By Meg Anastasi 24 Apr, 2024 Navigating the boundaries of rough and tumble play Rough and tumble play is irresistible for young children - they are drawn to its blend of physical activity and occasional competitiveness. How can we support children in their playful exploration while teaching them to prioritise safety and consent? ECT and CELA early education specialist Meg Anastasi explores its value in physical and social development, and how we can embed it safely in early education spaces. Read More
By Dr Zali Yager 17 Apr, 2024 Early strategies for supporting positive body image 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt says: “We’re not born hating our bodies, it’s something the world teaches us.” So how can early childhood educators protect children in their care from the pressures and shame around the way they look? International body image expert Dr Zali Yager shares the latest science-backed strategies with us. Read More
By 16 Apr, 2024 Our sector leadership - 2024 Federal Budget Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) and Community Childcare Association (CCC) have created a Federal Budget plan to ensure every child can benefit from high quality education and care, no matter where they live or how much their parents earn. Discover the key points and what it means for our members. Read More
By CELA 14 Apr, 2024 How to support children after traumatic events After natural disasters, traumatic incidents or community acts of violence, early education professionals may be the first people families and children turn to for support. Responses to such incidents can significantly impact children, families, and the community, and requires planning. We offer recommendations for immediate and future actions, along with links to resources to assist you in providing the necessary emotional, psychological, and educational support following traumatic events. Read More
By CELA 11 Apr, 2024 The power of celebrating cultural heritage Every year on 18 April, ICOMOS (the International Council on Monuments and Sites) celebrates the “International Day for Monuments and Sites”, when the spotlight turns to the grand monuments included in the World Heritage list. These sites are certainly treasures worth preserving. However, it's just as important to celebrate and safeguard cultural heritage: the traditions, languages, and knowledge that define humanity's diverse cultures. We explore what UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage" list is about, and how you can explore this concept with children. Read More
By CELA 4 Apr, 2024 The ethics of playing with food in ECEC Discussions around the ethics of using food in play have simmered in the ECEC sector for years. While some believe that food can be a sensory-rich educational tool, others argue that it's a wasteful activity that clashes with cultural sensitivity. We digest the arguments and consider the recipe for respectful and effective learning experiences. Read More
By Deborah Hoger 28 Mar, 2024 Embedding First Nations perspectives throughout the year The early education calendar is filled with special dates, from Clean Up Australia Day to Science Week to NAIDOC week, offering opportunities to incorporate First Nations perspectives and enhance cultural understanding. Early education Indigenous resource specialist Deborah Hoger shares why this is important, and gives practical examples for including First Nations perspectives during five dates on the early childhood calendar. Read More
By Sonja Arndt 28 Mar, 2024 Constructing a framework for early childhood teachers’ cultural well-being Curriculum guidelines in Australia and New Zealand are urging teachers to nurture and develop young children's cultural identities. Meanwhile, many teachers are wondering who is nurturing their own cultural identity. Associate Professor Sonja Arndt writes about her pilot project investigating teacher's cultural identities, and extends an invitation to teachers based in Sydney to participate in the comprehensive research study. Read More
By CELA 27 Mar, 2024 8 ways CELA can support your community managed service CELA has been the champion for community managed, not for profit preschools for over 46 years. We exist to support you and we wouldn’t be here without you. Here are 8 ways CELA can help your service to provide quality early education and care. Read More
By CELA 22 Mar, 2024 10 key inclusion takeaways from our Elevate 2024 conference Last week we hosted our annual Elevate one-day conference with a theme of Celebrating being: Nurturing children’s authentic selves. In this article, you'll find 10 key tips and insights from our eight amazing speakers, along with links to more resources to guide you along your inclusion journey. Read More