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Making news this fortnight... Save the date for Early Learning Matters Week 2022; early childhood workforce action plan launched; new report recommends universal, accessible and affordable early childhood system; COVID-19 vaccines for children six months to five years; final Indigenous cultural competency project report calls for action and better support; why physical punishment is bad for children; importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge in children's education; grants to support children with disability; and teaching STEM through play. Scroll down to read more, find the latest in state and territory news, and discover what ECA teams have been doing. |
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Celebrating early learning The 2022 Early Learning Matters Week will run from 17–21 October. This special week is a national celebration of the importance of early learning, learning through play, and the difference the profession makes. For more information, visit the website and subscribe to the mailing list to get the latest updates. |
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CPD report Starting Now released A new briefing paper from the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) recommends actions to ensure high-quality, accessible and affordable education and care, attract and retain a skilled workforce, and embed a universal early childhood system. Read here. |
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COVID vaccine for young children Following the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) provisional approval, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines to be administered to children aged six months to five years in select at-risk population groups. Learn more about who can get vaccinated. |
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AITSL release new report The final report for the Indigenous cultural competency project has been released by Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The report calls for institutional action at all levels, supporting teachers to enhance and enrich their practice and maximise student outcomes by developing their intercultural responsiveness. Learn more. |
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Say no to physical punishment Research suggests that corporal punishment is harmful for children and has long-term impacts. This article from The Conversation examines some of the latest studies and shares alternative approaches. |
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Embracing Indigenous teachings In this article from The Conversation, authors draw on their research and lived experiences to highlight the need to incorporate Indigenous knowledge in children’s education. Read the article here. |
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Grants to support children with disability The Australian Government has announced grants worth $31 million under the National Early Childhood Program (NECP) and Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program to support young children with disability and developmental concerns. Learn more. |
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Be a STEM champion Monash University's Conceptual PlayLab has produced a new play-based model to teach STEM to young children. Based on more than 10 years of research by Professor Marilyn Fleer, the Conceptual PlayWorld model helps children form ideas in STEM and increase girls’ participation. Register here for free online professional learning. |
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State and territory news ACT The Australian Capital Territory Government has announced it will establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner for the territory, following a model co-designed with the community. Learn more. NSW New South Wales Education Minister Sarah Mitchell is considering lifting the school starting age to six to reduce age gaps in classes and put students on a more even footing. Details here. Applications are now open for the 2022–23 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Education Scholarships and Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program, helping students entering the workforce to enhance their skills. Apply now. QLD The Queensland Government has announced funding close to $1 million for the ‘Time for Grandparents’ scheme to support grandparents acting as primary carers of their grandchildren. Details here. VIC Victorian educators are being urged to share important information about children that improves their wellbeing and safety outcomes under the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS). Resources including a new stakeholder toolkit are available online. Download here. |
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Elevate your professional learning with these 10-week courses designed for early childhood professionals. Enrol now, as places are limited. |
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ECA Shop: Rituals Make the everyday extraordinary with this beautiful book exploring rituals in early childhood by Toni Christie. Buy now. |
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ECA National Conference In-person tickets to the 2022 ECA National Conference (5–8 Oct) are sold out! Virtual passes, which give you access to live streamed keynote addresses and more than 100 sessions, are selling fast. Register now. |
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New on The Spoke Paediatrician, author, educator and the international keynote speaker at the upcoming ECA National Conference (5–8 Oct) Dr Laura Jana says early childhood is everybody’s business. Part one of this blog series delves into the key skills needed to equip children for their future. Read here. |
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Ethics in Action This easy-to-use practical guide to the ECA Code of Ethics will help educators with everyday ethical implementation. Buy now. |
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Do you have a question? Be You Conversations are online sessions hosted by Be You Consultants. Anyone can drop in and ask questions about Be You, whether they’re about starting or keeping momentum going. Book here. |
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