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Early Childhood Education and Care News
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May 26, 2020
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Kia ora, this week strategies for reducing the risk of educators sustaining injuries in early childhood settings and we've got the lowdown on Budget 2020, which delivered good news for ECE teachers
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Techniques and tips to avoid back pain and injury
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The reality of working in early childhood education and care means increased rates of lifting, bending and carrying, and these daily demands can pose a significant risk of injury especially to the back, shoulders or neck. It can be a physically demanding job so reducing the risk of harm through a combination of awareness and safe behaviours is important to the health and wellbeing of all staff members.
Ever wondered how much cumulative weight an early childhood educator may be lifting throughout the day? According to a recent Australian study, an educator working with children in nappies is lifting a cumulative load of 193kg in a typical three and a half hour time span. Educators involved in preparation tasks – setting up outdoor environments and moving furniture – were lifting about 187kg in the same time frame.
The study identified changing nappies as the most demanding task on educators' backs followed by injuries caused by lifting, carrying and moving children and objects. Consider the amount of daily bending and stretching, reaching up and down, to the left and to the right, and it becomes evident that a 'typical day' could easily cause a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in the longer term.
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Pay boost for ECE teachers
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Highlighting the significant difference in pay rates between early childhood education (ECE) teachers and teachers in other schools and kindergartens, the 2020 Budget has delivered a significant funding boost of $151.1 million over four years for early learning services to increase the pay of around 17,000 educators.
The minimum salary for teachers working in early childhood education centres is currently $45,491 or $46,832, depending on their qualifications. On 1 July 2020, the minimum salary will increase to $49,862 – bringing them in line with kindergarten teachers.
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