Amplify! Blog

Inclusion is not a choice in early education; equity, inclusion and high expectations are key principles of the Early Years Learning Framework. 

In March 2023 we hosted our annual Elevate one-day conference with a theme of belonging and inclusion. In this article, you'll find 12 key inclusion tips and insights from our eight amazing speakers, along with links to more resources to guide you along your inclusion journey. 

Are you new to the early education sector and finding it challenging to get to grips with the planning process? Perhaps you have a new team member who could do with some tips and guidance. In this article, Early Childhood Teacher Meg Anastasi shares helpful tips and insights for getting started with planning in early childhood education. 

When ECT Darren Halim was researching local Aboriginal heritage and cultural sites to share with the children at his kindergarten, his colleague came across some beautiful Aboriginal art on display at a nearby cafe. The artist turned out to be local Wiradjuri man and Anglican church Reverend Glenn Loughrey, who was also involved in the development of The Wominjeka (Reconciliation) Garden, a local cutural site. 

Darren shares how he built a connection with Glenn and the wonderful cultural learnings that took place over the year that followed.

Many children are fascinated by the visible differences in other children’s skin colour and may ask sensitive or confronting questions. How can we best respond? 

Meni Tsambouniaris from Diversity Kids offers advice and tips on approaching this topic.  

Did you know that there are two types of discrimination to be aware of in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act, and ECEC services are legally required to avoid both types?  

Sadly, the Child Care Package Evaluation completed by the Australian Institute of Family Studies last year found that discriminatory practices were occurring for children with additional needs. In this Amplify article, CELA early education expert Jannelle Gallagher clarifies services’ legal obligations around disability discrimination and inclusion, and shares best practice examples for inclusion. A timely article considering the increased focus on inclusion in the updated EYLF. 

What started as a day to teach the children at Milford Lodge about the three Rs has turned into a thriving community event. Since the first Milford Lodge Market Day in 2009, the Sunshine Coast service has raised more than $30,000 for community causes. We explore how the team at Excellent rated Milford Lodge connects with their community through their annual Market Day.

You don’t need to be Beyonce to include singing as part of your program. Whether you are a confident singer or otherwise, the tunes you sing could be having a much bigger impact on the children than you realise. Warm up your vocal cords as we explore the benefits of singing in an early childhood setting. 

Deborah Hoger explores what it means to be visibly culturally capable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and why a parent should not have to dig too deeply to find out how an early education and care service is incorporating First Nations culture respectfully.  

“We let down our guard when someone we love is reading us a story. We exist together in a little patch of warmth and light.” – Kate DiCamillo 

Research shows that reading to children has a significant positive effect on their development and can be beneficial for adults too. Yet, Early Childhood Teacher Darren Halim has found that reading aloud is often underestimated as a learning experience in early education and care settings.  

Darren explores what the research says about the benefits of reading aloud to children and why it’s so much better for children to listen to people reading, rather than listening to reading on devices. 

The future of early learning is on the national agenda. This year, the new Government signalled a strong commitment to ECEC policy, with record investments at a federal level and in some states and territories. These strategies, as well as the enquiries planned for 2023, aim to deliver better outcomes for children and families across Australia. 

CELA CEO Michele Carnegie is a member of the Front Project's Apiary Fellowship, which is developing a vision for the future of early education. The Apiary Fellowship are calling for input from children across Australia: here’s how you can get involved.