Fortnightly news and resources for all early childhood carers and educators.
This issue of ECA WebWatch brings you ideas and advice on a huge range of topics – from learning at mealtimes to respect and inclusion in the early childhood field. This jam-packed issue contains:
- A call to action – support early childhood education.
- What to know about inclusion and respect.
- Dozens of links and resources on helping children sleep.
- Priority areas for the early childhood sector in the upcoming election.
- Your guide to upcoming events.
ECA WebWatch also brings you the best quality-assured books and updates on the latest early childhood news.
Plus, don't forget
Only two days left of Early Childhood Australia's massive clearance sale. Prices as low as under $3 (inc. p&h). Many books on sale for last time ever!
Sale ends this Wednesday – don't miss out!
Recognition and support of early childhood education
Dr Ross A. Thompson, Professor of Psychology, University of California:
'Improving Head Start for America's Children' (PDF)
An inspirational viewpoint! With the lead-up to the Australian federal election, it is important to push hard now for the recognition of children's services. We must all speak up to counter the belief that education and teaching are not important aspects of work with children from birth to three.
Inclusion and respect
Rights of Indigenous Australians (Supporting Best Practice)
These three links from Early Childhood Australia's Supporting Best Practice web directory assist educators and carers in understanding and respecting Australia's Indigenous cultures.
What are ways other people can show respect for my child and family?
A list for everyone – basic rules of courtesy and respect when communicating with all children, especially those who have a disability.
Young children's care and education
Baby and toddler sleeping (ECA resource theme)
A huge collection of books, free resources and links to assist parents and other carers in helping babies, toddlers and preschoolers get the right amount and kind of sleep – one of Early Childhood Australia's fantastic new resource themes.
Shapes (Provider–Parent Partnerships)
Children learn to recognise letters and numbers by playing with shapes. This helpful guide suggests activities to encourage and support shape play.
At meals (Born Learning)
Fun suggestions to help parents and carers to use mealtimes most effectively in helping children develop their communication skills.
Early Childhood Australia advocacy – election agenda
Make your vote count – make children's issues a determining factor at the upcoming election.
Early Childhood Australia has committed five main issues to its election agenda:
- Sustainability and climate change – a future for our children
- Indigenous young children and families
- Parenting support, including paid family leave
- Investment in early childhood – strong foundations for our children's lives
- Children's rights – the right to quality early childhood services
Watch this space! These will be focus areas in the lead-up to the election, and Early Childhood Australia will be sending around more information in the coming months. In the meantime, we ask all ECA WebWatch readers to consider these issues.
Please send through your feedback on any of these issues: webwatch@earlychildhood.org.au
What's happening in early childhood?
The Early Childhood Australia news page provides regular, succinct summaries of the developments you need to know about in the early childhood field.
You can discover early childhood conferences and events quickly and easily through Early Childhood Australia's online calendar.
Quality-assured books and resources
Only two days left of ECA's massive clearance sale. This is your last chance to buy many of our fantastic titles – books from less than $3 (inc. p&h)!
Diversity and difference: Lighting the spirit of identity helps carers and educators to positively influence children in terms of inclusion, social justice and equity.
Everyday learning about fussy eaters provides practical advice to help parents and carers concerned about babies, toddlers and preschoolers who are fussy about their food.
Discover many more resources in Early Childhood Australia's easy to use online catalogue.
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 31, June#2 2007. © Early Childhood Australia.
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