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# Early Childhood Australia: A voice for young children

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Reconceptualising documentation: Authenticity, purpose and educator wellbeing in early childhood education](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/reconceptualising-documentation-authenticity-purpose-and-educator-wellbeing-in-early-childhood-education/): In our service, we pride ourselves on being strong advocates for inclusion. We adapt our environments, our daily rhythm and our teaching to meet the diverse needs of every child in our care. We discuss individual learning styles, walking in step with our children and scaffolding their experiences so that learning is both meaningful and authentic. 
- [Infant and toddler participation is not what we say. It is what we do](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/infant-and-toddler-participation-is-not-what-we-say-it-is-what-we-do/): Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989) affirms that children have the right to express their views on matters that affect them, and to have those views taken seriously. Despite the clarity of Article 12, children’s participatory rights are often treated as conditional, recognised only under certain circumstances, such as: 
- [What Surrounds Us Shapes Us:  Brain Building in the Early Years](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/what-surrounds-us-shapes-us-brain-building-in-the-early-years/): This week, as part of Brain Awareness Week, we celebrate the science of how brains grow, learn and adapt throughout life. One of the most powerful insights from neuroscience is simple but profound: children’s brains are shaped by what surrounds them.
- [Quality and safety in ECEC—what does ROGS really say? Hint: it isn’t what you read in some media reports…](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/quality-and-safety-in-ecec-what-does-rogs-really-say-hint-it-isnt-what-you-read-in-some-media-reports/): For data nerds in the early childhood sector, ‘ROGS Day’ is a big thing. This year, the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services (ROGS) chapter on early childhood education and care (ECEC) was published on 10 February. Many daily newspapers reported on the ROGS chapter on  the ECEC  sector with a focus on serious incidents being at record highs, along with staffing waivers (
- [Young children are little engineers (and why that matters)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/young-children-are-little-engineers-and-why-that-matters/): Did you know that when a child pulls on a blanket to bring a toy within reach, tests different ways to make their cars go faster down a ramp, or figures out how to transport water across the sandpit without spilling it, they’re actually demonstrating engineering thinking?
- [Early Learning Matters Week Wrap Up Event—Address](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/early-learning-matters-week-wrap-up-event-address/): Senator Steph Hodgins-May
- [Early Learning Matters Week Wrap Up Event—Address](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/early-learning-matters-week-wrap-up-event-address-3/): Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh 
- [Early Learning Matters Week Wrap Up Event—Address](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/early-learning-matters-week-wrap-up-event-address-2/): Zoe McKenzie MP 
- [Policy in action: Elevating children’s voices at Gowrie Victoria](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/policy-in-action-elevating-childrens-voices-at-gowrie-victoria/): Recent events concerning young children’s safety and wellbeing in Australian early childhood education and care (ECEC) services have raised important questions about how we engage children and hear their voices.
- [Opinion Editorial – Early Childhood Education and Care](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/opinion-editorial-early-childhood-education-and-care-2/): As the CEO of the leading national peak body dedicated to the best interests of young children, the focus on early childhood education and care (ECEC) in this election is very welcome.  To hear the Prime Minister say during the recent leaders’ debate that he wants universal childcare to be his economic legacy indicates that this is now being seen as a serious investment in nation-building and long-term economic prosperity. The only thing that would make this even better is to have bipartisan support for high-quality, affordable and accessible ECEC—from the end of paid parental leave (12 months would be ideal) through to the transition to school.
- [Gen-AI in early childhood education: Navigating a not-so-new frontier?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/gen-ai-in-early-childhood-education-navigating-a-not-so-new-frontier/): Have you had that experience where a colleague shares a topical link, and the group chat goes wild? Constructive and rich discussion filled with critical reflection follows and then slowly it fizzles out, lost to the group chat ether forever. Recently, we had that exact experience when a provocation about generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) in early childhood assessment was shared between us. We decided, however, that the conversation was too important to let slide. The landscape of early childhood education is rapidly evolving, with Gen-AI becoming well established as a powerful yet controversial tool. As educators, we find ourselves at a crossroads, grappling with the potential benefits and challenges of integrating Gen-AI into our assessment practices and daily routines.
- [‘Stretched time’ in early childhood education and care](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/stretched-time-in-early-childhood-education-and-care/): Sometimes a question can stay with you: ‘Are we making the best use of children’s time?’ This was Chloe Kerr1’s question after an In Service day in Shetland last year about slow pedagogies. Chloe’s question is key to reconsidering the relationship with time in early childhood education and care (ECEC). This has been the focus of my two-year research study, Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child, funded by the Froebel Trust (Clark, 2020; Clark, 2023).
- [Responsive language: Alternative language with real life situations](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/responsive-language-alternative-language-with-real-life-situations/): The words we use daily with children matter. How we communicate and the words we use with children has a great effect on the relationships we build with them. UNICEF (n.d.) explains that ‘Every interaction you have with your child is a form of communication. It’s not just about the words you say: The tone of your voice, the look in your eyes and the hugs and kisses you give – all convey messages to your child.’ These can have a direct impact on how a child acts, feels, and responds to a situation.
- [Why I will always choose to teach in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/why-i-will-always-choose-to-teach-in-early-childhood/): Recently I was asked to speak at a career expo for pre-service early childhood teachers preparing to transition to the field. I guess the universe heard me loud and clear when I said I was ready to say ‘yes’ to new challenges and things that terrify me (like public speaking and playing team sports) in 2024!
- [Digital Child Ethics Toolkit: Considerations for research](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/digital-child-ethics-toolkit-considerations-for-research/): It is naive to think our young children are growing up in the same way that adults did. Young children today are growing up in a digital world, and a vast range of digital technologies are shaping young people’s lives, learning and wellbeing. More research is needed into how digital technologies have affected child health, wellbeing and development differently—in positive and negative ways—and educators need support to translate these findings into evidence-informed policy and practice.
