Your source for early childhood links, resources and news.
In this fortnight's huge ECA WebWatch we explore:
- leadership in early childhood
- understanding and supporting learning through play
- how children learn about 'difference'.
Plus all the latest news, events and resources.
Early childhood climate change group
Before we get on to the links, we have to let you know about Early Childhood Australia's Global Warming e-Group.
Early childhood professionals from across Australia have joined ECA in highlighting the ways in which issues of climate change and sustainability are central to the early childhood field.
The group have contributed to Early Childhood Australia's new Sustainability, global warming and climate change resource theme, which contains helpful links, articles and resources.
Now on to the links ...
Latest Voice newsletter online
ECA Voice – Vol. 7 No. 3 2007 (PDF)
View the new issue of Voice online. It contains excerpts from papers written by members of ECA's Global Warming e-Group on climate change and its impact on young children.
Leadership in early childhood
Everyday leadership: A Centre for Creative Leadership research report (PDF)
This document provides an overview of a unique study conducted by the Centre for Creative Leadership into the qualities, skills and attributes of leaders in everyday fields and roles.
Play and learning
Creating connections, building constructions: Language, literacy and play in early childhood
As educators are required to follow more and more programs and policies on literacy and learning it's easy to lose sight of the important role of play. This in-depth guide illustrates the important connection between literacy and play and suggests everyday ways we can strengthen this relationship.
Better kid care: Play is the business of kids
A wonderfully practical guide that assists parents and other carers to understand and support children's play.
Understanding 'difference'
Understanding same and different (classification)
Children learn a great deal about similarity and difference through play involving classification and collection. You can help children learn about these fundamental maths concepts through many everyday activities.
Diversity and difference (Supporting Best Practice)
These four links from Early Childhood Australia's popular Supporting Best Practice web directory provide valuable insights into how children discover cultural difference.
Diversity and difference: Lighting the spirit of identity (sample chapter) (PDF)
A sample chapter from Early Childhood Australia's best-selling book Diversity and difference, exploring the ways young children think about beauty and what this means for social and emotional development.
Latest early childhood news
Child Care Accreditation System – draft guide to the standards (PDF)
The National Childcare Accreditation Council has released the draft guide for review by stakeholders.
Email feedback to CCQA.Feedback@facsia.gov.au by 20 September 2007
Increase in funding to child care services
Early Childhood Australia welcomes the Commonwealth Government's announcement to increase funding to Budget Based Funded childcare services by 20 per cent to $45.5 million. This is a great development for these services which will assist with their ongoing viability.
Government intervention in Indigenous communities – responses continue
The Commonwealth Government's actions in the Northern Territory have triggered strong responses from many groups.
Quality-assured resources from Early Childhood Australia
Diversity and difference: Lighting the spirit of identity provides an inspiring yet confronting insight into how young children perceive cultural and racial equity, highlighting areas in which all early childhood practitioners can have a positive influence.
All the colors we are: The story of how we get our skin color uses fantastic photographs and simple, appealing language to engage children in valuable discussion about what unites all people but also makes us unique.
Browse Early Childhood Australia's easy-to-use online catalogue.
Upcoming events
National Awards for Quality Schooling 2008
In 2008 there will be 64 awards in seven categories and more than $1.1 million in prizes open to all teachers, principals, support staff members and schools at pre-primary, primary and secondary levels.
Nominations close 15 October 2007
Quality Counts Conference (PDF)
Responsive and effective childcare
20 September 2007
Citigate Albert Park, Melbourne
Celebrating 10 years of the Royal Children's Hospital's Childcare and Children's Health program.
Unlocking Workforce Potential Conference
Making a difference
31 October–1 November 2007
SMC Conference Centre, Sydney
This conference will look at what drives change, and implementation and innovation in workforces.
Early bird discount available – register by 31 August
Joint Australian & NZ Research in Early Childhood Conference
22–23 January 2008
Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Melbourne
In order to strengthen and further extend early childhood research, Australian Research in Early Childhood Education (ARECE) has combined their conference with the New Zealand Early Childhood Research Conference.
The call for papers is now open until 21 November 2007
Keep track of important sector events with Early Childhood Australia's online calendar.
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 35, August#2 2007. © Early Childhood Australia.
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