The latest in early childhood news

In this issue ... A coronavirus update for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector; find out what is happening in Term 2 for schools across the country; an education expert provides advice about children’s home learning; schools benefit from relaxed copyright arrangements for teachers and school librarians; a psychologist and child-anxiety specialist shares resources, tips and songs to support children during the pandemic; explore educator wellbeing strategies; and discover online programs for visiting museums and zoos virtually to learning about fruit and vegetables.

Find the latest in state and territory news and jump down to read what ECA teams have been doing.


Coronavirus updates
The Federal Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package to support the sector during the coronavirus pandemic includes exceptional circumstances for Supplementary Relief Payments. Find ECA’s summary of the relief package here, and listen to the webcast update from the Department of Education, Skills and Training (DESE) from Tuesday, 14 April here.

Learning is contextual
Families and educators may be relieved to hear Queensland academic Rickie Fisher’s advice about what to aim for in children’s learning at home compared to experiences at their early learning centre or school. Read more. 

Storytime and copyright
A special copyright arrangement for school storytimes during the COVID-19 outbreak allows teachers and teacher-librarians in schools to continue reading stories to students learning at school or at home. Read more.

Supporting young children 
Psychologist and child-anxiety specialist Karen Young shares tips and resources for families to help children cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and Little J has a positive message about keeping strong and healthy on country.

Educator wellbeing
Evidence-based strategies are available to support educators through significant changes to their professional practice caused by COVID-19. Find information on social support and leadership for teams. Read more.

Food, fun & museums online
Holidays? What holiday? These boys joined an online fruit and veg program while others are ‘travelling’ online as zoos and museums around the world open their virtual doors to visitors. See four options here, here, here and here.

In state and territory news...

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announces two state funding packages for local government-managed preschools and long day care centres. One is for those who were not eligible for the Federal Government's JobKeeper payment and the other will provide free preschool for six months.

The Queensland Government announces a $17 million package, likely to benefit 22,000 children, to support community kindergarten programs through the pandemic.

The Victorian Government announces $40.2 million for crisis accommodation and specialist services to support survivors of family violence who cannot safely self-isolate or recover at home. It will provide a safe haven for women and children escaping family violence throughout the pandemic. See details here.

In the Australian Capital Territory, community spirit has been lifted with activities to involve all ages, from virtual storytimes for children, to suburban bear hunts for family walks. 

Strict rules are in place in North-West Tasmania due to a COVID-19 outbreak which is affecting early childhood services. Only children where both parents are essential workers will be accepted in ECEC services.


Children's perspectives

Online reconciliation event
2020 ECA Reconciliation Connect is a new online event (Friday 15 May 2020). Join us and participate in our ongoing reconciliation journey. Book now and get three registrations for only $85.00 each.

In Focus webinar
Join our next webinar, Behaviour and wellbeing. Explore the links between mental health and behaviour using the BETLS observation tool. Book here.

Looking fresh
This first 2020 issue of Every Child has a new look and new features: informative articles in health and wellbeing, reconciliation, and technology in early learning settings. Click here to purchase your copy.


www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au
ECA WebWatch—Issue 329, April 2020.
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