginal staff in several of our child care centres and family support programs," Ms Udy said.

"We are committed to strengthening the involvement of Aboriginal people in the development and implementation of this program. This project will be guided by Aboriginal communities, families and children. It's about empowering parents to support their children and working with them to develop culturally appropriate literacy resources for use in their communities," Kay Turner, Director of Child, Family and Children's Services Programs at SDN, said.

SDN has been operating community programs across Sydney in collaboration with local Aboriginal people for several years and we look forward to strengthening and building on these partnerships. The NSW Government has dedicated funding of $365,000 for the project.

"We thank the NSW Government for its commitment to early intervention. Community projects are crucial to providing Aboriginal children with every opportunity for success. We look forward to working with Aboriginal families and communities," Ms Udy said.

SDN is one of the most experienced and trusted organisations in children's services, established in 1905. Today, SDN provides high quality early education and care to more than 6,000 children each year through long day care, preschool and targeted support programs. For more information, visit www.sdn.org.au.

Click on the link below to read the NSW Government’s announcement  SDN to run Aboriginal Early Literacy project
Linda Burney, Minister for Community Services, media release

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554    www.sdn.org.au

SDN was originally called the Sydney Day Nursery and Nursery Schools Association

SDN ADDRESSES GROWING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Monday 7 June, 2010

SDN, in collaboration with St George Mental Health Services, is providing training courses for children’s services educators in Sydney on the impact of parental mental illness on children.

The course covers issues for staff working with children of parents with mental illness, strategies to help children cope and the development of a mental health plan for child care centres. More than 20 people attended the first course held at SDN’s Head Office in Broadway, including early childhood educators, social workers and counsellors.

One of the instructors, Robert Rollinson, is a Community Development Officer at St George Mental Health Services with more than 20 years experience as a social worker specialising in mental health. He said the course helps to breakdown the stigma of mental health in the community. “It’s about getting child care workers to recognise the crucial impact that they can have on the lives of children who have a parent with mental illness,” Robert said.

Parts of the course were also presented by two senior mental health workers from Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI). Participants benefited from the wealth of experience of the three instructors.

The Director of Bronte Child Care Centre, Heather Azzopardi, said the course provided strategies for frontline staff to use with families.

SDN’s Manager of Children’s Services within the Brighter Futures program, Luba Torban, said it is important to bring together a range of professionals in children’s services to share their experiences, concerns and methods to support the children of parents with a mental illness.

The course was developed by SDN and St George Mental Health Services as part of Brighter Futures, a NSW Government program targeting families with children up to the age of eight encountering problems affecting their ability to care for their children. SDN staff provide case management for families, parenting courses, home visits, subsidised child care and support children’s services in central Sydney, the Inner West, South Sydney and the NSW South Coast.

The next training course will be held at St George Mental Health Services in Kogarah on 23rd June. For more information or to register your interest, please email Luba Torban at l.torban@sdn.org.au.

course participants

course instructor, Robert Rollinson

SDN GLEBE CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY

Tuesday 4 May, 2010

The NSW Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth, attended the first anniversary of SDN Glebe, one of our newest centres. As the 60 parents, children and staff celebrated the one year milestone, Ms Firth revealed that we were at the heart of the biggest baby boom in NSW. New figures show that the Leichhardt Local Government Area (LGA) has the highest birth rate in NSW, compared to all other LGAs. She told the parents that they were among those in the inner west driving the baby boom. Ms Firth congratulated SDN for providing high-quality and much needed education and care for children in the area.

SDN Glebe is a 29 place centre offering occasional and long day care for 0-5 year old children, with an Infants/Toddlers room and a Pre school room. We have university and TAFE qualified staff who speak a range of languages including Aboriginal, Lebanese, French, Korean, Vietnamese and Indonesian.

When SDN Children’s Services acquired the purpose built centre it was run by a dedicated parent body. SDN’s CEO, Ginie Udy, and Glebe Centre Director, Laura Yench, thanked parents for their support during the transition period and dedicated the first anniversary to the parents and staff that have spent the past year incorporating the centre into the SDN family.

Liza Davis has two children at SDN Glebe. She described it as a great centre that is firmly established as part of the Glebe Community. “The staff at SDN Glebe are friendly and caring. They are committed to ensuring my two children’s experience is happy and loving, in an educational environment. I am really impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the staff at SDN Glebe.”

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554

Ginie Udy, Susan Salter, Verity Firth, Laura Yench

People from left to right - Verity Firth, Laura Yench, Ginie Udy and children from SDN Glebe

Left - Verity Firth, Right - Ginie Udy

Group Photo

Left - Cake, Right - Susan Salter, SDN Board President, Verity Firth, Ginie Udy

CHILD CARE FUNDING SHOULD BE USED TO HELP VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Friday 23 April, 2010

Now that the Australian Government is not building an additional 222 child care centres, SDN Children's Services is seeking an assurance that the remaining funding will be dedicated to early childhood services.  

“The money was promised to children and their families for more accessible and affordable childcare. It should be used for this. SDN would like to see it spent to help vulnerable and disadvantaged children get access to otherwise unaffordable child care and early education,” the CEO of SDN, Ginie Udy, said.

