Keeping you up to date on early childhood

It's official: Kevin Rudd is Australia's new Prime Minister. The federal election was a crucial opportunity to make gains for young children and we would like to thank everyone who sent the Early Childhood Australia election e-card, positioning the care and education of young children at the forefront of our politicians' minds.

Labor's plan for early childhood (PDF)
You can view what Labor has promised the early childhood sector, in this policy document.

Now on to the links! In this issue of ECA WebWatch:

• Responses to new government Cabinet
• School readiness and children's transitions
• New research on parenting practices
• Celebrating Christmas and seasonal events
• What to know about allergies

Plus the latest early childhood news, conferences and quality-assured books.

Positive responses to new government Cabinet

Early education and child care are winners in new Cabinet
Last week, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, announced his new Cabinet. Early Childhood Australia welcomed the appointment of Maxine McKew as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minster, with responsibility for early education and child care, and the appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, as the Minister for Education.

Kevin Rudd's appointment and his choices for the new Cabinet were also warmly welcomed by Childcare Associations Australia (PDF) and the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care.

School readiness and children's transitions

Many children will soon be looking forward to making transitions – from child care to preschool and from preschool to school. These articles will support parents and carers to help children enjoy and make the most of their experiences.

School readiness and children's transitions (ECA resource theme)
Early Childhood Australia has just launched a new 'School readiness and children's transitions' resource theme containing helpful links, resources and free online articles for all carers.

School readiness (Supporting Best Practice)
Three links from Early Childhood Australia's popular Supporting Best Practice web directory, for parents and children just starting school.

Great resource for parents: Your child's first year at school
Your child's first year at school: A book for parents is the bestselling resource produced by Early Childhood Australia in collaboration with the Australian Primary Principal Association.

With the support of Australian Scholarships Group, we are offering Your child's first year at school to primary school principals to order in bulk (min. 20 copies) for just $9.99 (plus p&h), reduced from last year's price of $14.99.

Parents and childcare staff: encourage your local school principal to order now for the 2008 school year.

Research into parenting practices

Policy Briefs - Parenting young children (PDF)
The latest issue of the Centre for Community Child Health's Policy Briefs explores the factors that influence parenting practices and their impact on children's development.

Research into early childhood eating patterns
Recently, Queensland University of Technology nutrition researcher, Lynne Daniels, conducted a survey of how mothers managed their young children's feeding. Her findings indicate that there needs to be better education of parents and carers about positive eating practices.

Christmas and seasonal celebrations

The ending and beginning of a new year are very significant times for children around the world. It is important for us to recognise the range of celebrations that take place through the year and to have an understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity in our services.

Family matters: Multi-faith celebrations
The BBC's Family Matters site has a helpful list of significant dates and annual celebrations across the globe. The site also has useful sections on buying gifts for babies and toddlers and school-age children.

Allergies in services

Anaphylaxis – Guidelines for Children's Services 2007 (PDF)
The NSW Department of Community Services has prepared this very helpful fact sheet.

Please note that this guide is designed for NSW and other states may have their own versions of anaphylaxis guidelines.

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
This is the website of the peak professional body of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists in Australia and New Zealand – it contains many helpful resources for educators and carers, including anaphylaxis action plans.

Upgrade your childcare qualifications

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
Monash University is offering a new degree in Early Childhood Studies designed for graduates of a Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services) or for other practitioners with equivalent, approved qualifications. Candidates will receive credit for their previous studies and/or work experience.

Students in rural Victoria have the option of studying part-time. Lectures are delivered face to face and are supported by mailouts and online resources. Monash University is continuing to develop opportunity and is looking to offer student exchanges and rural placements.

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Upcoming conferences

Early Childhood Australia National Conference
Children: A nation's capital – Investing in our children
3–6 October 2008
National Convention Centre, Canberra

Don't miss Early Childhood Australia's 70th birthday conference – the call for papers is now open until 31 January 2008.

15th Conference Reconceptualising Early Childhood Education: Research, Theory, Policy and Practice
Growing up Global: Whose voices? Whose choices? Whose decisions?
13–17 December 2007
Hong Kong Institute of Education

An interdisciplinary conference exploring the expanding boundaries of early childhood education and studies, particularly focusing on how young children construct their emerging senses, storylines and performances of self.

Early Childhood Australia's online calendar is the quick and easy way to keep track of what's happening in early childhood.

Quality-assured resources from Early Childhood Australia

Successful kindergarten transition: Your guide to connecting children, families and schools is a step-by-step practical handbook for early childhood professionals to develop and implement a solid kindergarten transition plan.

Practical solutions to practically every problem: The early childhood teacher's manual is classic resource book that offers hundreds of solutions to tricky problems and questions that are part of every childhood practitioner's day.

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 42, December 2007. © Early Childhood Australia.