The
Solutions Pilot Project is exploring ways of improving
the sustainability of cluster and independent kindergarten management. The three pilot areas are the City of Monash, Bass Coast Shire and Yarra Ranges Shire. The project partners are the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Kindergarten Parents Victoria, Monash University and Municipal Association of Victoria. The approaches include:- Identifying and recommending a range of management and committee governance models that will enhance the viability and sustainability of organisations who provide kindergarten programs.
- A dedicated early childhood management consultant offering individual support to each service working alongside kindergarten committees of management to proactively assist with issues as they emerge.
- Establishment of early years network (EYN) in each pilot area, focusing on governance and management issues. This network is primarily for kindergarten committees of management and cluster managers.
- Creation of a cluster manager and local government network that will build partnerships and promote collaborative planning.
- Facilitation of meetings to enhance partnerships (between local government kindergarten management bodies) and to increase understanding of the potential benefits of cluster management.
- The development of resources to assist local service planning. This will include ‘How to plan the kindergarten service your community needs’.
- Providing web based information and support thus enabling participants to access online resources. The online component will include examples of exemplary practice and provide the capability to share information with other Solutions participants.
- Improved mentoring of staff including through increased professional development for kindergarten teachers, delivered through the establishment of Monash University led early learning networks (ELN).
 | Solutions Member Area
Click here to log into the Solutions Portal for access to resources and further information. |
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KPV Solutions Needs Analysis Survey
Activity in the solutions pilot project has been informed by KPV’s regular interactions with our members, independent committee and cluster manager surveys and government reports. A Solutions Needs Analysis was also completed at commencement of the project. The Needs Analysis Survey presents findings from a survey undertaken in December 2008 with a sample of kindergartens in the City of Monash, Bass Coast Shire and the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Information gathered through the survey has been used to inform the development of the KPV Solutions Project. The intent of the survey was to obtain a snapshot of the governance and management arrangements for independently managed Kindergartens in the project areas. More particularly there was an interest in identifying common areas of need for management support and improvement.
Data collected and analysed in the survey has been organised around key themes, Governance, Management, Operational issues and general discussion of findings.
A full copy of the Needs Analysis is available here
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