Amplifying Quality Education & Care

Stephanie Seidler is an experienced early educator and published author who is passionate about promoting meaningful educational experiences for children. Based in New York, she is an advocate of using emergent curriculum as part of a responsive intentional teaching process, and loves to share tools, tips and ideas on her Facebook page. 

Stephanie recently published a book called Bubble Babies, celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and connection building for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Bubbles have been a favourite interest for so many of the children she’s educated over the years. 

In this article she shares the benefits of emergent curriculum, tips on planning and scaffolding ideas using bubbles as the example, and how a very ‘NYC’ interest in coffee amongst children who’d never tasted it led to an investigation that went on for half a year!

Once upon a time disability was a taboo topic. Today, awareness of disability is on the rise through events such as International Day of People with Disability (3 December) and the growing acknowledgement of disability in the community.

Many early educators are embracing the opportunity to open the discussion around disability and inclusion with children. We speak with Leanne Fretten of all-abilities childcare centre Mikarie about their child-first approach, ask author of 'What happened to you?' James Catchpole about avoiding the 'inspiration trope', and share how toys and resources such as dolls and books can promote empathy and open-mindedness. 

A new report has been released examining ECEC workforce pressures which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, their impact on ECEC services, and possible ways forward for the sector. 

Written by CELA (Community Early Learning Australia), ELAA (Early Learning Association Australia) and CCC (Community Child Care Association), the report is based on findings from almost 750 respondents representing over 3,300 early education and care services across a wide range of service types. The report will be used to advocate for our workforce at both Federal and State levels of Government.

The report reveals that staff turnover has increased in 50% of services surveyed since the start of the pandemic, while nearly half of job vacancies in ECEC services remain unfilled. Services reported that poor pay and conditions contributed to a lack of applicants, while a lack of quality graduates contributed to jobs remaining vacant.