- [A time to educate, not celebrate: 26 January](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/a-time-to-educate-not-celebrate-26-january/): The date 26 January holds a complex place in Australia’s history. While some celebrate it as Australia Day, this date also marks a day of mourning for First Nations people as the date the first British colonies landed, starting centuries of mistreatment and displacement for Aboriginal people.
- [Graduation practice isn’t in the EYLF.](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/graduation-practice-isnt-in-the-eylf/): It was early December 2023, and I was talking with a colleague, a Tertiary Supervisor visiting student pre-service teachers on their first ECEC placement. The student she had visited that day was experiencing a challenge.
- [Understanding the connection between mind and body: Why is movement important for the developing child?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/understanding-the-connection-between-mind-and-body-why-is-movement-important-for-the-developing-child/): An internationally recognised stereotype of modern Australia is that of athletes, weekend sports and physically active citizens enjoying the sun outdoors. However, when we begin to delve deep into the research and studies in relation to physical literacy, we realise that Australia is a nation in crisis within all stages of childhood. For example, Australia’s overall score for physical activity in the 2022 Active Healthy Kids Australia Report was D-minus; the Global report published by the World Health Organisation in the Lancet Child Adolescent Health has reported Australia as one of the worst performers, ranking 140 out of 146 countries (Guthold et al., 2020).; and the recent PLAY Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity (PLAYCE) Study showed that less than one third of children meet the recommended three hours per day of physical activity. Most alarmingly, this study also found that less than 8% of children meet this recommendation whilst attending an early childhood education and care service.
- [Supporting transition to school](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/supporting-transition-to-school/): As the end of the year approaches, one of your priorities as an educator will be supporting children as they begin their transition from early childhood settings to primary school. In preparing for this milestone while, navigating the complexities this year has brought, there are many effective tools to help you provide the best support for children and their families.
- [The Leap](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/the-leap/): Imagine traveling 2 plane flights and over 8 hours to your first teaching job- with little people who spoke a different language and who were from a different cultural background to you.
- [Rethinking ‘School Readiness’: It’s Time for Schools to Be Ready](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/rethinking-school-readiness-its-time-for-schools-to-be-ready/): ‘School readiness’ programs are advertised across the nation, with some early learning services and preschools promising to provide children with literacy and numeracy skills for a head start in school. On social media, parents frantically seek recommendations on where to send their children to ‘get ready’ for school. Educators arm themselves with worksheets and a ‘letter of the week,’ and attempt to corral energetic 3-year-olds into reciting numbers and identifying colours during mat times, all in the name of ‘education.’
- [Early Childhood Learning Trajectories: What, why, how?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/early-childhood-learning-trajectories-what-why-how/): ACECQA data show us that the most challenging quality area for ECEC services to meet is QA1: Educational Program and Practice. Within QA1, Element 1.3.1, Assessment and Planning Cycle is the most likely element to be awarded a ‘not met’ rating. In Australia, educators and teachers are required to implement the principles of curriculum planning by applying the planning cycle described in the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia V2.0 (EYLF V2.0) to guide their teaching. The planning cycle includes five steps (observe, assess, plan, implement and evaluate). Each step informs the next and so the cycle keeps turning. This is exactly where the AERO Early Childhood Learning Trajectories (LTs) can help. The LTs offer a research-informed lens to help with purposeful observations, assessment, planning and evaluation.
- [“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before”. (Maya Angelou)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/this-is-a-wonderful-day-ive-never-seen-this-one-before-maya-angelou/): The engine room of any organisation is the most important and influential. This is where the key driving force for ongoing propulsion happens. Everything moves forward when this room is in full operational mode. Working in the infant toddler environment in a long day care setting is a lot like being in the engine room – literally and metaphorically. This is where optimal conditions for learning and development are set in motion for young children. When you consider that infants and toddlers are built for design, exploration and theory building it makes sense that these spaces require the most capable, curious, and well-trained teachers and educators to propel learning and development.
- [Children’s wellbeing and literacy – how they go hand in hand.](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/childrens-wellbeing-and-literacy-how-they-go-hand-in-hand/): Early childhood is an undeniably critical life stage. Decades of research and neuroscience supports this and the knowledge that quality early education and care (ECEC) programs are beneficial for children’s learning and development (OECD, 2017; Shonkoff, 2010). We also know that, alongside academics, we can (and should) be working towards wellbeing outcomes for children in their early years (AGDE, 2022; OECD, 2017). Wellbeing science shows that wellbeing skills can be taught, enhancing both children’s wellbeing and academic performance (Adler & Seligman, 2016). Increasingly in recent years, we acknowledge that children need to develop not only academic, literacy and numeracy skills for functioning in the world, but the skills to feel good and function well within themselves.
- [Growing in Early Childhood Education](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/growing-in-early-childhood-education/): Pleasurable food education sparks a sense of wonder and connection among children and young people, helping them explore the world of delicious, wholesome food through enjoyable, interactive experiences. This journey equips children and young people with useful abilities, a fondness for seasonal ingredients, and a joyful, self-assured, and nourishing bond with food. It starts with those first moments of pleasurable food education and lasts a lifetime.