The Australian Government had committed to building 260 new child care centres, with funding of up to $1.7 million per centre. With 38 of those centres being delivered, we estimate there is about $377 million remaining.

“We are seeking a commitment from the Government that the remaining funding will be set aside for early childhood care and education. The sector needs the funding and it would be very disappointing to see it taken away. Now that the money is not being used for bricks and mortar, it should be used to improve service quality for vulnerable children,” Ms Udy said.

Child care and early education is about more than a place for children of working families. It is about providing our youngest with the best possible start in life by developing their social, emotional, physical, communication and cognitive skills.

The most comprehensive data we have on children aged under five, from the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI), shows that 23 per cent of children are developmentally vulnerable by the time they start school.  The 2009 AEDI report also shows that children from poorer backgrounds and children with developmental challenges are the most vulnerable. It is these children that would benefit from early education but for many it is out of reach.

Since 2000, SDN has operated a model of integration for children facing challenges, including abused and neglected children, through a scholarship program. We operate 23 mainstream centres and only have resources for our model to operate in half a dozen centres, including Redfern and Riverwood.  The model also offers a range of family support programs for single parents, unemployed and socially isolated parents, and victims of domestic violence.

An independent evaluation of the SDN model by Macquarie University found that integrating vulnerable children into high quality mainstream early education centres, that also support parents, provided huge benefits. 

We have helped an estimated 500 families over the past ten years and all of them face enormous challenges. To date we have had some help from government but otherwise rely on fundraising. As a not-for-profit organisation, there is a limit to what we can do. With more resources we could expand our reach.

The parents of children who are at risk or vulnerable usually can’t afford childcare and most centres are not adequately resourced to support them. Existing staff need additional training and professional consultant staff are needed on a casual basis such as social workers and psychologists.

Apart from additional support for Indigenous children, the Government’s Universal Access policy does not specifically address the needs of vulnerable children. The $377 million could become part of this program and would go along way to increase the capacity of early education and care centres to properly enroll developmentally vulnerable children.

“We would happily work with the Government to develop a plan that could help thousands of families in need,” Ms Udy said.

SDN has been providing high quality education and care since 1905. SDN has 23 long day care centres and preschools in NSW and the ACT, with more than 3,000 children. SDN also operates a range of support services for children facing difficulties with their development and families needing assistance. Our support services include 15 programs worth almost $10 million and help more than 3,000 children, 500 families and 1,000 early childhood providers every year.  SDN is a not-for-profit organisation and any surplus is invested in the quality of our services.

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554

SDN WELCOMES THE GOVERNMENT’S EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW BABY RATIO

Friday 9 April, 2010

SDN Children’s Serviceswelcomes the NSW Government's decision to mandate 1:4 staff-to-infant ratios from the beginning of 2011, one year ahead of the national requirement.

The Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, yesterday announced that all licensed child care centres and mobile services in NSW will be required to implement the improved
ratios for children under two from January 1, 2011.

"SDN welcomes the Government's announcement and has been advocating for better staff to baby ratios for several years to improve the quality of child care. Like many not-for-profit child care providers, SDN has been operating with the 1:4 carer-to-infant ratio since 2007," the CEO of SDN, Ginie Udy, said.

The existing regulations allow one carer for five babies and as part of the new National Quality Standard (NQS) all services will be required to implement the 1:4 ratio from January 2012. SDN believes this is a standard that all centres can afford to provide.

"It has long been understood that the first three years are a critical development period for children that can influence their entire life. The new regulations more accurately reflect the role early childhood professionals have in supporting children's development."

Quality long day care should support the physical, emotional and social development of young children and lay the foundation for life long learning. SDN currently employs university educated teachers in all of our centres and has been advocating this for some time.

Now the ratios for infants have been mandated, our next challenge is to introduce university qualified teachers into centres. The Government must improve the educational standards of the existing regulations.

SDN has been providing high quality education and care since 1905. SDN has 23 long day care centres and preschools in NSW (17 in Sydney) and the ACT with more than 3,000 children. SDN also operates a range of support services for children facing difficulties with their development and families needing assistance. Our support services include 15 programs worth almost $10 million and help more than 3,000 children, 500 families and 1,000 early childhood providers every year.

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554

SDN CHILDREN’S SERVICES CALLS ON DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN AT CHILD CARE CENTRES AND PRESCHOOLS

Thursday 25 March, 2010

SDN Children’s Services is calling on all drivers to slow down to 40km/h at child care centres and preschools.

“We are asking drivers to put on the brakes and pay more attention when driving near child care centres and preschools,” the CEO of SDN, Ginie Udy, said.

“Schools have the added protections of reduced speed limits, flashing warning signs and pedestrian crossings. As a result, drivers slow down.”

“These safety measures are not enforced on the roads surrounding child care centres and preschools. There is no law requiring drivers to slow down to 40km. Why not?”

“SDN would like to see drivers apply the same cautionary approach when passing a centre. They are generally well sign posted so I’m appealing to drivers to slow down to help protect our youngest children.”

