Starting school - a Singapore story told by children
This is an article taken from the recent Transitions-themed issue of the Australian Journal of Early Childhood. The paper follows children in Singapore as they begin primary school, and uses their own words to describe the emotions and issues involved.

Racism

Following the Cronulla riots late last year, we felt it would be appropriate to address this issue. Teaching children about racism and prejudice is an opportunity to combat the fear and ignorance which is the foundation of racism.

Guidelines for challenging racism and other forms of oppression
These 12 points are an easy way to begin to address negative attitudes and to challenge children (and adults) to consider how they interact with others.

Children’s rights

Australia is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Here is some information about what this means, and how it is relevant to our everyday work with children.

Common questions about children's rights
This link offers a helpful overview of the issue of children's right and the basics behind the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The article concludes with a range of activities that can be support children's learning.

Respecting the children in our care
These dot points will stimulate your thoughts on how children's rights impact on your practice in children's services.

Early childhood news

Read all about it on the Early Childhood Australia news page.

Recent topics include:

• National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy – Teaching of Reading report
• YMA film review service
• Launch of Teaching Australia
• UN program for HIV/AIDS orphans
• Food labelling and advertising to young children
• Child safety standards

Don't miss the upcoming NIFTeY 2006 conference
Prevention: Invest now or pay later
8-9 February, University of NSW, Sydney
The overseas keynotes are highly relevant to current political debates in Australia. They will present strong evidence supporting the wisdom of investing effectively in policies and services that support young children.

Early Childhood Australia books

Some relevant resources for your centre library. All quality assured by Early Childhood Australia.

Start seeing diversity introduces educators to bias as it emerges in early childhood settings. The experience of one community's efforts to create a responsive child care program will support you to establish a framework in your own setting.

Roots and wings provides a thorough, clear, and practical introduction to multicultural and anti-bias issues in working with children and families in early childhood settings.

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