- [Why Is It Important to Make Children’s Thinking Visible?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/why-is-it-important-to-make-childrens-thinking-visible/): If we see learning as a consequence of thinking, then it is paramount that children have the opportunity and are supported to explore their ideas and thinking during the learning experience.  This allows children to then understand their own thinking process. Meaningful learning takes place when children are fully engaged in the ideas of the learning experience – when they ask questions children are engaging in ‘meaning making’ processes (Richard & Church, 2020). In teaching, I am often wondering what children are thinking? What kind of open-ended questions I should ask them to prompt them to ask (more) questions, and how do I guide them to find the answers themselves. Most importantly, how can I understand children better and gain expertise about them to be able to support their learning and inform my role as a teacher.
- [Early Learning Matters Every Day, But It’s Critically Important Right Now](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/early-learning-matters-every-day-but-its-critically-important-right-now/): Early Learning Matters Week reminds us of the critical importance of high-quality early childhood education and care. As the week comes to a close, it is a timely reminder to consider the significance of current policy interest in the early years and, while early learning matters every day – it is critical right now.  It’s a momentous time for the sector, with an alignment of significant reviews and reforms that could shape the future of early learning in Australia.
- [‘Professional love’ in early childhood education: The transformative power of emotional connections](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/professional-love-in-early-childhood-education-the-transformative-power-of-emotional-connections/): The concept of ‘professional love’ in early childhood education and care has been gaining momentum as educators and researchers recognise its profound impact on young children’s development and wellbeing. Dr Jools Page, a respected expert in the sector, has dedicated her research to exploring the significance of emotional connections between educators and children. As she prepares to deliver a keynote address at the ECA National Conference, Dr Page shares her insights, shedding light on the transformative power of ‘professional love’.
- [Setting the record straight on misguided claims about ECEC and the value of qualified educators](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/setting-the-record-straight-on-misguided-claims-about-ecec-and-the-value-of-qualified-educators/): The piece ‘Maybe childcare staff need fewer degrees?’ by Aaron Patrick in the AFR 12 July 2023 is both ill-informed and misleading. If you haven’t seen it, here is the abridged version – the commercial childcare industry is charging inflated prices hurting families because of rules that ‘force centres to hire more, better-educated staff’ and ‘ratio rules make caring for babies and infants twice as expensive as looking after three-to-five-year-olds’.
- [‘I wish I was small enough’, How could a green screen make this a reality?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/i-wish-i-was-small-enough-how-could-a-green-screen-make-this-a-reality/): ‘I wish I was small enough to go inside the house!’ (Audrey, age 4)
- [A new study of Warlpiri language shows how ‘baby talk’ helps [children] learn to speak](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/a-new-study-of-warlpiri-language-shows-how-baby-talk-helps-children-learn-to-speak/): Parents and other caregivers typically modify their speech when they talk to babies and young children.
- [Tinker play with unplugged tech](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/tinker-play-with-unplugged-tech/): Tinkering with non-working digital technologies, writes Honor Mackley, a Brisbane-based primary teacher and ECEC researcher at Australian Catholic University, increases children’s wellbeing, boosts active learning and interest in technologies, and lays the groundwork for play-based learning with functional technology.
- [Why paid domestic violence leave is a game changer for children](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/why-paid-domestic-violence-leave-is-a-game-changer-for-children/): Children will benefit from the new laws that enable their parents to access up to 10 days of paid leave if they are experiencing domestic violence. Police are now recording more than 10,000 cases of domestic violence a year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The number of children this involves as either victims or witnesses is alarming.
- [Early educators around the world feel burnt out and devalued. Here’s how we can help](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/early-educators-around-the-world-feel-burnt-out-and-devalued-heres-how-we-can-help/): South Australia’s royal commission into early childhood education led by Julia Gillard has released an interim report. The key recommendation is preschool for all three-year-olds  (in a move similar to other states). But the report notes one of the critical considerations around this change will be the early education workforce.
- [Dare to dreams—An early years strategy and the unwavering rights of the child](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/dare-to-dreams-an-early-years-strategy-and-the-unwavering-rights-of-the-child/): The future of Australia relies on developing a strong vision for the early years. This vision should reflect the needs of children, families and the community, focusing on improving positive outcomes for all children.
- [A guide to the environment as the ‘third teacher’](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/a-guide-to-the-environment-as-the-third-teacher/): Are you curious about why the environment is called the ‘third teacher’? This concept rose in popularity through the global growth and influence of the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. The founder, Loris Malaguzzi, said there are three teachers of children—adults, other children and their physical environment.
- [‘Stay and Play’ at the QUT Children’s Technology Centre during Live Wires](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/stay-and-play-at-the-qut-childrens-technology-centre-during-live-wires/): During the 2023 Live Wires Digital Technology Forum, we invite you to take part in one of our ‘Stay and Play’ sessions at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Children’s Technology Centre on the fourth floor of the Education Building at the Kelvin Grove campus. We are excited to have you join us at the centre—a space purposefully designed to promote research and outreach events related to digital technologies for children from birth to age eight, as well as their families and educators.
- [Think differently: a Live Wires approach](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/think-differently-a-live-wires-approach/): As many readers will know, Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been committed to supporting educators in the digital space for many years. While in many ways our children are living in a digital age, ECA entered into this space cautiously, and as an academic and researcher (and ECA member) I support this approach. ECA has supported the sector for over 10 years through a range a professional learning activities, Live Wires events, online learning modules, blog posts, and of course the ECA Statement on Young Children and Digital Technologies which was launched in 2018.
- [Playwork at Forrest Out of School Hours Care](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/playwork-at-forrest-out-of-school-hours-care/): In this article, the FOOSHC team discusses the Playwork Principles, which the service has embedded in its practice, resulting in strong developmental outcomes for children and awards for excellence.
- [Fulfillment and four-wheel driving: The life of an ECA Inclusion Professional](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/fulfillment-and-four-wheel-driving-the-life-of-an-eca-inclusion-professional/): ECA: You’re an Inclusion Professional with Early Childhood Australia Northern Territory. What does your job involve? What is an Inclusion Professional?
