“I believe that this is a time of significance for our sector, and for families attending early childhood services. We have the opportunity to influence, impact and encourage our families in a way that has never been done before.”
Blake Stewart, Director of St Luke’s Preschool, in Dapto, NSW
While the world faces a global challenge like nothing we’ve seen in our lifetime, we are incredibly heartened to see what Australian educators are doing to boost the spirits of children and their families across the nation. We hope that you enjoy this compilation of educators going the extra mile to maintain connections, showing that distance and tough times can’t crush their passion for early education.
Dynamic singing duo
This dynamic duo at Jump Carey Early Development in Harrisdale WA has been getting creative with sing-a-long favourites.
Making daily chores fun
The team at Patrick’s Road Outside School Hours Care in Ferny Hills, QLD have taken chores to a new level, inspiring primary school kids to use their time at home to pick up a mop or squeegee and help around the house in a playful way.
Discovery at home sessions
The team at University of Wollongong Discovery Space in NSW is temporarily closed, but they have started a new ‘Discovery at home’ session which goes live at 11am every week day.
Here they explore the myriad of possibilities within a blanket fort. See more of their posts on their Instagram page @uowdiscoveryspace
Hand written messages from educators
The team at Goodstart Early Learning Shepparton – Archer Street in VIC made this heart felt compilation of hand written messages for families staying home to read, and a vibrant welcome message for those still attending.
Pandemic inspired Easter craft
At Discover My World ELC in Engadine, NSW, Easter craft has rolled into a totally new arena.
Take home craft and drive-by Easter gifts
Elder Street Early Childhood Centre in Lambton, NSW are preparing take home craft packs, and Easter drive-by treats delivered to family cars at the curb.
Storytime
The team at Forbes Preschool run storytime through Facebook each morning at 10.30am
Scientific exploration
At Giss Preschool in Sydney, educators have been conducting fun experiments with children via video conference.
“We have been conducting scientific exploration with the children via video conferences under the topic: ‘Water dissolves – Water mixes’. Introducing a variety of different additives, the children were encouraged to first predict what they thought might happen when these were mixed into glasses with water. Then they were encouraged to look closely and share their observations.”
Sending love through dance
The teams at Explore and Develop Narraweena in NSW and Goodstart Early Learning in Burleigh, QLD took up the Blinding Lights TikTok dance challenge to get stay-at-home children moving.
A very special Easter delivery
Educators at The Early Learning Hub in Spring Farm, NSW personally delivered 50 Easter craft and gift packs to families who have chosen to stay home.
A message from our CEO
Our sector is experiencing significant stress as a result of so many demands. We feel the pressure because we deeply care. We care about our children, families and each other.
As a valued member of CELA, what you need to do right now is stay connected, so as we can help you through. In addition stay focussed on your service, how you are going to manage enrolments and attendance in the interest of children and educators and how the available funding mechanisms will support your viability and the continuation of your service.
Michele Carnegie
About CELA
Community Early Learning Australia is a not for profit organisation with a focus on amplifying the value of early learning for every child across Australia - representing our members and uniting our sector as a force for quality education and care.