Creating child-safe environments starts with understanding the risks, recognising the warning signs, and strengthening safeguarding practices across the whole service community.
 
This important professional learning session is designed for early childhood educators, leaders and approved providers, providing an overview of the prevalence, nature and impacts of child sexual abuse within Australian communities and education settings.
 
Using an ECEC-focused case study, participants will explore why Education Ministers across Australia agreed to a comprehensive package of child safety reforms and what these changes mean for services in practice.
 
Topics covered include:
• Overview of Child Abuse in Australia
• Child Abuse Facts, Myths & Misconceptions
• Grooming Behaviours
• Children Displaying Harmful Sexual Behaviours
• ECEC Case Study
• Child Safeguarding: Increasing Protective Factors & Decreasing Risk Factors
• Whole of Service & Community Approach
 
This session will also explore key reform areas including:
 
• Notification time frames
• Refinements to Quality Area 2, Element 2.2.3
• Digital technologies and online environments
• Personal device use in services
• Proposed changes to national law and regulations
• Mandatory Child Safety and Child Protection training
 
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and practical strategies to help foster safer, more protective environments for children.
 
Please note: This training will not include specific Victorian legislative reforms.