“Many children are dropped off during peak hour when drivers are in a rush. Parents are often juggling babies and toddlers, who can be unpredictable and not always aware of the dangers. Please slow down if you see parents trying to cross the road with young children.”

“It’s great to see that the Daily Telegraph’s I Promise campaign is calling on drivers to take extra care. We want this caution and consideration to also be given to our country’s youngest citizens.”

“I personally have committed to slow down myself when driving through a child care centre or preschool zone and I ask all NSW citizens to do the same,” Ms Udy said.

We have been providing high quality education and care since 1905. SDN has 23 long day care centres and preschools in NSW (17 in Sydney) and the ACT with more than 3,000 children. SDN also operates a range of support services for children facing difficulties with their development and families needing assistance. Our support services include 15 programs worth almost $10 million and help more than 3,000 children, 500 families and 1,000 early childhood providers every year.

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554

SDN Children's Services to build new child care centre in Milperra

Monday 15 March, 2010

SDN Children's Services Inc. will build a new Children's Education and Care Centre in Milperra offering long day care for 60 children aged under six.

The Australian Government today announced a grant of $1.6 million to SDN towards the building costs of the new centre.

The centre will be built on the grounds of the Milperra Public School and will provide long day care for 60 children aged under six and after hours care for six school aged children.

SDN provides high quality education and care for more than 3,000 children in 23 centres across Sydney, the ACT and regional NSW. SDN also operates a range of support services for children facing difficulties with their development and families needing assistance. Our support services include 15 programs worth almost $10 million and help more than 3,000 children, 500 families and 1,000 early childhood providers every year.

"There is a shortage of child care in Milperra and we welcome the Government's recognition of Milperra as an area in need. SDN already has a centre in Riverwood and we are pleased to be able to provide more high quality child care in the area," the CEO of SDN Children's Services," Ginie Udy said.

"We look forward to working with families, the school and the broader community to ensure that child care is affordable and accessible to more families in Milperra," Ms Udy said.

"SDN has a long history of working with government to provide services for children and we thank both the Australian Government and the NSW Government for their contribution to the new Milperra centre," Ms Udy said.

"I have visited SDN's Riverwood Centre and was impressed with the education and care offered to the children and families. We're looking forward to seeing great results for children and families in the Milperra area in partnership with SDN Children's Services," the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, Kate Ellis said.

Construction of the new SDN Milperra Children's Education and Care Centre is expected to be underway by the middle of the year.
For more information visit www.sdn.org.au

Media contact: Kate Miranda, 0449 851 554

SDN Crossing Borders at 2009 Seminar

Friday 15 January, 2010

The metaphor ‘crossing borders’ with its reference to travel was a fitting title for SDN’s end of year Seminar held on Thursday 3rd December. Stories of ‘travels’ – both real and figurative – inspired and truly reminded us that SDN is a place where learning happens, and where we share this learning with our community. MC Ginie Udy reflected on her own love of travel, using a frame as a ‘border’ to remind us not to impose limits on our own ideas, or expectations of others.

‘Crossing geographical borders’, Fran Bastion and Megan Ball shared rich images and stories of inspiration formed from their visits to Reggio Emilia in Italy. Michelle Richardson shared her ideas around using SDN’s own rich history and archives to inspire documenting our own stories, and Michelle Lane reflected on her collaboration with Centre Directors and how they in turn inspire their teams.

‘Crossing sectorial borders’ was the theme of presentations from Kay Turner (view) and Julie Druce (view). Kay (who’s just completed her Masters research) shared her story of a conversation with Julia Gillard, and Julie presented hers with images of her recent trip to the Great Wall, China, speaking of sharing visions, building culture and ultimately creating her new ‘borderland’ with the Brighter Futures team.

Deb Mann and Aboriginal staff ‘crossed cultural borders’ (view), Deb and Maria Mahina sharing their personal journeys. Samantha Knight (listen), Kowana Welsh (listen), Jason Coulthard (listen) and Nina Williams (listen) contributed (as pre-recorded voices), talking about their work at SDN, especially about how they appreciate time for Indigenous staff to get together for ‘yarn ups’.

Long serving staff were acknowledged, with special mention reserved for Peggy Lane from Marrickville after 35 years of committed work for SDN. Ginie also thanked retiring board members Gennie Kirton and Ann Mitchell. Then was the time for a drink, fabulous canapés, and wonderful conversation with friends and colleagues both old and new!!

Coordinator Continuing Education Program Wilma Murdoch

Downloads:

SDN Seminar 2009: Crossing Borders Slideshow

SDN Community Times 69th Edition

WILL YOU LINK IN AND LEARN?

Tuesday 18 August, 2009

SDN Children's Services Inc. is excited to announce the launch of 'Link in & Learn', a new project funded by DEEWR. The project is designed to explore how technology and innovative approaches assist in the development of knowledge and skills in a range of areas within early childhood.

