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Why paid domestic violence leave is a game changer for children

Why paid domestic violence leave is a game changer for children

Children will benefit from the new laws that enable their parents to access up to 10 days of paid leave if they are experiencing domestic violence. Police are now recording more than 10,000 cases of domestic violence a year, according to the Australian…
Responding to family violence in early childhood education and care settings

Responding to family violence in early childhood education and care settings

The 25th of November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVW), which also launches UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls—an initiative of 16 days of activism concluding on 10 December. This…
All children need heroes

All children need heroes

Child abuse and neglect reporting is challenging. No doubt about it.  Challenging. The factors that make it challenging are very complex.   Factors that influence professionals’ reporting practice can be personal and professional.…
Avoiding burnout together

Avoiding burnout together

Through Australia’s bushfires, COVID-19 and a number of other highly stressful events in the past few years, educators, learning communities, families and children have shown resilience and supported each other’s mental health and wellbeing.…
Many parents found open communication useful, explaining why they work away, where they are going, and what they will do. RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/AAP Image

Birthdays, holidays, Christmas without mum or dad: how to support kids with a parent away fighting fires

Among the sacrifices made by firefighters, and those who support fire-affected communities, is precious time spent with family. In California, thousands of firefighters and community support workers or volunteers have missed important moments…
Many kids in Australia have experienced a traumatic event recently, including the recent bushfire season that ravaged communities. DARREN PATEMAN/AAP

Why every teacher needs to know about childhood trauma

Mental health issues among children are on the rise due to the impacts of the COVID pandemic, including lockdowns. Recent reports show there has been a 28% spike in calls to the phone counselling service Kids Helpline between March and…
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…
Early action key in prevention of family violence

Early action key in prevention of family violence

During crisis times, people frequently look to what they can do to help—often this includes donations of goods or money, sharing messages of support, or calling for change. Part of the response has to be what we can do to prevent these now-weekly…
Supporting our most vulnerable children

Supporting our most vulnerable children

The following article, adapted from an Every Child magazine by Dr Judith Howard, examines the way that trauma affects cognitive development and the ways early childhood educators can support children who have been impacted by a traumatic…
Fire: Are you ready?

Fire: Are you ready?

With a number of states affected by unprecedented bushfires this week and educational authorities closing more than 300 schools in NSW, the message is: be prepared, decide early. Yet what does this mean for early childhood education and care…
harmony-day-blog

Compassion and harmony, every day

There is not enough darkness in this world to extinguish the light of one small candle—Spanish proverb We reflect on the light, not only the shadow, cast by events to recognise what is possible: educators already have professional approaches,…