Kindergarten Cluster Management
Background to the initiative
The kindergarten cluster management initiative was introduced in 2002-2003 (initially called Group Employment). Cluster management takes the hard work out of kindergarten for parents and management committees. Kindergarten cluster management looks after licensing, funding and staff employment for kindergartens in the cluster.
Cluster managers:
- provide management services for the kindergarten,
- support teacher development and networking opportunities,
- allow parents to actively participate in the children’s education,
without the stress of managing the service. There are many successful kindergarten cluster managers, including local government and community organisations, operating in Victoria.
Funding of $6.2 million over four years was allocated in the 2007-2008 State Budget to support and strengthen kindergarten cluster management so that the right arrangements are in place in order to deliver quality programs for children.
Setting up cluster management
Kindergarten cluster management is a key strategy to build a stronger universal kindergarten service system for children and families.
Under cluster management, annual funding is provided for management services for each kindergarten in the cluster. Additional funding is provided in the establishment stage.
Contact your regional office of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to discuss joining a cluster with your regional cluster management project officer.
- Guide to setting up Cluster Management (PDF - 715Kb)
- Kindergarten cluster management - brochure (PDF - 280Kb)
- Adding locations to existing cluster arrangements (PDF - 234Kb)
- Kindergarten cluster management - a brief guide for local government in supporting and/or taking up cluster management (PDF - 544Kb)
Cluster management review
A Review of Kindergarten Cluster Management was undertaken in 2007 to determine the status of the kindergarten cluster management initiative. The review found that parents are benefiting as a result of the reduced pressure on them to manage services and that staff are benefiting through a more stable and supportive management model.
The Government Response to the Review highlights the Government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening cluster management.
In May 2008, as part of the Government Response, the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development announced a $2.83 million package of funded initiatives to assist cluster management organisations to strengthen governance arrangements within their organisation and to promote innovation and place based examples of best practice.
The Government Response to the Review outlines new policy directions and initiatives that will cement kindergarten cluster management as an integral element in the delivery of quality early childhood education and care services across Victoria.
- Review Report of Kindergarten Cluster Management (PDF - 965Kb)
- Government Response to the Report on the Review of Kindergarten Cluster Management (PDF - 365Kb)
- Kindergarten Cluster Management Review July 2008 - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF - 68Kb)
Specifications
Prior to the publication of the Review on Cluster Management and the Government Response, suitably qualified and experienced organisations were invited to submit applications to become cluster managers within the specifications titled, “Kindergarten Cluster Management Arrangements Stage Four”.
A copy of the Kindergarten Cluster Management – Stage Four submission brief which provides further information is attached below. Existing cluster managers can increase the number of kindergarten locations within their cluster arrangement at any time. Cluster managers are advised to contact their DEECD regional office for further details. See also the form Cluster Managers wishing to add locations (PDF - 234Kb)
New cluster managers should use the following document in the preparation and lodgement of submissions for the provision of a cluster management arrangement for kindergartens.
As a result of the Government Response, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is chairing a Cluster Management Improvement Advisory Group to support development of a comprehensive new policy framework and implementation of the actions outlined in the response.
Refined specifications will result from this new policy framework. In the interim, local governments and experienced community managed not-for-profit organisations interested in becoming kindergarten cluster managers should contact their regional office for support and information.