This issue of ECA WebWatch continues our recent look at two important issues facing the early childhood field:
- the state of child care in Australia
- ECA's campaign to raise the profile of early childhood issues at the upcoming election.
As always, our ECA WebWatch links also cover the latest news, developments and events, as well as giving practical support for those in the early childhood field.
For-profit vs community child care
ECA on ABC's Difference of Opinion 'Handle with Care'
Early Childhood Australia CEO, Pam Cahir, had the last word in ABC TV's Difference of Opinion. The show's panel comprised Eddy Groves (CEO of ABC Learning), Deborah Brennan (Associate Professor in Government at the University of Sydney), Bettina Arndt (social commentator and clinical psychologist), Barbara Romeril (executive director of Community Child Care Victoria) and Wendy McCarthy (educator and public advocate).
The discussion revolved around two key questions:
- Is the way government funds are allocated supporting for-profit childcare centres at the expense of community care?
- Is the system of rebates giving women no financial choice other than going back to work?
A transcript, videos and a discussion forum are available on the Difference of Opinion website.
What needs to happen in child care?
Read the recent open letter from ECA CEO, Pam Cahir, in which she confronts 'the fundamental issues facing child care in this country'.
Early childhood issues at the federal election
ECA's 'Put your hand up for children' e-card
Thank you to those who have helped raise the profile of early childhood issues at the upcoming federal election by joining ECA's 'Put your hand up for children' campaign.
Hundreds of people have now sent emails to our politicians. You can still help by forwarding this link to those interested in the care and education of young children.
If you have not yet done so, please read ECA's five-point Election Agenda and
send an e-card of your own.
Responses from politicians
Early Childhood Australia has received responses from Kevin Rudd, leader of the Opposition, and Lyn Allison, leader of the Australian Democrats.
Other early years initiatives
The National Federation of Parents, Families and Carers have also outlined their
10-point Federal Election Platform.
Practical links for carers and educators
Supporting independence
These four links from ECA's Supporting Best Practice web directory outline a range of ways in which carers can support children to develop skills of independence, including responsibility and self-regulation.
Preschool assessment: A guide to developing a balanced approach
A practical look at many issues surrounding assessment in children's services—from its purpose, to methods and portfolios—from the US National Institute for Early Education Research.
Early Childhood Australia news
Early Childhood Australia has recently released a number of media releases:
More early childhood news
Read all the latest on the ECA news page:
ECA 2008 Conference
Call for Papers now available
We are now accepting applications for presenters at the ECA 2008 Conference.
Read the Call for Papers and download an application form on the ECA 2008 Conference website.
Quality-assured books from Early Childhood Australia
Greening services: Practical sustainability is about empowering children and investing in their futures; creating positive change with everyday actions and by demonstrating to children what we value and care about.
Spotlight on young children and families promotes communication, cooperation and collaboration between home and early childhood programs—and acknowledges that families come in many forms.
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 40, November 2007. © Early Childhood Australia.
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