Rolled out more than ten years ago and a key element of the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) has had an enormous positive impact on early childhood education in Australia. The review process, which is now underway, provides a valuable opportunity for the framework to be refined in line with recent […]
Category Archives: Practice
Silver linings and unexpected outcomes—early childhood professional placements in the time of COVID-19
Less doing means more listening More listening means deeper understanding Deeper understanding means authentic connections Authentic connections mean stronger relationships Stronger relationships mean deeper respect Deeper respect means genuine bonds Genuine bonds mean children being, becoming, belonging! This inspiring quote comes from second year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education students at Victoria University (VU) (Melbourne) after completing their professional placement in […]
Early Childhood Music Education: Does delivery matter?
Research shows us the benefits of music for language and literacy as well as self-regulation and mental health. But does how we teach music matter?Musician and early childhood teacher, AMY ROTHE explores different methods of teaching music to young children, such as the Suzuki method, and delves into her personal teaching experiences and practice. When you […]
Deconstructing early childhood practices
In this one blog, we bring you three perspectives on translating research into practice. Dr Andi Salamon, Leanne Gibbs and Mandy Cooke share their insights about using the ‘theory of practice architectures’ in three very different early childhood contexts. Though each author focused on different aspects of early childhood education, they all used the theory […]
Writing and reading links
At the moment the news is changing hour by hour, day by day. In this environment stories change and we don’t always have the time to catch up. And knowledge brokering is not the same as advocacy. So when ECA shared a mainstream media article a few weeks ago, about a new study, our Facebook […]
Where to for the registration of early childhood teachers?
Pathways to professionalism and equal status, as well as a nationally consistent approach, are among the aspirations for professional registration of early childhood teachers. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR MARIANNE FENECH looks at a review of teacher registration in Australia to examine what it means for early childhood teachers and the pay gap and offers educators a chance to […]
Sparking knowledge: Educators and researchers making a difference together
Ever been asked to participate in a survey or study about early childhood and found yourself making excuses not to do it? You’re busy, right? It’s just another thing. But before placing that invitation in the bin, pause. It could be a chance to be part of something bigger than your own daily practice and […]
This job is real, raw and meaningful
In light of Early Childhood Educators’ Day on Wednesday 4 September, we asked ANNE STONEHOUSE to write about the role of educators in the lives and formation of children. Anne talked to a circle of educators who shared rewarding parts of their daily experiences. Their commitment and dedication is obvious, here they are in their own […]
Love and care—where has it gone in early years practice?
We constantly use the term education and care in early childhood, but what does care mean? DR LIZ ROUSE and DR FAY HADLEY explore the ideas and the research in this ‘hotly debated’ topic. Are educators expected to have ‘professional love’ for the children in their care? What are the benefits and limitations of approaching […]
Shifting perspectives: Our role in partnerships with families
DR KATEY DE GIOIA reflects on a discussion with teachers about learning goals for children, which led her to think about partnerships between families and teachers in early childhood education and care. Dr De Gioia presented at the 2019 ECA National Conference on ‘There’s more to being a teacher than playing in the sandpit: Teachers leading pedagogical […]