What lies ahead

What lies ahead

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been working hard to understand the issues for members, families and children and provide effective advocacy and representation. As we face the second half of 2020, it might…
Racism blog

Tackling difficult conversations

As Black Lives Matter protests have swept across the world, many of us are motivated to learn more about racism, and talk to our students and children in ways that can facilitate change. Education is a powerful tool for creating change. So,…
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The ethics of safety

Early childhood education and care services have shown enormous strength, courage and resourcefulness as the COVID-19 pandemic bites. Many have been forced to swiftly create new protocols for their learning community and ways to keep everyone…
The power of community

The power of community

This is a story of one early learning service and how they have responded to the pandemic within their community of children, families and fellow educators. Windsor Community Children’s Centre (WCCC)  in Melbourne, share how deep reflection,…
What can the new ‘normal’ teach us?

What can the new ‘normal’ teach us?

What can the new ‘normal’ teach us about how and what young children should be learning? ‘Is it possible that we can use this opportunity to create a new normal around what and how young children learn?’ KAREN HOPE explores theories…
Transition (back) to school

Transition (back) to school

Some children have started returning to education settings in some parts of Australia. The word ‘transition’ is being used in the COVID-19 context—but what do we already know about transitions and can this knowledge help support children,…
Leadership: dance vs data

Leadership: dance vs data

Managers reach for data, but leaders offer more in difficult times writes Stephanie Jackiewicz. While data is necessary, we need a different style of leadership, one based on relationships—something at which early childhood educators excel. ‘The…
Reading, books and libraries

Reading, books and libraries

ECA caught up with the Executive Director of Public Libraries and Engagement, from the State Library of Queensland, Louise Denoon, who shares insights into how children can develop a love for reading and the role adults can play in that. Louise…
Remote learning

Remote learning in early childhood: can it work?

This is a view from the frontline. Writing during the lockdown, MEG ANASTASI, an early childhood educator in a long day care setting, reflects on the push to online learning caused by COVID-19. She worries it is submerging what we know about…
Partnerships

Tuning into families

This is the third in a series of blogs by CATHARINE HYDON on the idea of professionalism in times of uncertainty—a conversation worth having. This blog explores how early childhood professionals can tune into families even when there are…
Bonnie-2-main

How to create a learning environment

This blog was originally posted during the pandemic but reflects on children spending time at home and shares tips on creating a learning environment.  With additional social distancing, self-isolation, school closures and working from home…
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Who do you believe?

What is a professional to do? CATHARINE HYDON asks when events outside of our control upend all our professional certainties and make the present and the future complex and hard to navigate. This blog considers another angle on professionalism…