- [A story of self-care within early childhood education and care](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/a-story-of-self-care-within-early-childhood-education-and-care/): I was very fortunate to attend the Early Learning Summit hosted by The Front Project in Canberra late last year. On the journey home, I found myself reflecting on the conversations and future visions for our sector along with a lingering question: Why did I choose this career?
- [Reflections on the Early Years Summit](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/reflections-on-the-early-years-summit/): I recently participated in the Early Years Summit, convened by Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth MP and Minister for Early Childhood Education and Care Anne Aly MP, to begin work on the national Early Years Strategy. This summit brought together 100 people—too many ‘big names’ to mention them all—as well as parents, educators, early childhood sector leaders, academics, commissioners and advocates.
- [Empowered to impact change: Learning together through Communities of Practice](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/empowered-to-impact-change-learning-together-through-communities-of-practice/): Early childhood education is a constant revolving door of new information, insightful understandings, complex perspectives and thought-provoking research. Our role as early childhood educators and teachers is to dive headfirst into this pool of information and filter the noise of overwhelming perspectives in our profession, developing our practices.
- [Supporting multilingualism: What parents think and what we should do as a community](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/supporting-multilingualism-what-parents-think-and-what-we-should-do-as-a-community/): Due to increased global mobility and the unprecedented forces of globalisation, the world has become increasingly diverse. We are all witnesses to social, cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity in schools and early childhood services. Research on multilingualism and multiculturalism in primary and secondary school settings is well documented (e.g. Baker & Wright, 2021; Esau, 2014; Krajewski, 2011; Rowan et al., 2017). Nonetheless, there is scant research in early childhood education and care (ECEC) that informs early childhood educators’ pedagogical practice to respond to the cultural and linguistically diverse needs of children.
- [Transitions to outside school hours care: Opportunities hiding in plain sight](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/transitions-to-outside-school-hours-care-opportunities-hiding-in-plain-sight/): In this article, Emily Greaves and Dr Jen Jackson from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) remind us that some transitions happen every day—like that from school to outside school hours care (OSHC). AERO and its partners are working to enhance this transition to support the learning, wellbeing and development of Australian children.
- [Fostering connection through Skye’s Street Library](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/fostering-connection-through-skyes-street-library/): Skye Children’s Cooperative (Skye) is an early childhood education and care (ECEC) service built on the homeland of the of the greater Kulin Nation. Opened in 1988, Skye has always operated as a community not-for-profit service with all profits reinvested back into the centre for the benefit of the children and the community.
- [Eight Reggio Emilia ideas to inspire your early learning environment](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/eight-reggio-emilia-ideas-to-inspire-your-early-learning-environment/): Even if you aren’t working at a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education and care service, there are plenty of ideas from this acclaimed approach that you can use in your own early learning environment. 
- [Intentional teaching leads to purposeful play-based learning](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/intentional-teaching-leads-to-purposeful-play-based-learning/): Evidence-based intentional teaching, write Anna Razak and Dr Jen Jackson from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), can help educators and teachers progress and support children’s learning. It is also important for educators and teachers to incorporate the intentionality of children and their families into their planning for children’s learning.
- [Responding to family violence in early childhood education and care settings](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/responding-to-family-violence-in-early-childhood-education-and-care-settings/): The 25th of November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVW), which also launches UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls—an initiative of 16 days of activism concluding on 10 December.
- [The forgotten power of reading aloud](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/the-forgotten-power-of-reading-aloud/): I recently read the book The Enchanted Hour (Gurdon, 2019) in which the author recalls what novelist Kate DiCamillo once said to her:
- [Understanding the benefits of music education for three to five-year-old children](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/understanding-the-benefits-of-music-education-for-three-to-five-year-old-children/): Three to five year olds love to engage with music and movement and naturally enjoy singing, dancing, exploring sound sources, listening and being creative. At this age, children also experience many great advances in development. Music education can be extremely beneficial in supporting this development, helping children establish crucial physical and social–emotional skills. It can also play a key role in many other aspects of lifelong learning, including improving literacy and language abilities and laying the foundation for proficiency in music.  
- [Digital documentation vs interaction with children: Finding the right balance](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/digital-documentation-vs-interaction-with-children-finding-the-right-balance/): As an educator and carer, I see digital documentation from the perspectives of both the sender and the receiver. In my work with children, I observe them, document their learning and share it with their families online. On weekends I often care for my nieces Zoe and Chloe and catch up with their mother, my sister Olivia, on weekdays while they’re at their education and care service. It’s on these visits that I see digital documentation from the parent’s perspective.  
- [Relationships matter](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/relationships-matter/): I have worked in the early childhood profession for many years. First, as an educator in a variety of different settings and now as a university lecturer and researcher. I have always valued the importance of relationships with children and always worked hard to build and nourish these with children, families and co-workers. However, the impact of COVID-19 on children’s resilience and their relationships with others has been repeatedly exemplified during my two-year experience as a mother and parent of twins who attend Yarm Gwanga, an on-campus early childhood education and care service.
- [Body, gender, and sexuality diversity in early years education](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/body-gender-and-sexuality-diversity-in-early-years-education/): At the 2022 Early Childhood Australia National Conference, there was a noticeable interest in body, gender and sexuality diversity (BGSD). BGSD interests are relevant to all early childhood education and care settings.
- [The key reasons why early learning matters](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/the-key-reasons-why-early-learning-matters/): Early Learning Matters Week is a vital opportunity to celebrate the importance of early learning and the work that early childhood educators do.
