KidsMatter Early Childhood in NSW
News
As we come to the end of the pilot phase of KidsMatter Early Childhood, services in NSW are reflecting on the many gains made over the past two years as well as the goals still to achieve. In this way KidsMatter is not something that you do once and then it’s done. It is a process of changing our perceptions of children from birth to school age in relation to the mental health and well being of them and their families.
Currently over half of the NSW services have completed Component 4 professional learning. As we have our last sessions together we have all felt how our relationships have changed not only between children, staff and families in the service but with the KMEC facilitator as well. I am happy to say I will be having a number of celebratory dinners with staff to round off two years of fun, challenge, engagement, learning, personal growth and improved practice with children and families.
To conclude I would like to share some of the recent gains that services have shared with me.
• Staff are much more aware of self care with some staff seeking professional support that has nurtured and strengthened them in times of need. This has also improved their understanding of the mental health needs of the children in their care.
• Directors have gained additional leadership skills and supported improved staff collaboration giving the whole service a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
• Children and families feel safer and more at home in services leading to improved collaboration and better outcomes for their children.
Rita Johnston
NSW KidsMatter Early Childhood Facilitator