The project will consist of 7 Communities of Practice/ Reflection Groups that will run from August to November. Each will be facilitated by a convenor, and will focus on a particular topic of interest, which are listed below:

• Surviving and thriving in the first years of teaching: “We’re glad you’re here and we want you to stay”
• Rethinking our practices with infants and toddlers in early childhood settings: A regionally based group
• Exploring possibilities: E-learning and technology
• Green and healthy environments
• Re-Group: investigating, evaluating and documenting practice in child centred and family focused services
• Us and them: what does social inclusion really mean?
• Aboriginal Yarn-Up group

Over the course of the Link in & Learn project each community/group will be provided with thought-provoking questions, links to downloadable presentations and will be able to join in on-line discussions.

Some of these discussions will also be accessible by the global community through the introduction of extranet access through the SDN website.

A number of staff members and centres will also be given portable media devices (iPods) to enable a flexible learning experience that will help overcome the barriers of time and space that are commonly associated with traditional learning and development.

If you would like further information regarding the Link in & Learn Project, please contact Luke Mahony on 9557 0183 or on l.mahony@sdn.org.au

NEW MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE VISITS SDN RIVERWOOD

Thursday 11 June , 2009

SDN Children's Services Inc. CEO, Ginie Udy, Director of Early Childhood Education, Rebecca Watson and SDN Riverwood Centre Director, Karen Pugsley today welcomed the new Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Kate Ellis to SDN Riverwood .

Ms Udy said it was an important opportunity to demonstrate the potential of high quality children's education and care centres to operate as a hub of community connections to Ms Ellis in her first week as the new Minister.

“We were proud to explain to the minister our approach, our commitment and the values and history and vision which support and energise us,” Ms Udy said.

“All our centres operate a 1:4 ratio for babies; we have teachers and educators who facilitate a vibrant, engaging and intellectually challenging curriculum and we provide physical environments that are serene and beautiful. All this was so obvious today.”

Minister Ellis commented on the calm and focus she observed in the children's play and the skill with which staff interacted with them.

“It was fantastic to visit your beautiful centre. I am looking forward to working with SDN,” Minister Ellis said.

The new Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Kate Ellis with child Jessica Gurung-Tamang at SDN Riverwood.

SDN WELCOMES A NEW ADDITION TO THE COMMUNITY

Monday 4 May, 2009

SDN welcomed a new centre to our community today: SDN Glebe Children's Education and Care Centre.

The Community Based Centre previously known as Toddler's Junction is now a long awaited addition to the SDN family.

President, Toddler's Junction Parent Committee, Louise Haid thanked SDN for their professional and caring approach during the handover.

“The day of the Toddler's Junction handover to SDN is finally here after an 18 month process from conception to completion,” Ms. Haid said.

“The Parent Committee would like to thank you for your team's effort—particularly Kirsten Forrester and Michelle Lane. They have been professional and helping during each step of the process.”

SDN Glebe offers occasional care with capacity to support several long day care positions.

We welcome the Glebe team to SDN:
Laura Yench (Centre Director), Vivianne Zeatier, Steven Cunico, Luke Carpenter, Rebecca O, Anne Aulagnier, Anna Nguyen, Craig Kirkby (Centre Administrator).

The team received a warm welcome to the SDN community from CEO Ginie Udy and their Early Childhood Advisor, Michelle Lane.

The team are very excited to be working with SDN and eager to begin to explore the challenges of creating contextual curriculum, which supports a culture of community for children and families.

The centre is licensed for 29 children between 0-5 years of age and operates between 8am-5.30pm each day.

For parent enquiries Centre Director, Laura Yench can be reached on 9552 3747 or on glebe@sdn.org.au.

Introducing the SDN Glebe team (from left to right)... Steve, Craig, Vivianne, Rebecca, Laura and Luke.

LINKING FAMILIES WITH LITERACY RESOURCES

Wednesday 1 April, 2009

More than 90 early childhood educators, practitioners, academics, allied health professionals, librarians and parents joined in a symposium today to focus on the importance of literacy and numeracy learning in young children.

The symposium highlighted the work of Literacy Links, a project that aims to increase the literacy resources available to children and families in the Northern Sydney region. It provides information through early childhood services, libraries and other services in the area to increase literacy and numeracy development for children aged 0-5 years.

SDN Literacy Links Project Manager, Julie Pearson, said the symposium gave early childhood service staff and the community a chance to think creatively about the literacy resources they use and how they can build on current services.

“The symposium was about sharing and celebrating what is happening in the North Sydney area to maximize the potential literacy opportunities for young children,” she said.

“It is an innovative exciting project that has already achieved so much in getting people across the region collaborating and talking about early literacy.”

Ms. Pearson said the importance of literacy and numeracy learning begins from the day a child is born.

“Children begin developing literacy from birth so this is why we must provide information to families through services they use everyday like early childhood services.”

The project will involve early childhood educators, parents and other members of the early childhood community throughout North Sydney, Mosman, Willoughby , Lane Cove, Ryde, Hunters Hill, Hornsby/Ku-Ring-Gai, Manly and the Northern Beaches areas.

Literacy Links is a new Families NSW initiative.

