Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child has released an information package including the below infographic explaining the emerging science of epigenetics (not to be confused with eugenics).

You probably learned it in your diploma or degree as an article of faith in research terms, or maybe you’ve read about it since in a journal article or heard it at a conference. The concept is so well accepted that you may even have seen it in newspaper stories or on television news.

When we talk about quality early childhood education, one of the commonly accepted prerequisites is qualified educators. It’s a pillar of the National Quality Framework and the NQF’s support of higher levels of qualification for all people working with children has had a life-altering effect on many in the sector.

If animals can be a child’s fourth educator, have you thought about a two legged beastie becoming a bestie for children at your service? We’re looking at hens this week, one of the closest living relations of dinosaurs and yet also one of humanity’s longest running domestic animal companions. Amplify editor Bec Lloyd checks out chooks as chums for children in this article.

The year ahead is full of promise for improvement. Your diary is still crisp and clean. Your calendar still has potential for meaningful development time for your room, team or organisation. You even have a bit of budget to work with…So why haven’t you set your professional development goals yet?

We’re delighted to announce that Megan O’Connell, former Director of independent education policy think tank Mitchell Institute, has joined CELA as a policy and research consultant.