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The Leap

The Leap

Imagine traveling 2 plane flights and over 8 hours to your first teaching job- with little people who spoke a different language and who were from a different cultural background to you. You might be forgiven for thinking that the scenario…
‘Professional love’ in early childhood education: The transformative power of emotional connections

‘Professional love’ in early childhood education: The transformative power of emotional connections

The concept of ‘professional love’ in early childhood education and care has been gaining momentum as educators and researchers recognise its profound impact on young children’s development and wellbeing. Dr Jools Page, a respected expert…
Setting the record straight on misguided claims about ECEC and the value of qualified educators

Setting the record straight on misguided claims about ECEC and the value of qualified educators

The piece ‘Maybe childcare staff need fewer degrees?’ by Aaron Patrick in the AFR 12 July 2023 is both ill-informed and misleading. If you haven’t seen it, here is the abridged version – the commercial childcare industry is charging…
Early educators around the world feel burnt out and devalued. Here’s how we can help

Early educators around the world feel burnt out and devalued. Here’s how we can help

South Australia’s royal commission into early childhood education led by Julia Gillard has released an interim report. The key recommendation is preschool for all three-year-olds  (in a move similar to other states). But the report notes…
Dare to dreams—An early years strategy and the unwavering rights of the child

Dare to dreams—An early years strategy and the unwavering rights of the child

The future of Australia relies on developing a strong vision for the early years. This vision should reflect the needs of children, families and the community, focusing on improving positive outcomes for all children. As a signatory to the…
A story of self-care within early childhood education and care

A story of self-care within early childhood education and care

I was very fortunate to attend the Early Learning Summit hosted by The Front Project in Canberra late last year. On the journey home, I found myself reflecting on the conversations and future visions for our sector along with a lingering question:…
Reflections on the Early Years Summit

Reflections on the Early Years Summit

I recently participated in the Early Years Summit, convened by Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth MP and Minister for Early Childhood Education and Care Anne Aly MP, to begin work on the national Early Years Strategy. This summit…
‘Don’t miss out on the exciting future we are creating’: Get involved with Early Learning Matters Week

‘Don’t miss out on the exciting future we are creating’: Get involved with Early Learning Matters Week

Early childhood educators, parents, carers and community leaders will gather at services around the country from 17–21 October 2022 to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning and the difference the profession…
Jobs and Skills Summit Reflections

Jobs and Skills Summit Reflections

It was a privilege to attend the Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra earlier this month, which hosted 142 delegates, including members of National Cabinet, the state and territory premiers and chief ministers, industry groups, unions, employers,…
The voice of educators: Exhausted but hopeful

The voice of educators: Exhausted but hopeful

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) was invited to participate in the federal government’s Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra from 1–2 September 2022 to represent the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. Ahead of the summit, we…
ECA Communities of Practice: A unique learning experience

ECA Communities of Practice: A unique learning experience

A Community of Practice (CoP) is best defined as a space for individuals to interact and learn from one another in partnership with an understanding of sharing knowledge. Engaging in a CoP will allow you to not only deepen your knowledge on…
Children becoming safe and active agents

Children becoming safe and active agents

Engaging children in a conversation on active supervision Active supervision of children is an integral part of quality early childhood education and care. Educators fulfil their essential ethical and professional responsibilities to…