IMPROVEMENTS TO CHILD PROTECTION A GOOD INVESTMENT

Wednesday 4 March, 2009

SDN Children's Services Inc. today welcomed the NSW Government's $230 million package of new initiatives to improve the state's child protection system.

SDN CEO, Ginie Udy, urged the NSW Government to fully adopt the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services recommendations to hand over the provision of Brighter Futures services to NGOs, who are better placed to provide these services.

“Providing quality family support programs is the key to ensuring the protection of children and SDN has the expertise and experience in doing just that,” Ms Udy said.

“SDN welcomes the Premier's announcement and looks forward to working with DoCS in providing the new initiatives announced today.”

Ms Udy was concerned by the delay in transferring remaining Brighter Futures services to the NGO sector.

“The Government plans to wait until an evaluation of the Brighter Futures program is completed in 2010 before making a decision on whether to adopt this recommendation,” Ms Udy said

“SDN urges the government to make a quick decision on the future of the program and ensure the safety and wellbeing of at risk children is prioritized.

Ms Udy said SDN was particularly well placed to provide additional child focused family support services.

“SDN is currently a lead agency for the DoCS Brighter Futures program in Inner and Southern Sydney as well as the Eurobodalla region.

"Our highly qualified staff and established networks put us in an excellent position to extend our services further afield and ensure children and families receive the support they need.”

SDN CHILD & FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH BIRTHDAY

Saturday 21st February, 2009

SDN's Child & Family Resource Centre (C&FRC) celebrated its 10th birthday on Saturday 21 February with an open day. More than 50 families, including over 100 children from the local community enjoyed a BBQ lunch, face painting, games and a jumping castle and cake.

The SDN C&FRC commenced operation in 1999 in Parramatta as a project jointly funded by the Department of Community Services and the Department of  Family & Community Services with the assistance of a resource grant and support from Parramatta City Council.

Director, Child, Family & Children's Services Programs, Kay Turner said that over the past 10 years the C&FRC has been welcoming children and families to the toy library, Stay and Play and parent groups.

“Through the C&FRC children and families have access to professional staff with early childhood and family support expertise. We believe this is a valuable community asset that supports families as they raise their children,” Ms Turner said.

The C&FRC programs operate with funds from the Department of Community Services, the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, membership fees and generous donations.

SDN CENTRES RAISE MONEY FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

Thursday 20th February, 2009

Children at SDN have been busy raising funds for the Victorian bushfire victims this week.

SDN Surry Hills have set up a money box in the centre to encourage families to contribute and will give the funds to Coles supermarket.

SDN Lois Barker in Waterloo baked up a storm today to raise money for the Victorian bushfire victims.

After hearing of the families affected by fire in Victoria , the children decided to put their cooking skills to good use by making cup cakes and selling them to the local community.

Acting Centre Director, Sanobia Palkhiwala said staff were delighted to follow the children's lead in how they would raise money by making and selling cup cakes.

“The children have amazed us with their enthusiastic ideas of what they can do to help support their community,” Ms. Palkhiwala said.

“The children have showed great confidence when explaining why they are doing this and wanted so much to be apart of the unity the nation has already built.”

The children sold cupcakes to their local chemist, IGA and baby health clinic across the road from the centre.

CHILEAN CHILD CARE WORKERS LEARN ABOUT SDN'S QUALITY SERVICES

Wednesday 12th February, 2009

Three visiting Chilean childcare professionals have been given a valuable opportunity to learn about SDN's high quality early education curriculum as part of a study tour of Australia .

The women, all child care directors from areas with a high incidence of poverty, drug use and domestic violence, visited SDN Redfern to gain an understanding of community learning, development and ways of encouraging parental involvement.

Head of the exchange project, Dr Linda Newman, Senior Lecturer Early Childhood Program from University of Western Sydney (UWS), said SDN was chosen because of its high quality services.

“At SDN the curriculum is constructed by the children's interests and parental contribution which creates many different learning spaces,” Dr Newman said.

“We hope by witnessing literacy in action combined with high quality learning environments and technologies the directors will gain ideas on practices to incorporate into their curriculums.”

SDN Redfern Centre Director, Liz Farry said SDN works to provide educational settings where the potential of every child is realised.

“We believe children are social beings and begin learning from the day they are born and deserve high quality education,” Ms Farry said.

“At Redfern we value creative learning spaces that invite children to engage and learn as co-constructors, so it is great to have the opportunity to advocate for interest based learning to other childcare professionals .”

The project is funded by the Fundacion Minera Escondida, the charitable foundation of Minera Escondida, which operates the largest cooper mine in the world.

Head Early Childhood Program, UWS, Leonie Arthur & one of the Chilean child care directors Monica Galvez Trigo.

SDN Redfern Centre Director Liz Farry discusses creative learning spaces with Sylvia Ramallo.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUNG CHILDREN

Friday 30th January, 2009

SDN Children's Services Inc. today called on the Federal Government to take better care of young children and establish a national regulatory body to oversee standards and distribution of children's services across Australia.

SDN CEO, Ginie Udy, said one of the reasons ABC Learning failed was because there is no central coordination overseeing where services are needed.

