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Early childhood educators are leaving in droves. Here are 3 ways to ensure Australia has enough

Early childhood educators are leaving in droves. Here are 3 ways to ensure Australia has enough

Childcare centres across Australia are suffering staff shortages, which have been exacerbated by the COVID crisis. Many childcare workers across Australia left when parents started pulling their children out of childcare due to the pandemic,…
What children ‘really’ want for Christmas

What children ‘really’ want for Christmas

Many of us are looking forward to celebrating the end of the year with friends and family—perhaps even more than usual after the stress and isolation of COVID-19. Hopefully, the New Year will bring more reasons for optimism and fewer challenges…
Flow theory and wellbeing

Flow theory and wellbeing

‘Being safe is a foundation to wellbeing. When children feel safe, their brains relax, cortisol decreases and they are calmer.’—(Always Be You, 2020). This piece, by SHONA DOYLE from Be You explores children’s wellbeing, providing safe…
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…
Free child care

Where is the child in the debate over free childcare?

This blog brings a practitioner view from the frontline. MEL ANGEL, an Adelaide-based teacher, learner and researcher working in the field of early childhood education writes about what she has seen and what she thinks since ‘free child care’…
We matter - AK blog

‘Early Learning Matters’ in the time of a pandemic

This blog was originally published in 2020 in the lead-up to Early Learning Matters Week, however, it is still a timely piece to think about what early learning means for children who are experiencing the hardships, disruptions and possible…
What lies ahead

What lies ahead

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been working hard to understand the issues for members, families and children and provide effective advocacy and representation. As we face the second half of 2020, it might…
The power of community

The power of community

This is a story of one early learning service and how they have responded to the pandemic within their community of children, families and fellow educators. Windsor Community Children’s Centre (WCCC)  in Melbourne, share how deep reflection,…
AJEC-blog-Leanne-Gibbs-768x403

Who do you believe?

What is a professional to do? CATHARINE HYDON asks when events outside of our control upend all our professional certainties and make the present and the future complex and hard to navigate. This blog considers another angle on professionalism…
Parenting during a pandemic

Parenting during a pandemic

Every parent and family around the country is newly appreciating the value of educators to the lives of young children. You may find this blog helpful to share with families in your early learning community or you might be at home yourself with…