- [Dear Prime Minister: Raising the child’s voice in early childhood education and care](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/dear-prime-minister-raising-the-childs-voice-in-early-childhood-education-and-care/): When the educators at C&K Salisbury Community Kindergarten set themselves a challenge at the start of 2022 to explore Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) through play, it led to the inspiring culmination of the children writing to the Prime Minister about climate action. 
- [‘Don’t miss out on the exciting future we are creating’: Get involved with Early Learning Matters Week](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/dont-miss-out-on-the-exciting-future-we-are-creating-get-involved-with-early-learning-matters-week/): Early childhood educators, parents, carers and community leaders will gather at services around the country from 17–21 October 2022 to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning and the difference the profession makes.
- [Listen to young people: The impact of our voices](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/listen-to-young-people-the-impact-of-our-voices/): Dean Parkin is from the Quandamooka peoples of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) in Queensland. Dean was closely involved in the process that resulted in the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart and continues to advocate for constitutional and structural reform as Director of From the Heart. 
- [‘I hear you, baby’: The role of co-regulation in building self-regulation skills in our infants and children](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/i-hear-you-baby-the-role-of-co-regulation-in-building-self-regulation-skills-in-our-infants-and-children/): When babies are born, they have very little ability to self-regulate. From infancy, primary caregivers—including early years educators—are invaluable in helping children to learn this skill through co-regulation.
- [Neuroscience in early childhood: What do we know? What do we need to know, and how do we translate this knowledge to practice?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/neuroscience-in-early-childhood-what-do-we-know-what-do-we-need-to-know-and-how-do-we-translate-this-knowledge-to-practice/): Neuroscience is not an overly familiar term or topic of conversation heard in our early childhood settings. Defined as the study of the structure and function of the human brain and nervous system, neuroscience has been a growing focus of research worldwide over the past two decades. Interestingly, weaving its way through this field of study has emerged a relevant question for our early childhood services: Can knowledge of neuroscience benefit the area of education and everyday teaching and learning practices?  
- [Jobs and Skills Summit Reflections](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/jobs-and-skills-summit-reflections/): It was a privilege to attend the Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra earlier this month, which hosted 142 delegates, including members of National Cabinet, the state and territory premiers and chief ministers, industry groups, unions, employers, community representatives and advocates. Over half the delegates were women and there was representation from First Nations peoples, people with disability, young people, culturally diverse people and a broad range of experts engaged in research, public policy and advocacy.
- [The voice of educators: Exhausted but hopeful](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/the-voice-of-educators-exhausted-but-hopeful/): Early Childhood Australia (ECA) was invited to participate in the federal government’s Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra from 1–2 September 2022 to represent the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. Ahead of the summit, we surveyed ECA members and the wider early childhood profession to seek people’s perspective on the most significant issues in ECEC, and the contribution ECEC makes to Australian society.
- [All children need heroes](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/all-children-need-heroes/): Child abuse and neglect reporting is challenging. No doubt about it.  Challenging. The factors that make it challenging are very complex.  
- [Play in the Home: Why it’s essential for early childhood development](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/play-in-the-home-why-its-essential-for-early-childhood-development/): This article appeared in Every Child magazine Vol. 28, No.2, 2022 
- [Block play as an enduring, powerful toy](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/block-play-as-an-enduring-powerful-toy/): Associate Professor Kym Simoncini shares research and findings ahead of her masterclass ‘STEM in the early years: We can all do STEM’ at the ECA National Conference from 5-8 October 2022.  If you’re interested in seeing Kym present as part of the conference program, you can purchase a virtual ticket.  
- [Bush kinder program: taking the classroom and learning outside](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/bush-kinder-program-taking-the-classroom-and-learning-outside/): Imagine walking through your local nature trail and seeing a group of kindergarten children playing and exploring. Some are climbing a tree and playfully hanging on a branch. Some are jumping in puddles and splashing muddy water all over themselves. Some are squatting to look at insects, while others are collecting sticks and making ‘bonfires’. Those exploring their surroundings are bringing items of interest to the educators and asking questions about what they have discovered.  
- [ECA Communities of Practice: A unique learning experience](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/eca-communities-of-practice-a-unique-learning-experience/): A Community of Practice (CoP) is best defined as a space for individuals to interact and learn from one another in partnership with an understanding of sharing knowledge. Engaging in a CoP will allow you to not only deepen your knowledge on a subject or topic area, but it will also allow you to network and engage with colleagues and peers.
- [Preparing children for 21st century success (part two)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/preparing-children-for-21st-century-success-part-two/): In part two of this blog series, we ask Dr Laura Jana about preparing children for success in the 21st century and what her hopes are for her keynote address at the upcoming ECA National Conference in October. If you missed part one, you can read it here. Dr Jana talks about her book, The Toddler Brain and introduces readers to the seven key skills that equip children for their future outlined in her book.
- [Preparing children for 21st century success: seven key skills](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/preparing-children-for-21st-century-success-seven-key-skills/): Internationally recognised paediatrician, author and social entrepreneur Dr Laura Jana says early childhood is everybody’s business. She is on a mission to change the paradigm and the public conversation about the skills needed for success in the 21st century. 
- [Child Information Sharing: Promoting wellbeing and safety through collaboration](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/child-information-sharing-promoting-wellbeing-and-safety-through-collaboration/): Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is working to inform the Victorian early childhood education and care sector about the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS)—to promote the wellbeing and safety of children. This blog explains the CISS and how services—known as Information Sharing Entities (ISEs)—can utilise the scheme, and why sharing information matters. It also includes a case study and recommended resources. 
