Educators can have a long and lasting effect on a young child’s life and ideally we want these early impressions to inspire, challenge and foster a positive well-being for these young children. While there are abundant training providers and programs available for prospective and experienced educators the quality of the education and training … [Read more...]
Critical Reflection… it’s not a dirty word!
We all “reflect” in various ways such as in our children’s portfolios and documentation, daily curriculum reflections, staff meetings, daily practices, staff appraisals… National Quality Standard, Quality Area 1.2.3 states critical reflection on children's learning and development, both as individuals and in groups, is regularly used to … [Read more...]
It’s that time of year…
We are getting close to that time of year when children are coming into our services with coughs, runny noses and medication! According to the Children's Youth and Women's Health Service, children get around 6-10 colds per year, with the highest number usually being during the first two years in child care, kindergarten or school. There are … [Read more...]
Would you like to become an Educator?
Being an Early Childhood Educator is a rewarding, challenging and extremely important position that should never be underestimated. Planning and nurturing young children's growth and development, supporting families and reflecting on our daily practices is not just "fun and games".... it is important and significant work! So do YOU … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 24 (Last one!!)- So why should we do this?
Children who understand the basics of sustainability, who engage in sustainable practices daily and who observe others role modelling will understand just how important it is! Over the last 23 days I have explored various ways we can incorporate sustainable practices and attitudes into our every day and as you can see they can be simple yet … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 23- Social Sustainability…. are you happy?
Social sustainability is probably the least defined and least understood of all the different ways of approaching "sustainability". In a nut shell, social sustainability is about well-being, equity, social justice, cultural competence, adaptability and being socially responsible. So, obviously very relevant to our work with children and … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 22- Economic Initiatives
So, of course I cannot do 24 Sustainability posts without touching on "economic sustainability" and while we are all very aware of this and most of us do these every day.. it is definitely worth considering these green initiatives so they are part of our everyday practices. So let's see how the following can help save power & costs; Use … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 21- Workforce Sustainability… do you like your workplace?
Who would have thought that there was "workforce sustainability"? It has nothing to do with recycling or turning off the lights or using natural resources... but instead it has everything to do with attracting and retaining the right people and ensuring high levels of engagement and motivation. So how can we support workforce sustainability? … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 20- Bringing the “Outside In”
Connecting with nature and natural resources is fundamental to our development and well-being. However for some of us, connecting with nature is not as easy as going outside to play. Many early childhood service outdoor spaces may be filled with soft fall and set equipment. To be in a service with the luxury of grass, plants and gardens, trees, … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 19- Animal Care
I would have to say, like most of us, most children love animals and while many may have pets at home, I do believe that animals can play a very significant role in child care settings. Having an animal in your service provides children with the opportunities to experience animal care including feeding, providing comfort, cleaning and hygiene … [Read more...]