Early childhood news from around the web!
Welcome to this edition of ECA WebWatch. Our feature item this fortnight will show you how you can help children who are stressed and anxious about school feel more positive.
Also in this issue:
- Your ECA Conference update
- Grants for early childhood projects
- Coping with 'school refusal'
- OH&S for early childhood workers
Plus:
- ECA calendar
- Quality-assured early childhood resources
- ECA Greenwatch
ECA WebWatch feature item
How to cope with 'school refusal'
From time to time, children during their primary and secondary years may go through stages where they don’t wish to attend school. These feelings can grow into 'school refusal', in which children are very stressed about attending school, and can lead to long term problems. This article will help you find ways to help children so they can deal with their school anxieties.
The first year at school: Make is a success!
Your child's first year at school: A book for parents
Also available as an e-book!
There are many ways to support your child in having a happy and satisfying beginning to the great adventure of their school years. Experienced parenting experts Jenni Connor and Pam Linke provide a wealth of knowledge in this comprehensive guidebook.
Your ECA Conference update
Early Childhood Australia/McArthur Management Services Awards
Early Childhood Leadership Development Scholarship and Student Encouragement Award
McArthur Management Services works closely with the early childhood sector to provide both permanent and casual staff. McArthur actively supports the development of the early childhood profession and the provision of high quality services to children and their families. The Early Childhood Leadership Development Scholarship and Student Encouragement Award reflects McArthur's commitment to the sector and their belief that the opportunity for leaders to advance their skills is essential to the continued improvement and growth of the sector, with the investment resulting in positive outcomes for children, families and staff.
Go to the ECA Conference website for further information and application forms for the scholarship and award.
Applications close 30 June 2010.
Don't forget that conference registration is now open! Register before 31 July to receive the early bird discount.
To register visit: www.ecaconference.com.au
SNAICC media response to The Aboriginal Child Placement Principle
Media release and letter from SNAICC EO Frank Hytten
'The Aboriginal Child Placement Principle – a policy to protect Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children’s connections to their family and culture – should not be blamed for the failures of child protection systems to keep children safe in foster care,' says Steve Larkins, Chairperson of SNAICC.
Read more of the SNAICC response to this issue.
Grants for early childhood projects
Apply for a Forest Hill grant for your early childhood project!
Each year the Foundation of Graduates in Early Childhood Studies distributes Forest Hill Grants for amounts up to $10,000 to projects working towards the wellbeing, education and care of children from birth to eight years. Details, guidelines and an application form are available on the Foundation website.
The closing date for applications is 23 April.
OH&S for early childhood workers
Safety is not just for children
Careforkids.com.au have recently published useful information about occupational health and safety requirements for early childhood workers, who can be at a high risk of injury due to the physical nature of their work. The article includes links to guidelines and safety audit options, as well as listing the six most common causes of injury to child care workers.
New complaints registry on junk food advertising to children
Cancer Council NSW to establish new, simplified complaints registry
Cancer Council NSW will be establishing a registry for complaints regarding junk food advertising to children. The current regulatory system around food marketing to children is quite confusing and has not been successful in reducing children's exposure to food marketing for unhealthy foods. The complaints registry will facilitate a coordinated approach to complaints, giving consumers a stronger voice.
National quality framework on homelessness
Share your thoughts during the consultation process
The Commonwealth, State and Territory governments are working together to progress the development of a national quality framework to achieve better outcomes for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by improving the quality and integration of services they receive.
Contribute your thoughts during the consultation process to help the Government develop a comprehensive framework that will deliver better services to people experiencing homelessness.
ECA Greenwatch
Colour it Orange for the organgutans!
National organisation and not-for-profit the Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) is launching a
comprehensive educational program, Colour It Orange that provides all the essential resources for you to encourage young children to become environmentally conscious. The program is specifically designed for early childhood and primary students, by teachers who have worked closely with AOP.
A diverse range of subjects such as habitat destruction, climate change, conservation, animal extinction and indigenous cultures of Indonesia are also covered through the worksheets and activities.
Register on the website to get your class involved!
Quality-assured early childhood resources
All of ECA's publications are peer-reviewed by early childhood experts, so you can be assured that all our publications are of the highest quality, and relevant to you and your work.
Building better behaviour in the early years
Learn to create a calm yet stimulating positive atmosphere for children and staff in your centre, so children can be supported to become successful learners.
Me, you, us: Social-emotional learning in pre-school
This book offers a comprehensive approach to social-emotional learning, drawing on extensive research and discussion. It will help you chart a path for young children to follow as they develop their social-emotional skills.
ECA calendar
Growing up fast and furious conference
19 March 2010
9am – 5pm
NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre
37 Reservoir Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Leading researchers will review the evidence related to children's experiences with a range of violent and sexualised media, examine their marketing and discuss appropriate regulatory responses, including how well our classification systems reflect current research.
National Playgroup Week
21 – 27 March 2010
Australia-wide
Families with children zero–five years of age, whether they participate in playgroup or not, are invited to take part in fun events to be held in every state and territory. It's a perfect time for parents with babies and children under five to find out about playgroups near them and discover what playgroup is about.
Visit Early Childhood Australia's online calendar – it's the easy way to keep track of important events, conferences and dates.
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ECA WebWatch - Issue 88, March 2010. © Early Childhood Australia.
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