SOME central Victorian kindergarten staff have expressed concerns about returning to classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Shine Bright chief executive Suzi Sordan said students would return to centres from Wednesday after federal and state governments deemed kindergarten and childcare were essential services.
Ms Sordan said some staff were concerned and frustrated that centres would remain open during the coronavirus outbreak.
"There are staff that are in the situation where themselves or their families are compromised," she said.
Ms Sordan said Shine Bright would be working in the coming weeks to ensure appropriate measures were in place for all staff, students, and families.
"We're asking families to provide information about whether they intend to send their child to class," she said.
"That will help inform our service model going forward. If there are low numbers, we may look at combining sessions but we will need to review that.
"For the staff who have been identified at a level of risk, we will look at alternative duties like remote learning. But we will be working towards that over the next two to three weeks.
"In the interim, we are allowing staff to take leave provisions if they are concerned."
Ms Sordan said there was a dip in attendance numbers at the end of term one, with smaller classes also expected in the coming months.
Jenny's Early Learning Centre director Darren Reid said there had also been a drop in attendance number at the childcare centres.
But Mr Reid said the federal government's assurance that childcare was essential had boosted confidence in the community.
"I think we're all starting to embrace the new normal," he said.
"After two weeks of such a fluid and changing situation, we now have some clarity around what early childhood education will look like in the near future.
"Attendance numbers are still considerably lower than the families that are booked.
"But there has been a marked increase in the number of children that are attending services compared to the end of March."
Mr Reid said the provider would look at online programs to assist families who choose to keep their children at home during the pandemic.
"We're exploring things like Zoom group times so families can dial in from home and have the same opportunities of education and care," he said. "We will be exploring that this week."
Ms Sordan said Shine Bright was also looking to implement elements of remote learning.
"Our staff have been using the pupil free days to prepare for term two," she said.
"They have been looking at platforms that will allow them to interact with children and families directly.
"But at the same time, we will also be running in person sessions so we need to be mindful of the workload of our staff."