Phase Two of Set up for Success: An Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT 
(845kb) includes the initiative to establish a sector-wide workforce development program in inclusive educational practices, including building capability in culturally inclusive educational practices across ECEC settings.
In partnership with Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) 
, the Education Directorate is developing an online professional learning program aimed at enhancing the ability of early childhood educators to implement culturally inclusive and responsive practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
A full online professional learning package will be released to the sector in late 2024.
Resources currently available include:
- EYLF V2.0 Principle Reflection Sheet (1.3Mb) – guides individuals/teams to reflect on the EYLF V2.0 Principle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives
- Your Journey Reflection Sheet (1.5Mb) – guides individuals to reflect on their own connection to Country and approach to developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families
- Introduction to Module 3: Building Relationships and Making Connections – Sample video from the package
Excursions at Birrigai Outdoor School
To complement the professional learning package, early childhood education and care (ECEC) services can now access free Connection to Country excursions at Birrigai Outdoor School. The excursions are open to four-year-old preschool groups from long day care settings only.
Birrigai Connection to Country excursion flyer (7.1Mb)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Expert Panel
The professional learning program was developed in consultation with an Expert Panel, comprised of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the ACT community. Engagement with the Expert Panel was essential to ensuring that the content of the program reflects local Ngunnawal culture and meets the community’s needs now and into the future, particularly around cultural safety and integrity.
The Expert Panel comprised:
- Lee-Ann Daley, Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation
- Amanda Fleming, Child and Family Centres (previously Koori Preschool)
- Catherine Law, CIT Yurauna
- Kylee Shae, CIT Yurauna
- Melissa Bulger, CIT Yurauna
- Bek Weddell, Education Directorate.
Local Ngunnawal and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations were also involved in the development of this program.
Commissioned artwork
The Directorate engaged LaToya Kennedy of Kalari Art , to design an artwork for use throughout the professional learning package. LaToya is a proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri woman who grew up in Canberra and now resides on Dharawal Country in Wollongong NSW.
The artwork, titled Sharing Knowledge depicts the strong connections and learning pathways that our educators provide. It represents equality, relationships, respect, opportunities, trust and growth between educators/teachers and our growing boori’s and guudha’s (babies and children).
