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The latest in early childhood news... In this issue... the Report on Government Services: Child care, education and training is released; there are calls for a national COVD-19 plan for the early childhood sector; and the Smart Start campaign is asking parents to complete a survey on early childhood education and care. In the lead-up to the anniversary of the National Apology, The Conversation highlights the need to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care. The Department of Health is establishing additional pop-up vaccination hubs to support early childhood educators to get their booster shots; nominations are open for Most Influential Educators 2022, and read why an influx of educators may leave the sector within the next three years. 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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Government services report Last Thursday (3 February), the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services: Child care, education and training was released. This annual report provides information on the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of government services in Australia, including early education. ECA believes more can be done for Australian children and the early learning sector. Read our media release here. |
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ECEC national plan needed This article, published in The Conversation, explores the need for a national plan for the early childhood education and care sector for managing COVID-19 and keeping children and educators safe. View the full article here, and learn more about the 'early childhood crisis' taking a toll on educators and families here. |
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Smart Start Survey The Smart Start campaign is calling on parents with children under the age of five to complete a short survey about community attitudes towards early childhood education and care. We invite you to share this link with parents accessing your service. |
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Out-of-home care In the lead-up to the anniversary of Kevin Rudd’s National Apology to the Stolen Generations (13 February), this article in The Conversation analyses the measures that need to be taken to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care. |
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Vaccination hubs The Department of Health is establishing additional pop-up vaccination hubs in certain areas to support booster shots for priority cohorts, including those working in early childhood and outside school hours services. To find a pop-up vaccination hub, click here. |
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Most influential educators Nominations are open for The Educator’s inaugural list of the Most Influential Educators 2022 to recognise highly dedicated and hard-working leaders in education. Do you know an educator who goes above and beyond? Complete the online form here. |
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The great resignation Time, money and exhaustion! Last week, Women’s Agenda shared an article about why a majority of early childhood educators plan to leave the profession in the next three years. Learn more about the study originally conducted by Marg Rogers here and learn more about educator wellbeing during the pandemic here. |
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In state and territory news... In New South Wales, parents with children enrolled in primary school can now apply for a $500 voucher to access before and after school care. Victoria will be the first state or territory in Australia to introduce funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten for all children. Meanwhile, Rapid Antigen tests will now be available to all children aged three to five attending an early childhood service. In Tasmania, students are receiving back to school COVID-19 care packs, including two rapid antigen tests, surgical face masks and useful health and wellbeing information for families. In the ACT, Thrive by Five is hosting a Pop Up Parents Group on the lawns of Parliament House next Thursday (17 February). The group is inviting local parents, children, educators and supporters to come along and share their stories about early learning. Book here. |
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New on The Spoke The Australian Education Research Organisation shares evidence on the research on play and inquiry conducted with an early childhood service. Julia Rennick shares various forms of music that might be used with babies and toddlers as a way of fostering relationships. |
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AJEC Research Symposium The 2022 AJEC Research Symposium starts tomorrow. This is the last chance to get your ticket: click here! |
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Support is available Be You Consultants can support you to plan for 2022 every step of the way. Connect with them in a Be You Session or Event. Book today. |
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Learning in Australian environments Early Years Learning in Australian Natural Environments provides educators with the knowledge and skills to connect children with nature through outdoor play and learning. Purchase your copy on the ECA Shop here. |
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