- [Children becoming safe and active agents](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/children-becoming-safe-and-active-agents/): Engaging children in a conversation on active supervision
- [Language and learning in early learning settings](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/language-and-learning-in-early-learning-settings/): English is not the first language of many families in Australia, with 21% of Australians speaking a language other than English at home (ABS, 2017). Today, Australia is one of the top 10 countries in the world where the most languages are spoken (Eberhard et al., 2022). This will probably not surprise early childhood educators, who are familiar with the cultural and linguistic diversity of children attending early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.  
- [Music education and play-based learning](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/music-education-and-play-based-learning/): Australian early learning settings follow a play-based pedagogy, in line with the emphasis placed on play in the national frameworks. Music is not a core part of this pedagogy, perhaps because of the perception that music education is about rote instruction, practising scales and reading notation—compared to play-based learning, which is free and child-led.  
- [Nourishing bodies and relationships](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/nourishing-bodies-and-relationships/): Nourishing bodies and relationships: Ritualising and celebrating slow mealtimes
- [Inspiring richness and diversity in arts practice: An Aboriginal perspective](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/inspiring-richness-and-diversity-in-arts-practice-an-aboriginal-perspective/): In the lead up to National Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June) and in celebration of the 2022 theme ‘Be Brave. Make Change’, we reached out to Aboriginal artist and early childhood professional, Emma Stenhouse to share part of her journey, experiences and wisdom.  
- [Coalition commits to continuing to deliver for Australian families](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/coalition-commits-to-continuing-to-deliver-for-australian-families/): This blog post from The Hon Stuart Robert MP, Acting Minister for Education and Youth, follows the federal election candidates forum with cross-party leaders co-hosted by ECA on 2 May 2022. Each candidate was invited to share their policies and plans to support Australian children if their party wins this federal election. If you missed the forum, you can watch it here. 
- [Election message from Hon Amanda Rishworth MP](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/election-message-from-hon-amanda-rishworth-mp/): This 2022 federal election we are calling on candidates across politics to support high quality early learning access, affordability, inclusion and stability for every child.   
- [Workforce issues a big concern at ECA’s Federal Election 2022 Candidates Forum](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/workforce-issues-a-big-concern-at-ecas-federal-election-2022-candidates-forum/): In case you missed all the action from Early Childhood Australia’s Federal Election 2022 Candidates Forum, here is a quick summary to bring you up to speed because #EarlyLearningMatters this election.
- [Greens push for free universal early childhood education and care](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/greens-push-for-free-universal-early-childhood-education-and-care/): This 2022 federal election we are calling on candidates across politics to support high quality early learning access, affordability, inclusion and stability for every child.
- [What’s the ‘big ideas’?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/whats-the-big-ideas/): How quality STEM education can be integrated into family day care through children’s everyday activities.
- [Leading play-based pedagogies](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/leading-play-based-pedagogies/): In this article, Lennie Barblett, Sandra Cheeseman and Catharine Hydon emphasise children’s right to learn through play no matter the age. Additionally, they suggest that all educators lead and be articulate in their advocacy of play-based pedagogies for children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
- [Creative arts in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/creative-arts-in-early-childhood/): Artistic pursuits such as music, dramatic play and the visual arts contribute to how children understand creativity and develop their own sense of identity.
- [Agency is so much more than choice and voice](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/agency-is-so-much-more-than-choice-and-voice/): Agency is a concept that is familiar, but not always well understood in early childhood education and care (Burr & Degotardi, 2021). Whenever agency is made reference to in early childhood publications, the standard definition in the Glossary of the Early Years Learning Framework is often quoted to frame the discussion (see The Spoke – Tisdall, 2021; ACECQA, 2018; 2015). However, no further questioning of this definition is ever provided. I believe this has worked to further our misunderstandings of agency in early childhood, as it has much simplified and constricted what is a complex and important concept in human development and wellbeing.
- [Introducing culture and diversity in a monocultural classroom](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/introducing-culture-and-diversity-in-a-monocultural-classroom/): This year for Harmony week, we thought we would share with you some insights from Meni Tsambouniaris at Diversity Kids.  Here they share with us the importance of incorporating inclusion into everyday practice, these examples provide discussion points that educators can engage with during Harmony Week and follow up with how these concepts might be incorporated into your service and programs. 
- [Exploring reconciliation and cultural awareness in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/exploring-reconciliation-and-cultural-awareness-in-early-childhood/): Employees across Early Childhood Australia (ECA) have been involved in National Reconciliation Week projects connected to ECA’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Our group has developed a survey for early childhood educators to explore attitudes towards reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness across the early childhood sector.
- [Promoting cultural competence in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/promoting-cultural-competence-in-early-childhood/): There is growing awareness and effort in Australian classrooms to understand, respect and support cultural differences, but are we starting early enough?
- [Knowing you, knowing me: Maintaining relationships](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/knowing-you-knowing-me-maintaining-relationships/): Knowing you, knowing me: How educators and children at a preschool maintained relationships during lockdown
- [Why climate change matters in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/why-climate-change-matters-in-early-childhood/): The sustainability practices educators implement in services give children the opportunity to learn how they’re making a difference towards a sustainable future. HESTA is committed to driving change, stating in their recent ‘Our path to net zero, ‘Climate change is one of the most significant threats to our economy, society and environment and it is likely to have implications for current and future generations if left unaddressed.’ We caught up with the HESTA team and asked how their climate transition plan will benefit children’s futures, how educators can build this into their everyday practices, and how climate change will affect rural and remote communities and our First Nation’s people.
- [Why introduce music to babies and toddlers?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/why-introduce-music-to-babies-and-toddlers/): Music plays an essential part of infant sensory development.  Julia Rennick shares various forms of music that might be used with babies and toddlers as a way of fostering relationships. This piece may be helpful for educators when considering the connection between infant and toddler learning, their programs and how music can be used to support development. 
