The APS has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to develop a promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative for the early childhood sector (KidsMatter Early Childhood), based on the KidsMatter initiative for primary schools (refer www.kidsmatter.edu.au).

The initiative will be developed in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, beyondblue: the national depression initiative and Early Childhood Australia and will target children aged birth to 5 years in preschools and long day care centres, their parents, carers, teachers and child care workers.  It is expected that the initiative will be piloted in approximately 50 early childhood centres over 2009-2011.

It is expected that the initiative will be based on the framework for the KidsMatter initiative for primary schools.  This multifaceted program aims to strengthen children’s mental health by enhancing identified protective factors and reducing risk factors for poor mental health in children. KidsMatter is being implemented in primary schools through four key components:
1) creating a positive school community;
2) mental health promotion for students, particularly through strengthening their social and emotional competence;
3) parenting support and education; and
4) early intervention for students who are at risk of, or experiencing, mental health difficulties.

The KidsMatter Early Childhood initiative is in the beginning stages of development.  The partners will collaborate to further develop the framework and model for implementation of the initiative.  It is expected that the APS will have the lead role in the development of materials, resources and professional development for the initiative as well as website management. 

Key Responsibilities

A small team will be recruited to the project to enable the APS to take the lead role in the development of materials, resources and professional development for the initiative as well as website management.  It is expected that the Project Coordinator will conceptualise the resources to be developed, in consultation with the Manager and project partners, and will undertake drafting and development of materials, with the assistance of team members.

Pilot Model Development
-  Assist in the adaptation of the KidsMatter Primary Schools model for preschools and long day care centres

Resource Development
- Prepare written materials about KidsMatter Early Childhood for early childhood, health and education systems, centre staff, parents and carers and the wider community
- Develop an Implementation Manual to guide preschools and long day care centres in addressing the four components of KidsMatter Early Childhood
- Lead the development of a programs guide that audits all available mental health programs for children aged birth to 5 years and their parents similar to that produced for KidsMatter Primary Schools
- Develop resources for preschools and long day care centre staff, parents and carers on mental health issues, social and emotional development and associated parenting skills relevant to children aged birth to 5 years

Professional Learning
- Develop and deliver professional learning for project officers who will work in each State/Territory to support pilot centres
- Develop professional learning for preschool and long day care centre staff

Strategic Directions
- Assist the Manager with the planning and strategic direction for KidsMatter Early Childhood

Outcomes and Deliverables
- Contribute to the achievement of outcomes and the delivery of project deliverables on time and within budget

Team Leadership
- Assist the Manager to provide leadership and direction to KidsMatter team members
- Contribute to recruitment and performance development of team members
 

Required skills and attributes

- Postgraduate qualifications in psychology or early childhood or a related discipline
- Knowledge and experience in the early childhood sector, including an understanding of mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention for children aged birth to 5 years
- Highly developed conceptual and written and oral communication skills, including
- the ability to write clearly and succinctly and to distil complex information for a wide range of audiences
- the ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders from health and education perspectives
- Experience in developing and delivering professional learning packages
- Demonstrated research and analytical skills
- Demonstrated experience in project management/coordination
- Ability to lead a team and to plan and manage time effectively to meet deadlines

A position description is available at: www.psychology.org.au/KM_004935/

Application Process

Please provide a written application:
- addressing the required skills and attributes in no more than five (5) pages;
- attaching a current curriculum vitae
- including the names and contact details of two (2) referees

Applications close:  9.00am 15 December 2008.

Applications should be sent, via post or email, to:

Sarah Cavanagh
Manager, Child and Youth Projects
Australian Psychological Society
PO Box 38, Flinders Lane PO
Melbourne VIC 8009
Email: s.cavanagh@psychology.org.au
Telephone: (03) 8662 3361

For further information about the position, please contact Sarah Cavanagh via the above contact details.