The family day care sector has been a focus of Ahead for Business for several years, recognising the unique environment and responsibilities that come with working in this sector. In fact, family day care services provide support to over 107,000 children each year.
To support this important work, Everymind has launched its free professional development program for educators, managers and coordinators nationally, in partnership with Family Day Care Australia.
Supporting the mental health of children is the first-of-it's-kind online program specifically tailored to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in family day care services.
Co-designed by mental health and early childhood education experts, the program has received positive feedback throughout its extensive trials, with one educator saying, “it should be a compulsory part of training for all educators.”
The online program equips family day care educators with the skills to maintain key partnerships with families and other professionals, create positive environments, support children’s social and emotional wellbeing, and develop early intervention strategies to support people experiencing mental ill-health.
Practical resources including fact sheets and planning tools make it easy for educators, managers and coordinators to apply what they learn to their day-to-day work.
Videos and podcasts from real-life educators, coordinators and leading academics help to make the information engaging, clear and concise.
The program also encourages family day care educators to reflect on their own mental health and wellbeing, and there is an additional module on how to foster a positive culture in their services specifically for managers and coordinators.
It’s been a tough year, and for some, Christmas is the shining light at the end of the 2020 tunnel with family celebrations, social connection and time off work. For others, the holiday period may be a time of stress or isolation, with many unable to travel to be with family or friends this year.
If you develop policy for small business owners or provide services to them, then you have an opportunity to support both their mental health and business health. You also have the chance to educate the broader community on how they can support small business.
eNews: Bringing together resources from the Ahead for Business digital hub with events and services from the community to support the mental health and wellbeing of small business owners.
Today is R U OK?Day, be sure to check in with those around you.