Recent news headlines have many parents of young children in a state of panic. Some popular news outlets claimed that there was “scientific evidence” that indicated that touchscreen devices were detrimental for young children’s development. The headlines stated that there was science to support the claim that, “iPads and Smartphones May Damage Toddler Brains”. The […]
In our generally sexually open society we may think that most parents no longer have any concerns about talking with children about sex or responding to their questions and behaviours. However there are many issues that still concern parents and educators. Here are some common ones. How should educators respond to children’s questions about sex, […]
It is not unexpected that in recent weeks, parts of the business sector are calling for the government to scrap the 1.5% levy that was earmarked to fund the Prime Minister’s proposed generous Paid Parental Leave scheme. When the Prime Minister announced changes to his proposed scheme, there were suggestions that the levy could instead […]
The beginning of a new experience is generally an exciting time for anyone but with it also comes a level of apprehension as you take your first steps into the unfamiliar. Starting school is a big step for children and helping them transition to school is an important part of their journey of life-long learning. […]
University of Western Australia The long-awaited report to government by the Productivity Commission on Childcare and Early Childhood Learning is a disappointment for the sector. The report ignored what leading experts in education and early childhood from around the world believe – that the quality of early childhood services is vital. The first five years […]
Element 1.2.2 Educators respond to children’s ideas and play and use intentional teaching to scaffold and extend each child’s learning. (National Quality Standard) This Element reminds educators to do more than simply notice children’s learning and congratulate them on it. When you think about extending children’s learning, what do you think about? My experience is […]
What are you doing with the light of your life? It’s 2015, the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. Digichild looks at children’s enlightening play, places to go, things to do that celebrate light and light technologies. Light is so vital to life on earth, yet in Australia where natural light is abundant, we […]
Leeds Trinity University In order to make young children “school ready”, the English government is now encouraging parents to place their children in school nurseries shortly after their second birthday. But there is evidence to suggest that this policy might be poorly aligned to the developmental needs of such young children and that it contravenes […]
Queensland University of Technology We fail children who experience difficulty in school and with learning almost every day in Australia and in so many ways. These children can fall through a myriad of cracks: cracks that appear in some schools and not others, cracks that exist for different reasons whether they be capacity, belief or […]
Originally posted in 2015, this post was updated in August 2020. Your Statement of Philosophy is something that can demonstrate how educators, families, children and community contribute to your service. It acknowledges your strengths and highlights the true ‘personality’ of your service. Your Statement of Philosophy is a reflection of what your service is, what […]