- [Using evidence to improve children’s outcomes](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/using-evidence-to-improve-childrens-outcomes/): Written by Zid Mancenido, Senior Manager, Research and Evaluation and Amie Fabry, Senior Researcher at the Australian Education Research Organisation.
- [Walking together](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/walking-together/): ECA recently had a conversation with two members of the ECA Reconciliation Action Group, Jo Goodwin and Adam Duncan, to talk about Australia Day and the ongoing work undertaken to help children and early childhood educators understand the many complexities around 26 January.
- [The Self-Reg early childhood educator](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/the-self-reg-early-childhood-educator/): We are in the midst of a paradigm-revolution in the science of early child development. To speak of a ‘paradigm-revolution’ signifies that we are not dealing with yet another ‘shift’ in the behaviourist-cognitive pendulum, or yet another method for managing difficult children. Instead, we are presented with a new understanding of the meaning of a child’s behaviour, and thus, the need for early childhood educators (ECEs) who have been trained in Self-Reg.
- [Being aware of what children hear and see](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/being-aware-of-what-children-hear-and-see/): Since 2017, more than 110 countries have experienced significant protests and Australia is no exception. As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise in Australia, anti-vaccination mandate protests have been growing in response to a perceived infringement of individual rights and freedoms. In Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020, protests were similarly related to perceived infringements, although the reasons differed.
- [Enabling environments and children’s agency: Connecting the pieces](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/enabling-environments-and-childrens-agency-connecting-the-pieces/): The Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009, p. 45) defines agency as being able to make choices and decisions, to influence events and to have an impact on one’s world. Children’s agency is supported through intentional teaching, involvement in decision making and reciprocal, attuned responsive interactions. (ACECQA, 2018) all of which constitute the environments that teachers/ educators provide for children.
- [Creating a world-class early education system](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/creating-a-world-class-early-education-system/): As an early childhood educator in Melbourne, I found myself in a bit of a funk at the beginning of September. Working through the COVID-19 lockdowns had taken its toll. I think it’s a place many educators will probably identify with this year.
- [Mythbusting professional love](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/mythbusting-professional-love/): Professional love, also known in the academic literature as teacherly love or pedagogical love, is a wonderful addition to any early childhood education and care profession, particularly where infants and toddlers are present. Defined by Page (2018) as “a term to comprehend the reciprocal pedagogic relationship which develops in positive interactions between primary caregiver, child and parents” (p 125) professional love is formed through close attachments and reciprocity of relationship, and its presence can be a powerful influence on children’s wellbeing and achievements. At its core, it requires early childhood professionals to prioritise the needs and interests of children above their own, and to ensure that all children’s emotional needs are met.
- [Perinatal Mental Health Week](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/perinatal-mental-health-week/): Perinatal Mental Health Week: It’s more common than you think 
- [Words matter](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/words-matter/): How do you talk about early childhood education and care?
- [AJEC 2022: Embracing challenge in early childhood research](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/ajec-2022-embracing-challenge-in-early-childhood-research/): It has been a busy and sometimes challenging year for many in the early childhood field. Educators have supported children and families through periods of lockdown, restrictions and uncertainty, while researchers, policy-makers, students and others working in the sector have dealt with all the change brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year has also reiterated just how beneficial and fulfilling it is to come together and learn from the multidisciplinary and talented educators, practitioners and researchers who are making a difference to children, families and the early years workforce.
- [Can we belong everywhere?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/the-spoke/can-we-belong-everywhere/): ‘We welcome everyone and respect every person’s right to belong’. Early childhood professionals say this all the time. It’s one of our sector’s dearly held mantras.

## Pages
- [Protected: Strengthening Child Safeguarding in Early Childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/professional-learning-initiatives/child-safety/strengthening-child-safeguarding-in-early-childhood/): Every day early childhood leaders, teachers and educators are working tirelessly to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing are prioritised. This commitment is strengthened when educators have access to contemporary child safety information that builds confidence and enhances practice skills.
- [Consultations](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/events/regional-rural-remote/consultations/)
- [Resources](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/events/regional-rural-remote/resources/)
- [Position paper on early childhood mathematics](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/position-paper-on-early-childhood-mathematics/): All children in their early childhood years are capable of accessing powerful mathematical ideas that are both relevant to their current lives and form a critical foundation for their future mathematical and other learning.
- [Categories](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/categories/)
- [Family diversity in early education and care](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/family-diversity-in-early-education-and-care/)
- [Working in Intercultural Ways](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/working-in-intercultural-ways/)
- [Understanding Brain Development](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/understanding-brain-development/)
- [Act for Kids: Learn to be Safe—Early Years](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/act-for-kids-learn-to-be-safe-early-years/)
- [Dr Claire Warden/Mindstretchers](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/dr-claire-warden-mindstretchers/)
- [Encountering and Interpreting the Principles of Reggio Emilia](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/encountering-and-interpreting-the-principles-of-reggio-emilia/)
- [eSafety Early Years Program](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/esafety-early-years-program/)
- [Governance and Risk Management](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/governance-and-risk-management/)
- [Write for The Spoke](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/write-for-the-spoke/)
- [10 Year Anniversary](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/10-year-anniversary/)
- [Accreditation](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/professional-learning-initiatives/accreditation/)
- [Child Safety Newsletter](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/subscribe-to-eca-e-newsletters/child-safety-newsletter/)
- [ECA Shop and Resources](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/subscribe-to-eca-e-newsletters/eca-shop-and-resources/)
- [Professional Learning Bulletin Sign Up](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/subscribe-to-eca-e-newsletters/professional-learning-bulletin-sign-up/)
- [Webwatch Newsletter Sign Up](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/subscribe-to-eca-e-newsletters/webwatch-newsletter-sign-up/)
- [Member Benefits](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/membership/): Membership of ECA ensures that you are kept informed of the latest practice, research and policy in the sector while also accessing exclusive benefits and discounts. Most importantly, you will be supporting ECA to be a voice for young children. Our membership encompasses service providers across a diversity of service types and governance structures (e.g. private, not-for-profit and public).
