All the latest in early childhood...

Once again ECA WebWatch contains a host of great links and resources for you.

In this issue we take a look at several important new developments in the early childhood sector:

• the first chapter of Labor's 'education revolution' and Early Childhood Australia's response
• the Federal Government's proposed new quality accreditation system
• helping families through the first year of primary school
• updates on sustainability education and managing common colds in children's services.

Plus the latest quality-assured books from Early Childhood Australia.

Support for early childhood qualifications

Federal Opposition unveils new early childhood education initiative
The Labor Party has announced it will provide access to 15 hours of play-based learning for all four-year-olds. Early Childhood Australia's National President, Margaret Young, has responded favourably:

'Early Childhood Australia welcomes the announcement by Kevin Rudd ... This promise is strengthened by the associated commitment to provide funding to increase the number of university places for early childhood teaching degrees.

'However it needs to be flexible in order to account for the different ways in which programs operate. The aim must be to have a qualified teacher delivering the whole program.'

Creating a qualified preschool teaching workforce (PDF)
The importance of qualified early childhood staff is addressed in this report from the US National Institute for Early Education Research. It is quite a long paper but is interesting reading given Labor's recent announcement.

The new government system for quality standards

Integrated Child Care Quality Assurance (CCQA): Draft standards for discussion
The first draft of the standards for the new CCQA system is available on the NCAC homepage, directly under the 'What's New' banner.

This new system will have a huge effect on the field, and Early Childhood Australia encourages everyone to take a look and make a contribution. All feedback should be emailed to CCQA.Feedback@facsia.gov.au.

Resources on starting school

Your child's first year at school: A book for parents
Early Childhood Australia's new book has received rave reviews from all over the country. It is available to purchase in bulk subscription only—please contact your primary school principal to place an order.

You can view a sneak peek of Your Child's First Year at School on the ECA website.

About school-age children (Supporting Best Practice)
These three great links on guiding children through their first years of school come from ECA's Supporting Best Practice web directory, which contains 100s of links to free quality-assured fact sheets and articles.

Sustainability in early childhood

Draft action plan and survey for sustainability education
The Australian Government has begun the process of developing a National Action Plan for Education for Sustainable Development (NAP ESD). The objective of the Plan is to contribute to the achievement of a more sustainable Australia through community education and learning.

The survey on sustainability education is open until 16 February 2007.

'Common colds need common sense, they don't need antibiotics'

Interactive staff updates in June 2007 – assisted by NPS
Why don't common colds need antibiotics? What are certain cold symptoms really telling you? Keeping up to date with infection control, hygiene, health policy and practice for common colds is important for your staff and your families.

National Prescribing Service (NPS) is offering children's services a range of materials and resources to help educate your staff on the facts about common colds.

Register your interest in running a staff update on the NPS website. Registrations close 9 March 2007.

For more information, email customerservice@nps.org.au or call 02 8217 8700.

Australian parenting website

The Raising Children Network contains comprehensive and practical parenting information. The site also includes activities for children from birth to eight years.

Early Childhood Australia books

All books are quality assured by Early Childhood Australia.

Capture the moment: Using digital photography in early childhood settings opens up a whole new world of communication. Learn how to create positive outcomes through digital portfolios, photo storybooks, games, puzzles and charts designed by children.

Everyday learning about children's behaviour is a clear, easy-to-read approach to teaching about behaviour in a positive way. An essential resource; covering topics such as: what to expect at different ages, tips for toddlers, planning ahead, discipline problems and troubleshooting.

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 22, February 2007. © Early Childhood Australia.