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Reconceptualising documentation: Authenticity, purpose and educator wellbeing in early childhood education

In our service, we pride ourselves on being strong advocates for inclusion. We adapt our environments, our daily rhythm and our teaching to meet the diverse needs of every child in our care. We discuss individual learning styles, walking in…
Child playing

Infant and toddler participation is not what we say. It is what we do

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989) affirms that children have the right to express their views on matters that affect them, and to have those views taken seriously. Despite the clarity of…
Understanding resilience: adversity, supports and skills

What Surrounds Us Shapes Us: Brain Building in the Early Years

This week, as part of Brain Awareness Week, we celebrate the science of how brains grow, learn and adapt throughout life. One of the most powerful insights from neuroscience is simple but profound: children’s brains are shaped by what surrounds…
Quality and safety in ECEC—what does ROGS really say Hint it isn’t what you read in some media reports…

Quality and safety in ECEC—what does ROGS really say? Hint: it isn’t what you read in some media reports…

For data nerds in the early childhood sector, ‘ROGS Day’ is a big thing. This year, the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services (ROGS) chapter on early childhood education and care (ECEC) was published on 10 February.…
Policy and Advocacy - Facebook

Early Learning Matters Week Wrap Up Event—Address

Zoe McKenzie MP  Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health Federal Member for Flinders Early Childhood Australia is grateful to Zoe McKenzie MP, Shadow Assistant Minister…
Policy in action: Elevating children’s voices at Gowrie Victoria

Policy in action: Elevating children’s voices at Gowrie Victoria

Recent events concerning young children’s safety and wellbeing in Australian early childhood education and care (ECEC) services have raised important questions about how we engage children and hear their voices. Actively involving children…
Children’s wellbeing and literacy – how they go hand in hand.

Children’s wellbeing and literacy – how they go hand in hand.

Early childhood is an undeniably critical life stage. Decades of research and neuroscience supports this and the knowledge that quality early education and care (ECEC) programs are beneficial for children’s learning and development (OECD,…
Early Learning Matters Every Day, But It’s Critically Important Right Now

Early Learning Matters Every Day, But It’s Critically Important Right Now

Early Learning Matters Week reminds us of the critical importance of high-quality early childhood education and care. As the week comes to a close, it is a timely reminder to consider the significance of current policy interest in the early…
A new study of Warlpiri language shows how ‘baby talk’ helps [children] learn to speak

A new study of Warlpiri language shows how ‘baby talk’ helps [children] learn to speak

Parents and other caregivers typically modify their speech when they talk to babies and young children. They use simple sentences and special words, like “nana” for banana. They also speak slowly, use a higher pitch, and exaggerate…
A guide to the environment as the ‘third teacher’

A guide to the environment as the ‘third teacher’

Are you curious about why the environment is called the ‘third teacher’? This concept rose in popularity through the global growth and influence of the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. The founder, Loris Malaguzzi, said there are three…
Playwork at Forrest Out of School Hours Care

Playwork at Forrest Out of School Hours Care

In this article, the FOOSHC team discusses the Playwork Principles, which the service has embedded in its practice, resulting in strong developmental outcomes for children and awards for excellence. Forrest Out of School Hours Care…
Eight Reggio Emilia ideas to inspire your early learning environment

Eight Reggio Emilia ideas to inspire your early learning environment

Even if you aren’t working at a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education and care service, there are plenty of ideas from this acclaimed approach that you can use in your own early learning environment.  What is Reggio Emilia?  Reggio…