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This jam-packed issue of ECA WebWatch looks at several important new developments in the early childhood sector, as well as providing links to great online resources.

• Linking parents with the early childhood sector
• ECA’s Code of Ethics
• Closing the Gap for Indigenous health and life expectancy
• Celebrating inspirational teachers

Plus: the latest awards, events and research in the sector; as well as the latest quality-assured books from Early Childhood Australia.

Involving parents to support the childcare sector – your sector

LHMU long day care parent survey
Long day care centres: please ask parents to complete this survey by 5pm, this Friday 4 April.

All responses will assist LHMU, the union which represents childcare workers, in campaigning to improve the Australian childcare sector.

By supporting this survey, you will be helping to gain more government resources and support for the childcare sector, as well as giving your long day care centre a chance to win educational resources

The parent partnership
These three links from ECA’s Supporting Best Practice web directory look at how early childhood professionals can foster the involvement and cooperation of parents at their centre.

ECA's Code of Ethics

Using the Code in everyday practice
This sample chapter from ECA's latest book, The Code of Ethics: A guide for everyday practice, introduces the Code and offers some examples for ethical exploration of the values that underpin our work.

The Code of Ethics
Early Childhood Australia's Code of Ethics is an aspirational guide to thinking about the ethical issues early childhood professionals encounter every day. The Code is available to view and download online.

Indigenous health status and life expectancy

Indigenous Health Equality Summit: Statement of Intent
A historic Statement of Intent between the Australian Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was signed at last month’s Indigenous Health Equality Summit. It outlines a shared commitment to close the gap in health status and life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by 2030.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, at the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC), has released two reports on issues affecting Indigenous Australians.

Social Justice Report
The Social Justice Report 'deals with the Northern Territory Intervention and looks at successful, community-run family violence prevention strategies'.

Native Title Report
The Native Title Report 'discusses recent amendments to Native Title law and policy in Australia and how these changes affect the land rights of Indigenous Australians'.

A community guide to the two reports on Indigenous issues is available from the HREOC website.

Inspirational teachers deserve recognition

Australian Scholarships Group Inspirational Teacher Awards
Teachers play a vital role in the lives of our children – great teachers encourage and inspire.

In 2008, NEiTA presents the Australian Scholarships Group Inspirational Teacher awards program, the only awards program that enables parents, early childhood communities and schools to nominate a teacher who makes positive contributions to the lives of their students and communities.

Show your teacher appreciation by nominating an outstanding teacher today! Nominations close on 31 July 2008.

National research into smoke alarm effectiveness

Wake the Kids
Victoria University is calling on parents around Australia to check if their home smoke alarms will effectively wake children in case of a fire.

Professor Dorothy Bruck is asking parents to test their alarms and fill out an online questionnaire which closes 14 April 2008.

What's on

ACOSS National Conference 2008
Taking steps for a fair go for all – social inclusion policies and practices
9–10 April 2008
Melbourne

First National Indigenous Family and Community Strengths Conference
14–16 April 2008
The University of Newcastle

Fifth Australian Family and Community Strengths Conference
Community engagement: A rewarding business
16–18 April 2008
The University of Newcastle

National Close the Gap Day 2008
22 April 2008
Organise your own small-scale event, send a campaign e-card or read more about closing the gap.

Keep track of sector events – visit Early Childhood Australia's online calendar.

Quality-assured books from Early Childhood Australia

The Code of Ethics: A guide for everyday practice is a practical analysis of ECA’s Code of Ethics, exploring the Code's importance to children, families, and the profession itself.

Learning together with young children: A curriculum framework for reflective teachers is a guide to creating a child-centred, relationship-based environment using state-of-the-art curriculum models.

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 49, April 2008. © Early Childhood Australia.