“The previous Federal Government took no responsibility for monitoring where new child care centres would be built and as a result we have seen excessive supply in areas where some providers believed a profit could be made.

“It is time for the Federal Government to step in and help stabilize the sector, ensuring we don't see another ABC debacle in 5 years time.”

Ms Udy said all three tiers of government were currently overseeing child care services, resulting in duplication of processes and costs.

“With one level of government providing funding, another keeping track of licensing and regulations and a third approving development applications for new services, there are enormous savings to be made by introducing a national regulator,” Ms Udy said.

“The Federal Government must take a leading role in deciding where child care services should be set up and what standards they should meet.”

Ms Udy welcomed the current Senate Inquiry into the provision of childcare as an opportunity for the Government to improve the quality of services.

“SDN believes all Australian children deserve access to high quality child care services with a university qualified early childhood teacher to guide their learning in every centre.

“We must use this opportunity to bring child care services in every state up to a national standard, recognising the critical importance of early learning opportunities in a child's life.

“Children's minds do not suddenly begin to develop when they get to school, they are learning from they day they are born and deserve to have quality education in their early years.

“SDN urges the Federal Government to take over the regulation of child care, to introduce mandatory early childhood teachers into all child care services and ensure young children receive the care and education they deserve.”

SDN BRIGHTER FUTURES BUILDING ON ITS SERVICES

Tuesday 27th, January 2009

SDN's Brighter Futures early intervention program is developing its services to meet the needs of local area communities.

SDN Director, Early Intervention and Family Support, Julie Druce said new Early Intervention Workers have been recruited to reduce caseloads across the board.

“SDN's vision is to work towards a future where the promise and potential of every child is realised, families and communities are strong and children's services are valued and well resourced,” she said.

“At SDN Brighter Futures we are expanding to accommodate this need and to ensure that this vision is a reality.”

SDN Brighter Futures works with over 100 local area agency partners to provide case management support to over 200 families. SDN has established Brighter Futures offices at Redfern, Beverly Hills, Sutherland and Eurobodalla.

Director, Early Intervention and Family Support, Julie Druce.

REPORTS SHOW SDN'S INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS HELPING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

Wednesday 10th, December 2008

Innovative early intervention and support programs run by SDN Children's Services are working with children and families to assist them to develop skills that are improving the quality of their lives.

Research into the work of SDN's Child, Family and Children's Services Programs has given the organisation important insight into the effectiveness of its services, ensuring delivery of targeted and efficient programs for the families who most need it.

SDN's Director Child, Family & Children's Services Programs, Kay Turner, said it was important that the organisation was spending time researching its programs.

" SDN is investing time and expertise into researching what we do and how we do it - making sure that we are spending tax payer dollars in the most effective and efficient way possible," Ms Turner said.

"By involving our staff and the community in our research we were able to achieve valuable insight into the effectiveness of our services.

"We can be confident that SDN is providing families with truly innovative, quality programs."

Ms Turner said SDN's programs followed a strength's based, child and family focused approach to service delivery.

"We work with families by finding out what they are good at and helping them to use those things to build new skills and to change the things that aren't working well."

SDN's Research and Evaluation Manager, Dr Sandie Wong , who co-authored the study, said the research showed many children had benefited from the programs.

"One of the children attending the Stay and Play program originally refused to engage with other children and the activities during the session. Within weeks the same child grew more confident and became actively involved in the activities."

Dr Wong said the key to the success of SDN's early childhood intervention programs was the focus on play as a learning medium.

"The programs all use 'play' as the starting point. For families facing challenging situations the play focus is a normalising activity that provides a 'soft entry point' to more targeted service delivery.

"All children learn through play - but some families need assistance to provide play materials and opportunities for their children.

"What our research shows is the significant benefits of early intervention and family support programs that provide a family centred approach which focuses on play."

The research papers will be launched at SDN's Granville offices on Wednesday 10 th December.

Dr Sandie Wong, Kay Turner & Tamara Cumming at the launch of SDN's report series.

JOINT COMMUNITY PROJECT LEADING THE WAY IN SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS WOMEN'S TRAINING

Wednesday 19th, November 2008

An innovative Sydney based community project has today been recognised as leading the way in providing opportunities for education and training for Indigenous women, with the project receiving the Minister's award for Outstanding Practice in the Advancement of Indigenous Women .

Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal Women's Centre, Connect Redfern , the Sydney Institute of TAFE, the Aboriginal Children's Service and SDN Children's Services have worked together over the past year to create culturally appropriate education and training opportunities for Aboriginal women. The course components allowed the women to gain experience and confidence in running a Playgroup or working in the early childhood profession.

SDN Aboriginal Projects Manager, Deb Mann said the project representatives were honored to receive the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) award on behalf of the group .

"This is an innovative joint project where local Aboriginal women not only had the opportunity to develop new employment skills, but were also supported in their learning," Ms Mann said.

"In developing the course, the group considered the important needs of the women involved - the need for child care, different cultural learning styles, flexible class times - as well as aligning the women's goals with the program syllabus."

As the course progressed, Vivi Martin, Schools as Community Centre Co-coordinator with Connect Marrickville saw the impact on the women involved.

