for young children of all abilities to fully participate

ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15

Our Vision

For young children of all abilities to fully

participate in family and community life

Contact: Sue Hall President Early Childhood Intervention Australia

(Victorian Chapter)

T 03 9018 5496 M 0400 194 234 E [email protected] W www.eciavic.org.au

Contents

President Report 3

Committee List 4

ECIA National Report 5

Professional Development Report 6

Life Member & Membership Report 7

Staff & Contractor Thanks 8

Personnel Chart 9

Treasurer Report 10

Financial Report 12

mailto:[email protected]

2014/15 has been a whirl wind of activity both at ECIA (VC) and with-in the early years and disability sectors. The biggest change to dis-ability services in our history (the NDIS) is now a reality for the launch site areas and has brought with it the potential to enhance the lives of people with a disability and their families. The NDIS will deliver choice and control to children and families with disability and/or devel-opmental delay. We have already seen the positive outcomes in the lives of families in the Barwon re-gion. However for service providers there is also the challenge of deliv-ering truly customer centred, indi-vidualised services. I am pleased to say that ECIA (VC) has stepped up to support the sector to meet these challenges. ECIA(VC) has been proactive in directly supporting ser-vices but also responding to and influencing the development of poli-cy as it relates to participants and the scheme’s structure, so that it is responsive to the unique needs of the early years sector. ECIA (VC) has held a series of morning teas around the State providing infor-mation and tools to support sector transition. The "Making a Start with the NDIS" is a fantastic example of the support and information sharing

we have provided for families. Through ongoing partnership with the State government, the Depart-ment of Education and Training, ECIA (VC) has been able to main-tain its focus on high quality profes-sional development and skill devel-opment of the early years work-force. This year many of you will have participated in our member survey looking at the sector’s work-force development needs. This has allowed ECIA (VC) to focus on the training needs most relevant to you, resulting in sessions being well attended and feedback from participants, extremely positive. This member engagement and consultation will be an ongoing fo-cus of ECIA (VC). We have no doubt that the relevance of the training and support we provide for the sector is evidenced in member-ship growth, both organisational and individual. ECIA (VC) has been fortunate to be able to deliver several key projects on behalf of ECIA National. This has allowed us to integrate learn-ings from across all launch sites and to further extend the ability of our State chapter to influence and inform policy and scheme develop-

ment. Projects have included: the development of national guidelines to support best practice in early intervention under the NDIS; launch site support across jurisdic-tions; supporting efforts to better clarify the role of early childhood intervention within the NDIS Act; progressing the outcomes frame-work; NDIS resource development; best practice online resources; ECI connect (an online community for ECI professionals) and ongoing advocacy for vulnerable families under the NDIS. ECIA (VC) will also be hosting the national ECIA conference in Sep-tember 2016 with the theme of 'Choices that Matter: ECI in a New Era' and I would like to thank the conference organising committee for the work they have been doing, and the work I know will be needed into the next 12 months. Finally I want to thank the entire team at ECIA (VC) including the board, the staff and the sector for their work and commitment to early years throughout 2014/15.

President Report

Sue Hall, President

“We have already seen the positive out-

comes in the lives of families in the Barwon

region. However for service providers there

is also the challenge of delivering truly cus-

tomer centred, individualised services. I am

pleased to say that ECIA (VC) has stepped

up to support the sector to meet these

challenges.”

The ECIA (VC) Committee has worked extremely hard through the 2014-15 financial year, which in-cluded meeting monthly, attending additional sub-committee meet-ings, contributing to planning dis-cussions, along with periodic meet-ings with ECIA National. ECIA (VC) would like to thank and wish farewell to Vicki Alford, a dedicated Commit-tee member who retiring from the Committee.

“ECIA (VC) would like

to thank retiring

member Vicki Alford

for her many years of

service.”

Committee List

ECIA (VC) Committee Organisation

Vicki Alford Manningham Community Health

Karen Anderson Peninsula Community Health

Anoo Bhopti LaTrobe University

Carmel Browne Yooralla Inner East Children’s Ser-

Kerry Bull Noah’s Ark

Sherrin Ford Mallee Family Care

Debra Goldfinch Irabina Childhood Autism Services

Sue Hall Scope

Gavin Hince Enabling Communities

Tim Moore Centre for Community Child Health

Anoo Bhopti, Vice President Vicki Alford, Retiring Member

Karen Anderson, Treasurer Gavin Hince, Secretary

ECIA National represents early childhood intervention services on national issues, to ensure best practice interventions are available to children with disa-bilities and/or developmental delays, and their fami-lies, regardless of where they reside within Australia. ECIA National is governed by the National Council, led by the President Denise Lus-combe. Council consists of two representatives from each state and territory chapter. ECIA Victoria’s representa-tives on the National Council are Anoo Bhopti and Susan Hall. With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ECIA state and territory chapters working collaboratively on national matters have become increas-

