The latest in early childhood news...

 

In this issue... We are thinking of those affected by the floods in NSW and QLD and have set up a webpage with a list of resources, both for those affected by the floods and those who want to offer their support, and The Teacher magazine has shared tips from a mental health expert on coping with stress and uncertainty. You can have a say on mental health in education via a survey from Be You; the Greens announced their plan for free and universal early childhood education and care; the higher child care subsidy (CCS) kicked in this week; and explore relevant calendar dates to acknowledge in your service this month.

 

Scroll down to read more, to find the latest in state and territory news and to read what ECA teams have been doing.


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Early Childhood Education in South Australia, including prior to the establishment of the colony, has a remarkable history. We at UniSA present an online timeline of this history here so that those who work in the sector, or who are entering the profession, can become aware of that history and those in whose footsteps they follow. The history spans from pre-colonization, acknowledging that prior to European invasion Aboriginal First Nations educated their children to be successful members of their communities.


NSW and QLD flood assistance

 

We’ve compiled a list of resources for those affected by the floods, as well as for those who are looking for ways to support their affected neighbours. Also read how the federal government is assisting early childhood services during this disaster and access email newsletters from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.


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Coping with uncertainty

 

Uncertainty and unexpected change are part of all our lives and can leave us feeling anxious and unsure of how to cope. Mary Spillane, Clinical Psychologist and Headspace App Mental Health Expert for Australia, shares tips on how to help us manage. Read more.

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Mental health in ECEC

 

As a professional working or studying to work in the education and care sector, you are invited to take part in a Be You survey about mental health and wellbeing in education. By completing the survey you will have the chance to win one of two $500 EFTPOS gift vouchers. The survey closes 21 March. Complete it here.


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Image of educator and child gardening

The free ECEC plan

 

The Greens have announced their plan for free and universal early childhood education and care. Some of the changes they are planning to implement include dealing with the early learning workforce crisis, phasing out for-profit early learning and extending universal access to early childhood education for all three- and four-year-olds.

Reconciliation in ECEC

 

We would love to hear how you, as educators, explore attitudes towards reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness in your early childhood services. Read this blog and complete the survey.


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Higher CCS has kicked in

 

As of Monday 7 March, families with more than one child aged five or younger in early childhood education and care can get a higher CCS. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming calendar days

 

Explore relevant calendar dates to consider acknowledging in your service this month: Safe Sleep Week (7-13 March), National Close the Gap Day (17 March), Harmony Week (21-27 March) and Earth Hour Schools Day (25 March).


Working to protect children 

 

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children has launched 11 profiles showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations who are successfully working with children and families to prevent them from coming into contact with the child protection system. Read more


In state and territory news...

 

QLD

The Queensland government announced a $1 billion investment in kindergarten program funding over five years. The funding package includes expanding Kindy Uplift services, helping remote and regional services and supporting families with children who have a disability.

 

NSW

The NSW government announced new flexible learning programs that will give children in remote areas access to quality early childhood education and care.

 

The NSW Government’s $155 million program for Before and After School Care (BASC) vouchers is now live for parents and carers of children enrolled in a NSW primary school.

 

VIC

The Victorian government will upgrade and improve kindergartens across Victoria under the rollout of the latest round of the Building Blocks grant program. Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt said the $10.2 million in funding will assist successful recipients with infrastructure and upgrades, equipment and inclusion initiatives.

 

TAS

Save the Children Australia has secured $7.6 million for Tasmanian children through a financing partnership with the Federal Government and the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

 

WA

The Federal Government is introducing additional support for Western Australian families and the early childhood sector as they deal with the Omicron wave. Families will receive unlimited allowable absences from 3 March until 30 April 2022 and the CCS will be paid for all absences prior to a child’s first or last attendance.



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New on The Spoke

 

How do you support cultural diversity in your services? Read this new blog post to find out practical ways of doing this. 


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ECA National Conference 2022!

 

Join us in Canberra for the 2022 ECA National Conference! This year’s conference will explore the future of our profession and how we can position ourselves as thought-leaders. Book now. 


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Be You and NQS

 

Our latest video explores the connections between Be You and Quality Area 1. What do you do in your role to facilitate and extend children’s learning, development and mental health?


Front cover of Pause and Ponder publication

Huggle Snuggle Cuddle

 

Written in rhyme, this easy-to-read picture book shows different animals hugging and cuddling their offspring. Buy it here.


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eSafety Early Years

 

This unique professional learning series, developed by the eSafety Commissioner and ECA, is free to download on the ECA Learning Hub.


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Box of Provocations for our Earth

 

Explore nature pedagogy and sustainability with this new Box of Provocations set, designed for early childhood educators and teachers.  




© Early Childhood Australia 2022
ABN: 44 950 767 752


www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

 

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