Posts

Knowing you, knowing me: Maintaining relationships

Knowing you, knowing me: Maintaining relationships

Knowing you, knowing me: How educators and children at a preschool maintained relationships during lockdown After an enviable COVID-free stretch, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was suddenly plunged into lockdown. Overnight, Hughes…
Mythbusting professional love

Mythbusting professional love

Professional love, also known in the academic literature as teacherly love or pedagogical love, is a wonderful addition to any early childhood education and care profession, particularly where infants and toddlers are present. Defined by Page…
How can schools nurture children as they start formal schooling during a pandemic

How can schools nurture children as they start formal schooling during a pandemic?

Starting formal schooling is a significant life event for children and families. In 2021 schools will be receiving young children who have had significant life events in their year prior to school and as a result are likely to be a cohort unlike…
The silent scourge within the pandemic

The silent scourge within the pandemic

‘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…
Ethics blog

Deconstructing early childhood practices

In this one blog, we bring you three perspectives on translating research into practice. Dr Andi Salamon, Leanne Gibbs and Mandy Cooke share their insights about using the ‘theory of practice architectures’ in three very different early…
Transition (back) to school

Transition (back) to school

Some children have started returning to education settings in some parts of Australia. The word ‘transition’ is being used in the COVID-19 context—but what do we already know about transitions and can this knowledge help support children,…
Reading, books and libraries

Reading, books and libraries

ECA caught up with the Executive Director of Public Libraries and Engagement, from the State Library of Queensland, Louise Denoon, who shares insights into how children can develop a love for reading and the role adults can play in that. Louise…
Thoughts about change

Thoughts about change

Everyone has experienced a change one way or another in 2020. PAM LINKE shares her perspective on change for children, the impact of the unknown and what we can do as adults to support their feelings. Pam is also the author of an ECA publication, Managing…
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.…
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,…