Also, if your service has adopted the new National Model Code for early childhood education and care you, shouldn’t have your personal device in your possession when working directly with children – this applies to educators, volunteers, students and other staff, including management.

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), in partnership with all governments, developed the National Model Code and Guidelines to promote a child-safe culture. Approved providers and their services are encouraged to adopt the voluntary Model Code.

The Model Code is currently only for early childhood education and care. Additional considerations need to be made for OSHC and family day care, but your service may choose to adopt aspects of the Model Code that will work for your context.

Mobile phones are very distracting and if you have one with you, you won’t be able to provide active supervision to the children in your care. Active supervision supports connections and relationships with children. If you have a device in your hands – whether
it’s personal or a centre device – you are not connecting with the little people who you are lucky enough to share your day with.

Every service has a landline so if you need to be contacted during your workday then you should give out the service number. My recommendation is to put all devices away and spend your time engaged with the children in your programs.

Narelle Lawton
Consultant, Community Child Care Association