Friday, October 5, 2012

Early Childhood Australia

“Early Childhood Australia will advocate ensuring quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years.” (Early Childhood Australia, 2012)

Some of the current Australian research topics addressed are the early childhood framework, school readiness, children’s transition to schools/grades, children’s health, children’s obesity, baby and toddler sleeping, sustainability, global warming, and climate change. There was a vast majority of research topics which touched base on many of the topics we focus on in the United States related to early childhood education.

I found it interesting that the website has the state/territory branches separated and describes the goals of each state/territory branch. I also found it interesting when I read the paper, “ECA Position Paper on Children of Asylum Seekers, Children of Refugees and Children in Detention”. It was interesting to see the perspective of Australia for children who are refugees. The paper discusses how children’s needs should/can be met and how individuals in Australia can help these children have special protection and care. “Half of the world's refugees are children. They need special protection and care.”

I found The Research in Practice Series was very interesting and worth taking notes on. “The Research in Practice Series is a practical, easy-to-read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children.” The books are a resource for individuals who work within the early childhood field. The series focuses on the ‘hands-on’ aspects of early childhood education. I believe that ‘hands-on’ is so important to incorporate into the field of early childhood and is the core of children’s learning.

Resource:

Early Childhood Australia - http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

 

 

4 comments:

  1. I enjoyed exploring the same site. The research in practice series is interesting, and I found the resource useful. I also enjoyed reading some of the the media releases. I guess we are not alone in the fight to improve the quality of early childhood services.
    Carolina

    ReplyDelete
  2. After reviewing these websites, I agree that the topics discussed in the field of early childhood education are global topics and issues and are not confined to a particular country. I also noted the commonality of child care legislation being divided by regions. This occurs in Canada as well, as each province or territory is responsible for creating their own standards for early childhood education. This can be a benefit to countries as cultural practices can vary from region to region, but it can also be a detriment to individual regions that are not as monetarily able to support a high quality child care system.

    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  3. There was a lot of information available on the site I was surprised. I also liked how this was a government website for the country and included the territories. I can not think of one for the US that also covers the states and is so teacher friendly like this site is. You also listed more topic that I did, there were so many to choose from on their index. I enjoyed this site and it broadened my feelings about research.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kaitlyn,

    I also chose the same site for review, so much wonderful information available. I enjoyed this site and will revisit it.
    I agree it seems that no matter where we are in the world we have the same issues and concerns when it comes to early childhood education.

    ReplyDelete