By CELA 11 Feb, 2019 Qualifications lead to quality 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. Read More
By CELA 11 Feb, 2019 Children and chooks 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. Read More
By CELA 8 Feb, 2019 An 8 step plan to kick your learning goals in 2019 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? Read More
By CELA 7 Feb, 2019 Megan O’Connell joins CELA as a policy and research consultant 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. Read More
By CELA 30 Jan, 2019 Five ways to better conversations with children Great conversations make us feel good about ourselves and our place in the world, no matter how old we are. Orders, directions, and demands for information, on the other hand, make us feel at best dutiful and at worst, resentful and annoyed. Often we fall into a pattern of verbally directing and demanding without intending it because our time is short and stress is high. It’s all too easy for it to happen in our interactions with young children, too. Read More
By CELA 21 Jan, 2019 Following James the Adventurer Read Su’s story now to find out how technology, science, education, and a couple of adventurers brought the birds of the Simpson Desert to urban children and made the experience meaningful for all. Read More
By CELA 21 Jan, 2019 Educators trusted by vulnerable parents: analysis shows A new analysis shows early childhood educators are especially valued by parents with mental health difficulties, who are less likely to have other trusted adults to turn to for advice about their children. Read More
By CELA 14 Jan, 2019 Does ‘safe’ bush kinder lose meaning? Today’s story, from a new Amplify contributor Mandy Cooke, brings both concepts together as she reflects on a story from a friend, walking her dog… Read More
By CELA 7 Jan, 2019 Get real about physical activity in early learning Happy new year! We’re resuming publication with a story that is probably close to your heart right now: what makes an exercise or physical activity program really ‘stick’ so it goes beyond a new year’s resolution and becomes a daily part of your life. In this case, we’re talking about children’s programs and Amplify editor Bec Lloyd interviewed research leader Dr Jill Hnatiuk about some very practical findings out of an academic review. Read More
By CELA 17 Dec, 2018 Parent communication tools for your QIP ACECQA’s most recent snapshot shows that 97% of services are meeting Element 6.1.3, which is hardly surprising given that it can be achieved by keeping the service’s opening hours current on the website and installing the abovementioned brochure rack. Read More