Making news this fortnight...

The Early Language and Literacy Survey—Preschool (ELLS-P)

Researchers from La Trobe University are conducting a study about Australian early childhood educators and teachers’ early language and literacy beliefs and practices. The Preschool ELLS-P has been developed to help researchers understand educators’ early language and literacy concepts. Participate in the survey here.

Child safe organisations resources

The National Office for Child Safety, in partnership with SNAICC, has developed culturally safe resources based on the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations to help organisations think about how to make themselves more child safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. View the resources here.

Changes to the NQF from 1 July 2023

There will be improved oversight and new safety and workforce requirements within family day care (FDC) to achieve better compliance and improved quality, and to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of children in education and care. Explore the information sheet here.

Professional Development and Paid Practicum Subsidy program

The Government has announced the Professional Development and Paid Practicum Subsidy program as part of the 2023–24 Budget. The program is one of a number of urgent actions to help support the skills and training of ECEC educators. Explore grant opportunities. 

Children’s Palliative Care Toolkit

To support children and their families through palliative care, Palliative Care ACT, with the support of nursing staff and students at the University of Canberra (UC), have created a toolkit about children’s palliative care. The fifth edition was released late last month in line with National Palliative Care Week.

Early Learning Matters Week

Early Learning Matters Week is back from 24 to 28 July 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Learning through connection’. Early Learning Matters Week aims to recognise and raise the profile of early childhood education and care in children’s development and wellbeing in Australia. Find out more and stay informed here.

Upcoming calendar days

Explore relevant calendar dates to consider acknowledging in your service this month: Refugee Week (18–24 June), NAIDOC Week (2–9 July) Early Learning Matters Week (24–28 July), National Out of School Hour Care Educators Day (26 July), International Day of Friendship (30 July).

ECA National Conference

Earlybird registrations for the Early Childhood Australia National Conference close on 30 June 2023. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from leading experts, gain valuable insights, and connect with a vibrant community of early childhood professionals. Secure your spot today and invest in your professional growth.

Asserting a Culture of Child Safety

Child protection training, undertaken by educators, maintains general knowledge of what to do if concerns arise. The purpose of this book is to help the early childhood sector work from a position of earlier identification and prevention. Shop here.

Reflective practice supports wellbeing

When educators regularly practice critical reflection, they learn about themselves and their professional identity. Read through this thought-provoking article  to learn more.

New on The Spoke

In the latest Spoke blog post ‘Dare to dreams—An early years strategy and the unwavering rights of the child’, Stephanie Jackiewicz discusses and asks you to reflect on the future of Australia that relies on developing a strong vision for the early years. Read more.

ECA Podcast

Join Dr Sandra Cheeseman and Catharine Hydon in this new series of the ECA Podcast Talking Pedagogies where they will revisit the question: Is there a unique Australian Pedagogy? They will recap the seven pedagogical landings that were shared by educators based on what they saw as unique to our country and people. Listen here.

Reconciliation in children’s education and care: Taking the first steps

This course is suitable for all educators looking to build their confidence in taking the first steps or next steps in embedding reconciliation in an approved education and care setting. This foundational course may be suitable for educators new to the sector or embarking on a formal early childhood qualification. Sign up here.