Amplify! Blog

NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 2-9 July 2023. This year's theme is For our Elders. 

Proud Dunghutti woman and Indigenous early education resource specialist Deborah Hoger unpacks how early education services can embrace and celebrate the theme, including tips and insights. 

As we approach Mother’s Day, many services are busy with craft activities and preparations for morning teas, concerts and tributes to beloved mums. With inclusion and equity a focus in the EYLF V2.0, some are wondering whether this celebration is still relevant, whether adjustments should be made, or whether to cancel the celebration altogether. 

We speak with CELA early education specialists Meg Anastasi and Rachel Ho, Meni Tsambouniaris from Diversity Kids and Scott Brunelle from Rainbow Families to provide some great thought starters and viewpoints on the matter. 

Are forced apologies in early childhood a pathway to empathy or a misguided mission?

ECT and CELA trainer Meg Anastasi shares effective methods for nurturing a room filled with genuine emotional connections and compassion.

The early years learning framework V2 has expanded upon the principle of high expectation and equity, including a focus on inclusion. This recognises and reinforces the right of all children to participate in high-quality and inclusive early childhood settings, regardless of circumstances, strengths, gender, capabilities, or diverse ways of doing and being.  

At a time when many services are experiencing workforce pressures, including and planning for children with a diagnosis may seem challenging. 

CELA early education specialist and former preschool director Janelle Gallagher reflects on her awakening to the possibilities of inclusive early education and how it can be life-changing for children and families.  

Do you find yourself becoming Frozen when it comes to creating musical experiences with children?

Experienced Early Childhood Teacher and musical advocate Elizabeth Bailey* encourages you to "Let it go, let it go" by sharing tips and insights into how to be musical with children when you're not confident (so you can finally move on from the Frozen theme song and escape from the jaws of Baby Shark, do do do do do do). 

*Name changed for this article for privacy reasons

What should you do when you see a child in the sandpit happily eating sand again? We speak to CELA Early Education Specialist Jannelle Gallagher and Occupational Therapist Claire Joyce to learn more about oral sensory-seeking behaviours in early childhood and how best to respond. 

April is Autism Awareness Month, with a purpose of raising awareness, acceptance and inclusion surrounding autism. By promoting acceptance and understanding of autism and neurodiversity we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Neurodiverse individuals should be valued and celebrated for who they are, not stigmatised or marginalised for their differences.

We explore four ways you can grow your understanding of autism in order to be part of building a more inclusive and supportive society for autistic people of all ages.  

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of CMV or cytomegalovirus. But by the age of 40, up to 85% of Australian adults have been infected with this virus. CMV is common in early childhood and, while generally a mild virus, can have more serious implications for pregnant people contracting the disease.

We discuss cytomegalovirus (CMV) and why ECEC providers should be proactive about addressing and preventing its spread. 

This simple guide gives an overview of what the major parties are promising, with an ECEC focus. 

The Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, met with a representative group of CELA members at our Sydney CBD office last Tuesday night. It was a unique opportunity for members to better understand how early education policy is being implemented before the state election. Both parties were invited to attend, and Minister Mitchell accepted our invitation.  

Read on for a summary of what was discussed.