Posts

Recognising the health communication efforts of the early childhood sector
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentFrom the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, the early childhood sector was tasked with expanding their required health practices to include up-to-date, health information to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among staff, families and children.…

The silent scourge within the pandemic
Health, Wellbeing and Development‘We cannot control the dynamics of children’s home lives, but we are in a position of great influence.’ MEL ANGEL explores the impact of COVID-19 on domestic violence and shares resources to support educators when critically reflecting…

How long does coronavirus survive on surfaces?
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentCoronavirus—what it means for handling money, food and more. Ian M. Mackay, Adjunct assistant professor at the University of Queensland and Katherine Arden, Virologist, at the University of Queensland, help us to understand the coronavirus…

Viral talk with children
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentWhat do we say to children about coronavirus and COVID-19? For this sensitive topic, we don’t believe that any one generic resource can work for all children. Instead, we encourage careful, child-led conversations. Below we share information…

The Play-Doh ‘cookie’
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentIn WebWatch we often report on new research relevant for our sector. Last week a post focussing on new research out of the USA generated a great deal of discussion. The research relayed in WebWatch issue 323 focussed on a USA study analysing…

Bushfire smoke and young children: what to do
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentThe devastating result of the bushfires has left many early childhood services across Australia experiencing hazardous air pollution levels in the last couple of months. As smoke continues to blanket much of the country, we reached out to a…

The importance of baby and toddler mental health
Health, Wellbeing and Development‘The early years of a human being’s life have a significant impact on lifelong mental health and wellbeing.’ Be You shares the importance of mental health and wellbeing to babies and toddlers and suggests resources for families and educators.
New…

Healthy habits start early
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentWith the brunt of winter hitting, it can be hard to continue a healthy and active lifestyle in a cold climate. LARA HERNANDEZ and JOE XU from the NSW Office of Preventive Health share various resources and facts for educators and families; they…

Reflecting and planning for the year ahead
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentReflecting and planning skills are fundamental to our work as educators. While reflection allows us to have a wider range of perspectives and brings about new ways of thinking or understanding, planning builds upon that new understanding to…

ECA perspective: Australia’s First Nations children
Reconciliation and Cultural ResponsivenessTwo important papers about Australia’s First Nations children were released in the same week in February. Both have implications for young children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The joint ECA and SNAICC—Voice for…

Health benefits of gardening for children
Health, Wellbeing and DevelopmentBeing outside and involved in activities in the fresh air with gentle sunlight—such as gardening—is an amazing experience for many people. But did you know that gardening can also have a great effect on the development of various skills…