ingly important and is likely to increase in importance in the coming years. In this regard, 2014/15 could be considered a watershed year for ECIA National. Build-ing on the previous year’s na-tional launch site support pro-ject itself a collaborative pro-ject, delivered by ECIA (VC) through funding gained by ECIA (NSW), ECIA National began the development of National Guidelines for the delivery of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services under the NDIS. Also man-aged by ECIA (VC), the Na-tional Guidelines project has drawn on resources across the country. These projects and other na-tional representation opportu-nities, such as the NDIS na-tional CEO Forum and the

relationships formed with the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Department of Social Services, have created excellent opportunities for ECIA to continue to signifi-cantly influence the future of early childhood intervention in Australia. To ensure that out-comes driven by the NDIS positively impact on the de-gree to which children are ac-tively participating in main-stream activities, ECIA Nation-al will continue to progress the inclusion agenda and the de-mand for high quality service delivery. ECIA National thanks ECIA (VC) for its commitment to progressing ECIA nationally, to Anoo and Susan for their representation on National Council and for their signifi-cant contribution to national projects.

“2014/ 15

could be

considered a

watershed

year for ECIA

National.”

ECIA National Report

Professional Development Report

Domenica Decrea, Events and

Training Manager

tion of knowledge about a child's sensory preferences, and how Early Childhood Inter-vention professionals can work with families, Early Childhood Educators and others, to incorporate good practice and evidence-based strategies into a child's everyday life (contextual application), building on evidence-based practices such as family centred practice, use of strengths and interest-based learning and everyday activities. Also, we had the exciting opportunity to work with Community Child Care Association and the ISA Manager’s group for the sec-ond ISF professional learning day. War-ren Cann (psychologist, director of the Rais-ing Children Network, & CEO of the Parent-ing Research Centre) was the keynote speaker for the day, discussing collaborative goal setting. Also, with extensive experience in the education and health sectors, as lec-turer, teacher, trainer, parent educator and practitioner, Jeannette Miller from the Aus-tralian Childhood Foundation, also shared her insights on the day, focusing on develop-ing trauma informed practice.

ECIA (VC)’s training continued to be well re-ceived by ECI practitioners with over 450 par-ticipants attending courses in the past year. We delivered a range of professional devel-opment activities, including:

The Strengths Approach - Introductory Workshop

An Introduction to Counselling for Early Childhood Professionals

The Coach Approach Workshop

Family Partnerships Training We also had the pleasure of welcoming Win-nie Dunn on her Australian tour, where Win-nie shared insights into the practical applica-

PD Calendar Highlights Include:

The Strengths Approach - Intro-ductory Workshop

An Introduction to Counselling for Early Childhood Professionals

Advanced Counselling Training

The Coach Approach Workshop

Family Partnerships Training

The Winne Dunn National Tour

The Best of ECIA National Confer-ence

Working in ECI with People from a Culturally and Linguistically Di-verse Background

ECI National Guidelines Consulta-tions across Australia

NDIS Transition Morning Teas across Victoria

Membership Report

Membership Update

Life Membership provides ECIA(VC) with the opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution that specific individ-uals have made to ECIA (VC). Throughout the year the ECIA(VC) Committee invite mem-bers, supporters and staff to nominate for life membership any individual they consider has made an outstanding contribu-tion to ECIA VC).

This year we are thrilled to acknowledge the contribution of Elizabeth McGarry, and offer her life membership of ECIA(VC). Elizabeth joined the com-mittee of ECIA( VC) in 2010 and has only recently stepped down from the role in mid 2015. As CEO of Association of Chil-dren with a Disability, Elizabeth has worked in partnership with ECIA (VC) on projects to sup-port children and families in the

early intervention sector. How-ever beyond her professional partnership with us Elizabeth has also provided a guiding hand to our team. Elizabeth has always brought deep in-sight, understanding and vision to her support of ECIA (VC). It is with great pleasure that I am able to present Elizabeth with life membership of ECIA (VC).

ECIA (VC) is only as strong as its membership, and again this year we appreciate the support you have provided, the insights you have shared and your ongoing commitment to seeking to achieve the best outcomes for our children and their families. ECIA (VC) is committed to being your collected

voice in an ever developing service delivery environment.

2014 State Election Platform

Victoria has a rich legacy of providing nation-leading social services to its people. ECIA (VC) wants to support the Victorian Government continue this legacy into the future through the Education State initiative and the NDIS rollout. So for the 2014 Victorian State Government election, ECIA (VC) released our state election platform, “Painting a Picture for a Brighter Future: Ensuring all Children are Included in Victorian’s Plan for the Future” to help ensure that this legacy would continue. If you would like to read our state election platform in full, please visit our website. Recommendation Summary

Support for all children, regardless of their residency status

Investment to ensure that children and families awaiting services should be provided some support

Investment in NDIS readiness for families, communities and the early childhood inter-vention sector

Broaden the criteria for the Kindergarten Inclusion Support Program

A commitment to the implementation of best practice models and investment in pro-fessional development to ensure this

Maintaining and strengthen frameworks and standards

Encourage qualitative data collection focusing on a child’s experience and quality of life

Support for peak bodies who play an important role in advocacy for children and their families

Advocacy for our Members:

Life Membership

Staff and Contractor Thanks

ECIA (VC) has moved from strength to strength in 2014/15 thanks to the great team of people we have behind us. This includes both staff and contractors, all of whom have contributed above and beyond expectations and played a part in ECIA (VC) continuing to be a highly regarded and well recog-nised leader in influencing early childhood intervention policy and practice in Victoria, particularly in recent times, with the emergence of the National Disability Insur-ance Scheme.

