AUS: Practical ways to improve your NQF/NQS Score in Quality Area 6

Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

Overview

Quality Area 6 emphasizes the importance of supportive and respectful relationships with families. Such relationships are crucial for achieving quality outcomes for children. Active communication, consultation, and collaboration with the community play a significant role in children’s inclusion, learning, and wellbeing. Families, being the primary influence in their children’s lives, have strong beliefs and values about their children’s education and care. Collaborative partnerships between families and services allow children to develop a positive sense of self and experience respectful relationships. Engaging with local communities benefits children as it strengthens their interest and skills in being active contributors to their community.

Standard 6.1: Supportive relationships with families

This standard acknowledges the family as the most influential factor in a child’s life. Collaborative efforts between educators and families ensure that planned experiences for children are meaningful. Services that reflect on the concept of family can nurture the relationships between children and their families. Effective communication between educators and families builds shared understanding and expectations. Collaborative partnerships with families help in building a strong community within the service. Such partnerships also assist families to feel connected with their children’s experiences in education and care.

Questions for reflection on Standard 6.1

1. How do we help all families feel comfortable, welcome, and valued at the service?
2. How do we promote a common understanding of inclusion?
3. How do we support families to access community services and resources?

Standard 6.2: Collaborative partnerships

This standard recognizes the connections between children, families, the service, and communities. Collaborative relationships and partnerships are essential for enhancing children’s inclusion, learning, development, and wellbeing. Open communication and collaboration between the service, families, and other professionals within the community can be mutually beneficial. These partnerships assist in building an environment that supports inclusion and celebrates diversity.

Questions for reflection on Standard 6.2

1. How do we share information to support children’s learning and development with other services connected to the child and family?
2. How do we support each child’s transition from and to other education and care environments?
3. How are we assisting children and their families to develop a sense of belonging to their local community?

Practical ways to improve in Quality Area 6

1. Open Communication: Regularly communicate with families about their child’s progress, activities, and any concerns.
2. Community Engagement: Organize community events or participate in local events to strengthen ties with the community.
3. Feedback Mechanism: Create platforms where parents can provide feedback or suggestions.
4. Inclusive Practices: Ensure that the center’s activities and curriculum are inclusive, respecting the diverse backgrounds of all children and families.
5. Regular Workshops: Organize workshops or sessions for parents on topics like child development, parenting tips, etc.
6. Collaboration with Local Services: Collaborate with local services or organizations that can offer support or resources to families.
7. Transition Support: Provide support to children and families during transitions, whether it’s transitioning to a new class or to formal schooling.
8. Respect Cultural Differences: Celebrate different cultures and festivals at the center to make everyone feel included and respected.

By focusing on these areas and continuously reflecting on the service’s practices, early learning centers can significantly improve their collaborative partnerships with families and communities.