Dobrý den a vítat až k ECA WebWatch*
In this ECA WebWatch:
- A special focus on conversation and language communication
- The first ECA GreenWatch, a new section highlighting sustainability ideas for early childhood practitioners and parents
Also in this issue:
- Apply now for $11,000 in early childhood awards – deadline extended
- Sustained shared thinking
- Creating a safe world for children
- Ferre Laevers at ECA Conference
Plus, don't forget to take a look at our resource highlights and calendar events.
*Czech for 'Hello and welcome to ECA WebWatch'.
$11,000 in early childhood awards
Early Childhood Australia / McArthur Management Services Awards
We are very excited to announce that the deadlines for the Early Childhood Leadership Development Scholarship and Early Childhood Student Encouragement Award have been extended.
Applicants now have up until close of business 5 September 2008 to apply.
These awards are a fantastic opportunity for early childhood professionals and students – Early Childhood Australia encourages all eligible to apply.
ECA GreenWatch
National Solar Schools Program
This initiative from the Federal Government enables schools to apply for funding of up to $50,000 to install rainwater tanks, solar and other renewable power systems, and other energy efficiency measures.
Talking with children really matters
Sustained shared thinking – real conversations with children (PDF)
This document contains wonderful practical examples and ideas to help staff engage in sustained shared conversations with children. It draws on Professor Iram Siraj-Blatchford's presentation (PDF) at the 2008 TACTYC Annual Conference, as well as ideas from the High/Scope program.
Meaningful conversations
Todd Risley's seminal work highlights the clear connection between meaningful engaged conversations (extra talk) with children and long-term quality outcomes.
Listening and talking (Supporting Best Practice)
Talking with children matters – these quality-assured links from Supporting Best Practice web directory highlight strategies for engaging in authentic conversations with children.
Spotlight on language communication
Take a break with books, Speaking parentese and Look who's talking!
These links are excellent for anyone wanting to encourage and support young children's language skills.
Have your say
A national quality framework for early childhood education and care: A discussion paper (PDF)
It is essential we respond to this paper from the Council of Australian Governments' productivity working group, if we are to realise the possibilities of the government's early childhood agenda.
In the news
Childcare in crisis
This ABC 7.30 Report focused on the state of Australia's child care. It highlighted the real need for a workforce strategy in this sector, as affirmed by the LHMU's Big Steps in Childcare campaign highlighted in ECA WebWatch #55.
Helping children with autism
Playgroup Australia will receive $4.5 million over four years from the Federal Government to provide 150 playgroups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Ferre Laevers at ECA Conference
Wellbeing and involvement in care: A process-oriented self-evaluation instrument for care settings (PDF)
Ferre Laevers is the director of the Research Centre for Experiential Education at the University of Leuven (Belgium). He was the project leader for this resource which is designed to help settings analyse their strengths and weakness in creating the best possible conditions for children to develop.
Ferre is one of the keynotes speakers at Early Childhood Australia's 2008 National Conference – to find out more visit the speakers page on the conference website.
Quality-assured resources
Professional reading is an important part of early childhood advocacy and professional growth. Experienced early childhood practitioners quality assure every book sold by Early Childhood Australia.
Essentials of active learning in preschool: Getting to know the High/Scope curriculum is a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the High/Scope program, including teaching strategies, checklists, classroom examples and practical exercises.
Discovering letters and sounds is filled with fun activities to tune young children's ears, learn about rhymes, connect letters with sounds and much more.
Early childhood scholarships
Charles Sturt University is currently offering three positions in their Faculty of Education, focusing on enhancing the quality of early childhood education and care, listening to children's voices and transition to school:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (Level A) or Research Fellowship (Level B), three year fixed-term
- Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry) APAI PhD Scholarship
- Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) PhD Scholarship.
For more information, please contact Professor Jennifer Sumsion:
E: jsumsion@csu.edu.au
T: (02) 6338 4423
Latest calendar events
Early Childhood Australia Biennial Conference
Children: A nation's capital – 'Investing in our children'
3–6 October 2008
National Convention Centre, Canberra
Register now – ECA members can save up to $150 on conference registration!
National Science Week 2008
16–24 August 2008
National Science Week provides children, carers and families with a huge range of activities and events that explore science, technology and innovation.
8th Mater Growth and Development Unit Conference
22 August 2008
Woolloongabba, Brisbane
A conference for everyone involved in the management and outcome of high-risk neonates after hospital discharge.
Early Childhood Australia's online calendar helps you stay informed about important early childhood events, conferences and dates.
Call for papers
Getting it together for Australia's children (PDF)
The first call for papers for the 2009 National Investment for the Early Years / Centre for Community Child Health conference has been released.
Please submit of abstracts of no more than 250 words to niftey2009@conferenceaction.com.au by 19 September 2008.
Help us expand the ECA WebWatch community
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ECA WebWatch - Issue 58, August 2008. © Early Childhood Australia.
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