2015 saw ECIA (VC) a farewell to Andrea Day from her position as our Education and Communica-tions Coordinator. Andrea’s knowledge, enthusiasm and ener-gy resulted in the growth of pro-fessional development opportuni-ties to meet the needs of the ECI sector, as well as supporting member communications. We

thank Andrea for her time and commitment during her tenure with ECIA (VC). The Committee would like to thank everyone who has contribut-ed to the success of ECIA (VC) this financial year. This includes David Quin who in a very short period of time, contributed to the organisation’s growth includ-ing team expansion and greater diversity of knowledge and skills, placing us in a strong position for the future. We are fortunate enough to have engaged Elizabeth McGarry as our part time interim Executive Officer to support us while we re-cruit a full time Executive Officer. Although Elizabeth will only be supporting us for a short time, we are certain that her extensive ex-perience will make a huge differ-

ence to ECIA( VC) and our team in ensuring things continue to run smoothly. Also, a special thanks to Anna McCracken, NDIS Transition Advisor and Policy and Projects Manager, who has done a stel-lar job in advocating for the ECI sector to ensure its uniqueness is strongly recognised in the out-comes of NDIS policy.

BUNES NME

Personnel Chart

“ECIA

(VC)

would

like to

thank

retiring

member

Val

Johnson

for her

many

years of

service.”

Office Staff Position

Domenica Decrea Events and Training Manager

Elaine Marjoram Office Manager

Anna McCracken Policy and Projects Manager

Elizabeth McGarry Interim Executive Officer

Bryn Power Administration and Membership Officer

Gabrielle Toscano Project Officer

Support Staff Position

Damian Chrystie Accountant

Damien Ryan IT Support

Consultants Projects & Professional Development

Sue Drummond Working in ECI with People from CALD

Winnie Dunn Winnie Dunn National Tour

Bernadette Glass Strengths Approach Training

Helena Gonebale Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cul-tural Awareness Training

Robynne Moore Introduction & Advanced Counselling

Previous Staff Position

Rebecca Armel Bookkeeper

Dree Ballardin ECI National Guidelines Project Lead

Edward Capel Content Producer

Andrew Cunningham & Data Cen- IT Support

Andrea Day Education & Communications Coordinator

Liz Harris Administration Support

Wes Langmaid & Corporate As-sist

Accounting Support

David Quin Executive Officer

Leah Temme ECI National Guidelines Project Officer

Overall ECIA (VC)’s finances are in a strong position with a total equity at year end of $286,248. Our revenue for 2014/15 totalled $380,943 in compari-son to income of $538,526 in 2013/14. We had a deficit of funds amounting to $177,955 comprised of specific grant monies for projects to be completed in 2014/15 from monies received in late 2013/14.

Our income included a number of grants from the De-partment of Education and Training, the Department of Social Security under the National Disability Insurance Agency, and ECIA National. $139,800 in grant funding was provided by the Department of Education and Training to support our activities. I am pleased to be able to once more thank the Minister and the depart-ment for their on-going support.

BUNES NME

Treasurer Report

Karen Anderson, Treasurer

Our income from membership continued to rise in the 2013/14 financial year. This is a result of the quality professional develop-ment and the support that ECIA (VC) continues to provide to our members. We are grateful to all who have contributed to ECIA (VC)’s recent growth. Overall, expenses totalled $558,898.This comprised $95,711 expenditure in operational costs, $23,711 in professional develop-ment delivery, $190,256 on pro-jects, with a further $249,724 on personnel. This demonstrates a rise in our turnover on the previ-ous year. The Finance & Risk Sub-committee in 2014/15 included myself as Treasurer, Sue Hall (President) and Gavin Hince (Secretary). It has been a busy year for this sub-committee and I thank them for their faithful and persistent work.

We farewelled our previous ac-countant Wes Langmaid of Cor-porate Assist and thank him for is guidance and expertise. MSI Ragg-Weir have continued to support us in their well adminis-tered function as auditors. In par-ticular I would like to thank Adri-an Fong and his team for their careful and professional review of our work.

Confirmation of Auditor

MSI Ragg Weir was appointed as auditors for the 2014/15 finan-cial year.

We thank them for their reliability and professional manner again this year.

“I am pleased to

be able to once

more thank the

Minister and the

department for

their on-going

support.”

for young children of all abilities to fully participate

Documents