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...]
Child Care News
Childcare News and industry updates. Here are a few of the hot news stories in the childcare industry. Stay informed and keep on top of current issues facing those in the workplace.
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...]
Sustainability Day 18- Exploring Weather
The weather is an amazing thing..... it changes daily and may even change several times in one day! While we may talk about "what the weather will be today" using charts or images, we could take this much further. Being aware of our weather, temperatures, seasons can be great opportunities to explore science and prenumeracy but also supports … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 17- Fun with CDs!
Are you like me and have huge piles of CDs that you no longer use... you now download your music onto your iPad or phone... and the CD player now sits and gathers dust??? Well rather than throw out those old CDs and add to landfill, maybe think of ways we can re-use these! Here are some ideas; Use CDs and crystals, glass beads, collage to … [Read more...]
Sustainability Day 16- Time for Coffee!
So. I love coffee, like most of us and while I usually buy this from my local cafe each morning I may also make one at home with my coffee pod machine....but did you know that each little coffee pod takes 500 years or more to break down? To be sustainable and make conscious choices, I do chose biodegradable pods and I also try to re-use these … [Read more...]