Chapter 1
Our Story
The North East Regional Pre-School Association (NERPSA) is a not-for-profit Early Years Management (EYM) organisation serving North East Victoria. We were established in 2004 through a partnership of local Early Childhood Services (ECS), working together to provide high-quality early childhood education and support to the region.
Our Structure and Governance
NERPSA is governed by a Board made up of two key groups: parents representing the participating ECS and community members with expertise in areas like early childhood education, finance, and governance. This combination of parent and community perspectives ensures we're responsive to the needs of families and the broader community while maintaining strong organisational practices. This structure means you’ll be working within a framework that values diverse viewpoints and collaboration.
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands where our services operate. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, recognizing their ongoing connection to Country and their invaluable contribution to our community. This Acknowledgement of Country is a key part of our commitment to creating culturally safe and inclusive environments for all children and families.
What this means for you
As a member of the NERPSA team, you're joining an organisation deeply rooted in the local community and dedicated to providing excellent early childhood experiences. We value collaboration, respect, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We encourage you to ask questions and get involved in shaping the future of NERPSA. We’re excited to have you on board!
Our Commitment to Child Safety
NERPSA is unequivocally committed to child safety and wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on cultural safety for all children and young people. We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and are dedicated to fostering a culture where every child and young person, regardless of their background, feels safe, respected, and empowered.
This commitment is underpinned by our adherence to all eleven Child Safe Standards, including the establishment of culturally safe environments that acknowledge and respect the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disabilities.
We actively work to understand and address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of each child, ensuring our practices are inclusive and responsive. We prioritise the active participation of children and young people in shaping our practices, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
Through ongoing training, clear policies, and continuous improvement, we strive to create and maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all children and young people connected to our organisation.
Our Values
Our values are the foundation of everything we do, guiding our interactions with children, families, colleagues, and the wider community. Here's a look at what each of our core values means in practice:
Responsiveness: We strive to be attentive and adaptable to the needs of the children, families, and communities we serve. This means actively listening, being flexible in our approach, and responding promptly and effectively to inquiries and feedback. As a staff member, this means being proactive, communicating clearly, and being open to new ideas and approaches.
Human Rights: We are committed to upholding the fundamental human rights of all individuals, including children. This includes the right to safety, respect, equality, and participation. In our work, this translates to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and their rights are protected. For you, this means treating everyone with dignity, respecting diverse perspectives, and promoting inclusivity in all your interactions.
Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our dealings. We are committed to doing what is right, even when it is challenging. As a NERPSA employee, this means maintaining confidentiality, acting with fairness, and being accountable for your actions.
Impartiality: We make decisions and provide services fairly and objectively, without bias or favoritism. We strive to treat everyone equitably and ensure equal access to opportunities. In practice, this means avoiding personal biases, treating all families with equal respect, and ensuring fairness in all your interactions.
Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and decisions. We are committed to being transparent and answerable for our performance. As a staff member, this means taking ownership of your work, being open to feedback, and striving for continuous improvement.
Leadership: We foster leadership at all levels of the organization, encouraging initiative, innovation, and collaboration. We empower our staff to take ownership and contribute to positive change. For you, this means taking initiative, sharing your ideas, and contributing to a positive and supportive team environment.
Respect: We value and appreciate the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. We treat everyone with courtesy, consideration, and empathy. This includes respecting diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. As a NERPSA team member, this means communicating respectfully, valuing different viewpoints, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
These values are not just words on a page; they are the principles that guide our daily work and define who we are as an organisation. We encourage you to reflect on these values and integrate them into your professional practice at NERPSA.
Our Vision
Helping children reach their potential through excellence in early childhood education.
Our Mission
Support our skilled staff to deliver quality, inclusive, play based education for the children in our care.
Our Goals
Access and Participation
Highly Skilled Collaborative Workforce
Quality
Strong Partnerships
Governance and Sustainability