Why play-based learning?

Why play-based learning?

‘ … for the EYLF to be implemented properly, all early childhood educators need to know what play is, why it is important, how to implement and assess a play-based program and their role in it.’ Questioning practice The Early Years Learning…
Cultural considerations Welcoming refugee children and families into our services

Cultural considerations: Welcoming refugee children and families into our services

Many refugee families come to Australia each year from different parts of the world and with a vast range of experiences. As early childhood leaders and educators, we can be prepared to receive refugee children and families at all times, and…
Five ways families can support belonging and inclusion

Five ways families can support belonging and inclusion

Originally posted in 2016, this post was updated in June 2020.  Children need to feel that their world is a safe place Children need to know they’re cared for, that their needs are met, and that they can get help when they need it.…
Reflection on the ECA Reconciliation Symposium

Reflection on the ECA Reconciliation Symposium

When the words of Kev Carmody’s and Paul Kelly’s song ‘From little things big things grow’ echoed across the room of 300 people at the conclusion of the ECA’s Reconciliation Symposium, I knew things had changed. Changed for ECA,…
Collaborating with families: Not a problem!

Collaborating with families: Not a problem!

Relationships with families have always been considered an important area of early childhood educators’ practice. However, in the past many educators’ interest in relationships with families has focused mainly on problems or challenges:…
Copy paste and copy right

Copy paste and copy right

Children’s picture books, artworks and pop songs have been created to share. Right? It is not that simple. Early Childhood Australia has been working on a special Copyright Licence that protects early childhood services as well as the…
It’s not all about relationships — or is it?

It’s not all about relationships — or is it?

Many discussions about quality in education and care services include at some point—often as a summary statement—the assertion that ‘in the end, it’s all about relationships’. This is likely to occur whether the topic is pedagogy,…
Documentation—what’s the point?

Documentation—what’s the point?

Over-attention to documentation continues, often seemingly with more emphasis on quantity than on quality. It would be heartening to hear of a service where practices were rated as outstanding in every respect and at every level, but the National…