As the ACT rolls out early childhood education reforms, parents are calling for more support to help keep children safe in care settings.
A Body Safety Australia survey found that 77 per cent of parents and carers want help teaching their children how to prevent abuse.
In response, ACT Parents, the peak body for public school parents, has partnered with the ACT Education Directorate to host a free online forum: Safeguarding Children in Early Education & Care, on Monday 13 October at 6pm.
Speakers include: Deanne Carson, CEO of Body Safety Australia; Kara Bromley, Director of MOCCA – Manuka Childcare Centre; Yvette Berry MLA, ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood; and representatives from Children’s Education and Care Assurance (CECA), the ACT regulator.
The forum will explore how families, educators, regulators, and government can work together to strengthen child safety, trust, and communication in early learning.
“Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility,” Veronica Elliott, Executive Officer of ACT Parents, said. “This forum is about empowering parents and carers with quality information and practical strategies — so they feel confident reinforcing body safety messages and supporting their children’s wellbeing.”
Topics include recognising signs or situations that may not feel right; responding appropriately when concerns arise; and teaching body safety and confidence at home and in care.
