Pets can be the fourth educator in early childhood settings, as Victoria Avenue Children’s Centre shows with its Tiny Tails program. 

CELA writer, Margaret Paton, spoke to Director Georgie Hobby at a time when the service is updating its philosophy and preparing to engage in an international research program – exciting times that will resonate with many educators and directors no matter where they live.

Please, visit the links below, watch the videos, check your state’s information, share the resources with educators and families, and consider other ways – however small they may seem – that you and your service can contribute to stopping the cycle of removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from family, community and culture. 

Setting up an edible garden in your children’s service can encourage sustainable practices and connect children to the earth. Start small, plan ahead, involve children and your community to explore food from plot to plate. Reap the harvest and benefits.