"I noticed an increasing involvement in setting up activities, in positively engaging with children, accompanied by energy and enthusiasm," Ms Martin said.

SDN CEO, Ginie Udy commented, "It's been great to see graduates of the course now running their own playgroups and we have employed two graduates in our children's centres."

Dixie Link Gordon from the Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Women's Centre said the course had special significance as it was run by Aboriginal women.

"As an Aboriginal controlled service Mudgin-gal Women's Centre can achieve successful outcomes for participants with the accessibility & positive support the other participating services such as SDN & Connect Redfern provided this project. There was cultural sensitivity shown to the young Aboriginal mums getting back into education; and they have learnt new skills for themselves, their families and their community," Ms Link Gordon said.

"The success of this program has clearly come from the collective nature of our work and the flexibility we have all demonstrated. We have balanced the women's course requirements with their responsibilities to their family and community." Jo Fletcher, Schools as Community Centre Coordinator at Connect Redfern concluded.

"And this approach has worked."

Click here to read EOWA press release.

IT'S NOT BAD LUCK, IT'S BAD MANAGEMENT

Wednesday 5th, November 2008

SDN Children's Services Inc. CEO, Ginie Udy, today said the demise of ABC Learning provided the Rudd Government with an opportunity to redirect Australia 's child care sector and provide a better future for children and families.

"The demise of ABC Learning is clearly the result of bad management and now is the time to put these centres into the hands of organisations with a proven track record of providing high quality, well managed services," Ms Udy said.

"The bottom line is that ABC Learning under Eddy Groves squandered tax payers money, running the business into the ground and throwing thousands of families lives into chaos.

"Now is the time for the Rudd Government to forge a new direction for child care, ensuring tax payer dollars are put into quality children's services."

Ms Udy called on the Government to take over all or part of ABC's 1200 child care centres and put the management of these centres out to tender.

"The Federal Government has come a long way down the wrong path with its child care policies, investing money into a free market system that just isn't compatible with providing high quality services for children.

"SDN believes the Government can invest its child care dollar more wisely, directly funding services and taking market competitiveness out of the equation.

"Running a financially viable and high quality child care service requires experience and a commitment to children and unfortunately we have a situation in Australia where child care is seen by some investors as a way to make a quick buck."

Ms Udy said the Federal Government should have a greater role in deciding where child care services should be set up and how they should be regulated.

"Right now we have a situation where a local council approves a centre without any consideration for local need, state governments regulate the services and the Federal Government funds them indirectly through the Child Care Benefit.

"There needs to be more coordination and the Federal Government is best placed to take an overall view of services in order to meet the needs of Australia 's families."

SDN HELPING TO DEVELOP NATIONAL EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK

Wednesday 29th, October 2008

SDN Children's Services is taking part in a key review of national early learning guidelines spearheaded by Charles Sturt University on behalf of the Federal Government.

The National Early Years Learning Framework is a central platform of the Rudd Government's integrated early childhood education agenda that aims to improve outcomes and opportunities for young children.

Known as the CSU Consortium, the team of early childhood experts includes highly regarded early childhood academics, practitioners, independent consultants and two leading sector representatives including SDN.

Director of Early Childhood Education and Care, Rebecca Watson said this was an important opportunity for SDN to contribute to and participate in the future of early childhood education in Australia .

"SDN is a strong supporter of the development of a high quality national early learning framework," Ms Watson said.

"We are pleased to be involved with this Federal Government initiative.

"The Government has recognised SDN's considerable experience and expertise in providing quality early childhood education and how our children's centres are leading the way."

The Consortium is due to report to the Government in early 2009.

Click here to read the October 2 press release.

Click here to read the October 29 press release.

BETTER RATIO FOR BABIES WELCOME

Thursday 23rd, October 2008

SDN Children's Services Inc. CEO, Ginie Udy, today welcomed the Government's announcement of improved child to carer ratios for infants as the first step towards universal high quality early childhood services in NSW.

Ms Udy said the new ratio of 1 carer for every 4 infants recognises the valuable role early childhood professionals play in supporting optimum child development.

"SDN has been a strong advocate of the 1:4 ratio for many years so we are pleased to see the government has finally taken this important step towards improving the quality of child care in NSW," Ms Udy said.

"It has long been understood that the first 3 years of a child's life are a critical development period that can influence an entire life - but our child care regulations have ignored this research."

Ms Udy said that SDN, like many not-for-profit child care providers, is already providing a higher standard of education and care than the regulations specify.

"SDN is already providing a 1:4 ratio in our centres along with an early childhood teacher for all children. We believe this is a standard that all centres can afford to provide.

"SDN understands the importance of providing quality educational environments for children that can help recognise their full learning potential. Unfortunately this isn't the case for all child care centres in NSW.

"These new standards will help to bring all NSW centres up to an acceptable minimum level of staff numbers. Our next challenge is to introduce university qualified teachers into all centres.

"SDN applauds the new Minister on finally committing the government to improving the standard of care for children. Now we must look at the educational standards of these regulations.

