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The latest in early childhood news... Making news this fortnight ... Share your views on what needs to be done to keep children safe; the government announces funding to support children’s mental health and wellbeing; and a new website delivers inspiration for quality play experiences. Play School is seeking videos from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children for a special episode celebrating Children’s Day; a survey finds Australian children are keen to learn First Nations languages; and ECEC professionals can access general information about government policy and programs through a new Facebook group.
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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Keeping children safe and well Following the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s new report, Keeping kids safe and well—your voices, the National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds, is conducting a survey on behalf of the Australian Government to find out what children and their families think would help keep children safe. Families and carers, take the survey. |
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Children's mental health funding The Department of Health has announced a $40.6 million support program for the mental health and wellbeing of children aged 0–11. Available nationally, the program will address different parenting needs as children progress through key development milestones. Read more. |
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Play and learn: New resource Play & Learn Together is a website developed for educators and families to access high-quality play experiences and information about children, their play and learning. The following organisations have partnered to create this inspiring space: Early Start at the University of Wollongong, Early Childhood Australia and Playgroup Australia. Find out more and sign up. |
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Play School seeking videos ABC program Play School is seeking videos from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged between three and eight for a special episode celebrating Children’s Day. Children are being asked to record their own home videos, sharing what makes them happy, what they are most proud of, and what they want to be when they grow up. Selected videos will feature in the segment. Click here to find out more. |
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First Nations languages A recent poll of primary school students has revealed that Australian children are more interested in learning a local First Nations language over Japanese, Mandarin, French, Italian, German and Indonesian. Read more on the results here. |
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In state and territory news... NSW In response to flooding in the Northern Rivers, 100 ‘pop up’ classrooms will be rolled out across the region, as nine significantly damaged schools are set to be rebuilt. NSW and QLD The Australian Government is providing $10,000 ECEC Flood Support Payments for services in flood-affected regions that close for eight days or more. The closure days must occur during a Local Area Emergency (LAE) after 23 February and do not need to be consecutive. Read about the support for services during local emergencies on the DESE website. VIC Proud Yorta Yorta woman, Meena Singh has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People. The role will involve working to further advance the rights and interests of Aboriginal children and young people in Victoria. |
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Keynote speaker announcement We’re excited to announce that 2022 Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott, will be a keynote speaker at the ECA National Conference this year. Dylan is a Paralympic gold medallist, dual sport athlete and an advocate for disability. Book now to be inspired! |
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Be You webinar Join us on 3 May for the Critical incident responses—professional and personal webinar. Our panel will unpack how to support wellbeing in your learning community before, during and after a community trauma or natural disaster. Secure your spot. |
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ECA publication subscriptions The first issue of Every Child for 2022 focuses on educator wellbeing. The magazine also features important articles on reconciliation, reading to babies and young children, and play-based pedagogies. |
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