Early Childhood Teacher and NDIS Disability Support Worker Catherine Underwood co-facilitates playgroups for Nature Explorers, a nature based program that is run out of Pottsville Community Preschool.

In this article she provides a beautiful reflection on the power of documentation in protecting and advocating for the value of children's play, and the value of outdoor education on mind, body and sustainability. 

"You learn a lot when you're barefoot. The first thing is every step you take is different."

Michael Franti

There’s increasing momentum around the topic of supporting children to be barefoot outside. More than just a personal preference, there are some interesting perspectives and research studies that advocate for a barefoot approach.  

We explore the different facets of the barefoot conversation with Paediatric Occupational Therapist Dr Nicole Grant, ECEC Director Niki Moodie and Outdoor Educator Libby Bridge. 

Group times are a hotly contested topic in the early childhood sector. Some people love them, others hate them, and both sides have deep pedagogical thinking supporting them.

ECT and CELA trainer Meg Anastasi shares five thoughtful and reflective ways to support children during group time. 

ECT and CELA trainer Dr. Debra Williams has become the first Early Childhood Teacher to achieve Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation in NSW. 

Dr Williams shares what the accreditation is, why it's important, and what you will learn if you decide to go through the process. 

Findings from the Australian Maltreatment Study, released earlier this year, reveal that childhood trauma is a prevailing concern in Australia, affecting over 62% of children and young people. Trauma during childhood can have profound and lasting effects on cognitive, social, and emotional development.

High-quality early years education plays a crucial role in identifying issues early and ensuring appropriate assessment and support for affected children and families. Find out how The Alannah & Madeline Foundation's Trauma Consultancy Service (TraCS) program and their recently launched Trauma-informed Practice Guide (TIO Practice Guide), are transforming the way educators approach teaching and caregiving.