Posts

Walking together

Walking together

ECA recently had a conversation with two members of the ECA Reconciliation Action Group, Jo Goodwin and Adam Duncan, to talk about Australia Day and the ongoing work undertaken to help children and early childhood educators understand the many…
Being aware of what children hear and see

Being aware of what children hear and see

Since 2017, more than 110 countries have experienced significant protests[i] and Australia is no exception. As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise in Australia, anti-vaccination mandate protests have been growing in response to a perceived…
Creating a world-class early education system

Creating a world-class early education system

As an early childhood educator in Melbourne, I found myself in a bit of a funk at the beginning of September. Working through the COVID-19 lockdowns had taken its toll. I think it’s a place many educators will probably identify with this year. I…
AJEC 2022: Embracing challenge in early childhood research

AJEC 2022: Embracing challenge in early childhood research

It has been a busy and sometimes challenging year for many in the early childhood field. Educators have supported children and families through periods of lockdown, restrictions and uncertainty, while researchers, policy-makers, students and…
Can we belong everywhere?

Can we belong everywhere?

‘We welcome everyone and respect every person’s right to belong’. Early childhood professionals say this all the time. It’s one of our sector’s dearly held mantras. Every day, through our words and actions, we endorse this sentiment.…
OECD Education at a Glance 2021

OECD Education at a Glance 2021

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. It recently released the latest edition of the Education at a Glance report, which provides…
No Jab, no p(l)ay

No Jab, no p(l)ay

No Jab, no p(l)ay: The ethics of vaccination for early childhood educators Catharine Hydon in Conversation with Trent Moy Over the past 18 months of this global pandemic, early childhood educators have navigated a myriad of ethical challenges.…
Making Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder visible

Making Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder visible

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD, is often described as the invisible disability. With September being FASD Awareness month, it seems like a fitting time to discuss what FASD is, some of the ways it affects children and families, and…
In the defence of care

In the defence of care

Consider the term early childhood education and care. In my experience, including the word care has produced some strong opinions within our sector. I have heard many times that if we are to strive for professional recognition as a collective…
Does early learning matter enough in Australia?

Does early learning matter enough in Australia?

Does early learning matter enough in Australia? Well, it definitely matters for children who thrive when they can learn through play. It matters to families who value the benefits for their children, as well as it because it enables them…
It’s time for us to have our say in the Approved Learning Frameworks update

It’s time for us to have our say in the Approved Learning Frameworks update

Governments across Australia have engaged Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology and Edith Cowan University to lead the 2021 National Quality Framework Approved Learning Frameworks Update project. The aim is to ensure the…
Finally, an ongoing commitment to funding preschool. But the conditions are hazy and ill-defined

Finally, an ongoing commitment to funding preschool. But the conditions are hazy and ill-defined

The 2021-22 budget includes funding for 15 hours per week of free preschool education for all children in the year before school. Although in his budget speech, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said there would be $2 billion for preschools, the budget…