"SDN had the opportunity to raise the ratio issue with the Community Services Minister when she recently announced the review of the children's services regulations and she has clearly decided there is no more time to waste in implementing these changes."

Ms Udy said SDN was taking part in the Industry Reference Group that will advise the government during the Children's Services Regulations review.

"Long day care is more than baby sitting, it should be an environment which supports a child's growth, emotional development and begins them on a life of learning. SDN will be putting a strong case for a higher standard of education and care for all children during the review process."

Click here to read Minister Burney's press release.

Click here to read article by the Sydney Morning Herald.

NSW Community Services Minister meets the children at SDN Redfern.

SDN CEO, GINIE UDY'S INTERVIEW ON ABC'S LATELINE PROGRAM

Friday 17th, October 2008

SDN CEO, Ginie Udy commented on the future of child care following the demise of Eddy Groves and the concern around the future of ABC Learning during an interview with ABC's Lateline program.

Ms Udy said now was the time for the Federal Government to make a real difference to the quality of Australian child care by introducing new policies and taking more control of the child care sector.

Click here to see Ms Udy's Lateline interview.

CHILD CARE REVIEW MUST ADDRESS IMPORTANT QUALITY ISSUES

Friday 3rd, October 2008

SDN Children's Services Inc. CEO, Ginie Udy, today welcomed the review of Children's Services Regulations in NSW saying it was an important opportunity for the Government to improve the quality of child care across the state.

Ms Udy said SDN would be strongly advocating for an early childhood teacher in every centre as well as a reduction in the carer to child ratio for infants to 1:4.

"SDN believes these are standards the Government must introduce to ensure all children attending child care in NSW are getting the quality and educational opportunities they deserve," Ms Udy said.

"It has been understood for a long time that the first 3 years of a child's life are crucial to their educational development and long term welfare and it is high time we recognise this by introducing better ratios.

"The children's services sector, particularly those in the not-for-profit area, have been pushing the Government to make this happen for years and we are pleased to see Minister Burney has identified quality as a key area of consideration during the review."

The Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, made the announcement of the statutory review of the regulations during a visit to SDN's Marrickville centre today.

Ms Udy said SDN will take part in the Industry Reference Group advising the government during the review process.

"There is much debate in our community about the quality of child care services and their impact on children's lives. For most families, child care is an essential service and we must ensure our children get the highest quality care which meets all their needs.

"Child care is more than baby sitting, it should be an environment which supports a child's growth, emotional development and begins them on a life of learning. SDN will be putting a strong case for a higher standard of care for all children during the review process."

To read Linda Burney's press release click here.

Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney at SDN Marrickville.

MINISTER MACKLIN VISITS SDN REDFERN TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Tuesday 30th, September 2008

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, visited SDN Redfern today to launch the latest findings from the Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children .

Ms Macklin took the time to tour the centre and meet staff before enjoying some playtime with children in the outdoor play area.

The new research shows grandparents who regularly look after their grandchildren can significantly influence their learning capabilities.

The report, commissioned by the Federal Government, found children aged between three and 19 months had higher learning scores if family, friends and their parents were caring for them.

To read more on the report go to: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/research/prps-prps_36.htm

To read the press release click here.

Minister Macklin visits SDN Redfern.

GOVERNMENT MUST MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS ON THE FUTURE OF CHILDCARE

Friday 12th, September 2008

Australia has an opportunity to create world class services for young children, families and communities through radical reform and hard thinking on how they are organised and delivered according to leading international children's services academic, Professor Peter Moss.

Peter Moss, Professor of Early Childhood Provision at the University of London , is in Australia to discuss the future of early childhood services at a conference held in Sydney today.

"We are stuck with the ideas of early childhood centres as businesses who sell child care to parents and factories that produce standardised developmental outcomes," Professor Moss said.

"In reality they have many possibilities and can serve many purposes for children, families and communities if we get beyond child care and provide multi-purpose children's centres."

Professor Moss questioned whether for-profit child care centres were compatible with this vision and stressed the need to build services open to all families based on democracy and public responsibility to young children.

He also argued against the current Australian child care funding arrangements that provide benefits to the consumer rather than directly to the service provider.

"The Rudd Government has an opportunity, with the downfall of ABC Learning, to rethink and reform early childhood services. There is an opportunity to move away from the current split, outdated and dysfunctional system - which leans strongly towards for-profit services - towards one that is integrated, inclusive and holistic with a strong democratic orientation."

Other areas of reform Professor Moss outlined for Australia include:

•  Bringing early childhood education under one department with other education services;

•  Universal entitlement to early childhood education and care services

•  Redefine the early childhood workforce with at least 50 per cent of staff achieving a graduate level qualification;

•  Men making up 20 per cent of the workforce;

•  Developing a system of 0-6 or 0-11 children's centres.

Professor Moss is in Australia as the inaugural SDN Lady Fairfax Visiting Scholar and is the keynote speaker at SDN's conference, From one stop shops to places of encounter: Rethinking early childhood services. Professor Moss has been awarded the scholarship in recognition of his groundbreaking contribution to early childhood thinking.