|
|
|
|
Getting into nature
In recent decades, allergies and asthma have become increasingly common childhood diseases. But science suggests, being in nature and exposed to diverse bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms may provide some protection. Read more here.
|
|
|
Children’s book categories
Research on children’s books in four Australian early childhood services identifies limited diversity among characters, yet access to diverse books supports young children to develop understanding and acceptance. Read more here.
|
|
|
In state and territory news...
In Queensland, the Palaszczuk Government is providing $347 465 in grants to enhance literacy skills and develop reading and storytelling sessions in parks and pools, mobile pop-up libraries and the promotion of First Nations languages. To boost the capacity of the early childhood sector, the Queensland Government is also offering workforce qualification assistance grants. But hurry—applications close 28 February 2020.
NSW unions are offering their members support to cope with trauma and rebuilding communities. Initiatives include an innovative online professional development tool carried out by the IEUA NSW/ACT Branch to provide trauma advice to teachers and support staff. Additionally, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell announced the grants to more than 200 community preschools.
The ECA South Australian Branch invites applications for the Margaret Trembath Scholarship 2020, from individuals or organisations in Australia working in early childhood (birth to eight years). Applications close 17 April 2020, find out more on our website here, application form here.
Families in the ACT are paying the highest rates for early learning—on average $560 per week; $110 higher than the average national expenditure. And as the National Library of Australia reduces the number of children’s books it publishes yearly from eight to two, children’s author Jackie French describes the cuts as ‘tragic’.
In Western Australia, several schools in the Pilbara have reopened following Tropical Cyclone Damien, but two remain closed until further notice.
Finally, in Victoria, School Readiness Funding is now available for selected kindergarten services in 32 local government areas. Read more to view the list of municipalities that will receive funding and how to apply. And view ECA’s menu of evidence offerings aligned with the three priority areas for School Readiness Funding.
|
|
|
|
Join us in Darwin
Tickets are selling fast for this year’s Reconciliation Symposium; a one-of-a-kind event that examines reconciliation through early learning. Reserve your seat.
|
|
|
|
Free professional learning
|
|
|
New toolkit
The Implementation and Reflection Toolkit supports learning communities in their planning and reflective practices across each of the Be You domains. Registered communities can find the toolkit here.
|
|
|
2020 Early Years Planner
Designed for busy early childhood educators, the 2020 Early Years Daily Planner features a daily provocation and ample space for reflection—get yours here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
