Welcome to another issue of ECA WebWatch, full of links to some of the best sites we’ve found on the internet.

Two topics which are particularly relevant for those working and studying in the field are: the significant issue of a Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Services; and, on a more ‘practical’ note, what to do with young children now that spring has finally sprung!

But first, here are some great fact sheets and articles about communication with young children, and the issue of colds in early childhood services.

Enjoy!

This issue's links

Communication and relationships (Supporting Best Practice)
Five links from ECA's Supporting Best Practice web directory to support parents and caregivers to build positive adult-child relationships, based on mutual respect and communication.

What you need to know about common colds
Although winter is over, the common cold is still lurking. This fact sheet is from the National Prescribing Service’s Common Colds Need Common Sense campaign.

A Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Services

Proposed update of the National Statement on Quality Early Learning and Child Care (PDF)
This is a really useful statement given the current focus on the Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Services. Asks 'What is quality care?' and gives examples of the many ways to promote quality early learning and child care.

Inclusion and support in the protection of our children’s rights
A Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Services will be inclusive of the rights of children with additional needs. In this article from ECA’s Every Child magazine, Robin Sullivan provides insight into her career-long devotion to the education, care and protection of children.

In the garden with children in spring

Two great everyday activities to involve and excite young children, and introduce them to the wonders found in the environment around them.

From caterpillars to butterflies...
Collecting and observing caterpillars will introduce children to the metamorphic lifecycle of moths and butterflies. It will foster children's interest in the natural world and increase their awareness of their local environment.

Do snails have a homing instinct?
See if the snails in your garden have a homing instinct. This exercise is an entertaining way to investigate the behaviour of a common garden pest. It will increase your children's investigative skills.

ECA National Council meeting

15-16 September 2006
Perth

The ECA National Council is a general meeting of the organisation, held at least once annually. It is responsible for approving Early Childhood Australia’s strategic direction and position statements on policy issues. The Council 2006 Agenda includes:

• the new ECA Code of Ethics for the early childhood field will be presented and endorsed
• the Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Services and positions resolved about the way forward for young children
• what should be included if gold-star accreditation status is introduced.

Updates for the early childhood field

Vulnerable children survey
Early Childhood Australia has been asked to get 'voices from the field' about building the capacity of the children's services sector to support vulnerable children and families. Please take the time to do this 10-question survey.

PhD scholarships at Macquarie University, 2007 (PDF)
PhD scholarships are available for full-time research at Macquarie University in 2007. Of particular interest is Project 4, identifying potentially gifted children in childcare settings and intervening appropriately (including in the transition to school).

Early Childhood Australia books

Use your words: How teacher talk helps children to learn is about what you say to children and how you say it. It examines the connections between the ways you speak and the ways children behave and learn.

Everyday learning in the backyard contains a wealth of simple, yet creative ideas to make the most of children's natural desire to explore their outdoor surroundings.

Gardens are places where a child's imagination engages nature – and the result is joyful learning. Hollyhocks and honeybees: Garden projects for young children will give you all the support and motivation to garden with young children.

All books are quality assured by Early Childhood Australia.

Let us know what you think! We welcome any suggestions or comments you have: webwatch@earlychildhood.org.au

Past issues of ECA WebWatch are available on the Early Childhood Australia website.

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ECA WebWatch - Issue 16, September #2 2006. Early Childhood Australia.