- [Glossary](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/eca-statement-on-play/glossary/)
- [Resources, References and Further Reading](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/eca-statement-on-play/resources-references-and-further-reading/)
- [Advisory Group Members](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/eca-statement-on-play/advisory-group-members/)
- [About the ECA Statement on Play](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/eca-statement-on-play/about-the-eca-statement-on-play/)
- [ECA Statement on Play](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/eca-statement-on-play/)
- [ECA Statement on young children and digital technologies](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/eca-statement-on-young-children-and-digital-technologies/)
- [Free courses](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/free-courses/)
- [Rights, Advocacy and Inclusion](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/rights-advocacy-and-inclusion/)
- [Reconciliation and Cultural Responsiveness](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/reconciliation-and-cultural-responsiveness/)
- [Pedagogy and Curriculum](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/pedagogy-and-curriculum/)
- [Health and Wellbeing](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/health-and-wellbeing/)
- [Publication Resources Online Terms and Conditions](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/publication-resources-online/publication-resources-online-terms-and-conditions/): 1. Licence Agreement
- [Core publications](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/core-publications/)
- [Signature titles](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/signature-titles/)
- [Write for ECA](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/write-for-eca/)
- [About ECA Publications](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/about/)
- [ECA Digital Library](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/digital-library/)
- [My Member Benefits](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/member-benefits/): Thank you for being an ECA member
- [Through Different Eyes](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/through-different-eyes/)
- [ECA’s Support for the YES Campaign for a Voice to Parliament](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/news-and-media/ecas-support-for-the-yescampaign-for-a-voice-to-parliament/)
- [News](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/news-and-media/news/)
- [Media](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/news-and-media/media/)
- [Media Archive](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/news-and-media/media-archive/)
- [News and Media](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/news-and-media/)
- [Legal](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/legal/)
- [Application to present](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/events/ajecsymposium/application_to_present/)
- [2026 AJEC Research Symposium](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/events/ajecsymposium/)
- [Working Together to Ensure Equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in the Early Years](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/reconciliation/working-together-to-ensure-equality-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-children-in-the-early-years/): Early Childhood Australia and SNAICC—National Voice for our Children have released a joint position paper: Working Together to Ensure Equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in the Early Years.
- [Reconciliation Story Time Collection](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/reconciliation/reconciliation-story-time-collection/)
- [Statements Archive](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/statements/statements-archive/)
- [Be You](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/be-you/)
- [What support is available for early childhood professionals?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/what-support-is-available-for-early-childhood-professionals/)
- [How do I build my knowledge and skills to share information?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/how-do-i-build-my-knowledge-and-skills-to-share-information/):    
- [What records do I have to keep?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/what-records-do-i-have-to-keep/)
- [Do I need consent to share information?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/do-i-need-consent-to-share-information/)
- [How is ‘wellbeing’ defined under the information sharing scheme?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/how-is-wellbeing-defined-under-the-information-sharing-scheme/)
- [ECA Code of Ethics Brochure and Poster](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/eca-code-of-ethics/eca-code-of-ethics-brochure/)
- [ECA’s Code of Ethics History](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/eca-code-of-ethics/eca-code-of-ethics-history/)
- [ECA Code of Ethics Translations](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/eca-code-of-ethics/eca-code-of-ethics-translations/)
- [Ethics in Action: A practical guide](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/eca-code-of-ethics/ethics-in-action-a-practical-guide/)
- [ECA Code of Ethics](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/advocacy/eca-code-of-ethics/)
- [Terms and Conditions](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/legal/terms-and-conditions/)
- [Social Media Policy](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/legal/social-media/)
- [Disclaimer](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/legal/disclaimer/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/legal/privacy-policy/)
- [Advertise with ECA](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/advertise-with-eca/)
- [Careers](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/careers/)
- [Subscribe to ECA e-newsletters](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/subscribe-to-eca-e-newsletters/)
- [Contact us](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/contact-us/): The Early Childhood Australia (ECA) national office is responsible for the overall coordination of ECA’s nationwide advocacy role for young children and our publications program. Please submit your enquiry to customerservice@earlychildhood.org.au.
- [Publication Resources Online](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/publication-resources-online/)
- [Licenced Products Portal](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-publications/licenced-products-portal/)
- [ECA Tasmania Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-tasmania-committee/)
- [ECA South Australia Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-south-australia-committee/):    
- [ECA Queensland Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-queensland-committee/): 
- [ECA New South Wales Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-new-south-wales-committee/)
- [Case study 3: Building trust to support Ava’s wellbeing](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/when-can-i-request-and-share-information/case-study-3-building-trust-to-support-avas-wellbeing/): Ava’s old service proactively contacts her new service to share information using CISS but does not seek the views and wishes of Ava’s
- [Case study 2: Sharing information with a family violence service](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/when-can-i-request-and-share-information/case-study-2-sharing-information-with-a-family-violence-service/): Carla’s teacher talks to her mum about the potential reasons for this change in behaviour. Her mum looks upset but says ‘everything is ok now’ and tells the teacher that she has been seeing a maternal and child health nurse, who has helped with her anxiety.
- [Case study 1: Supporting Timmy’s transition to primary school](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/when-can-i-request-and-share-information/case-study-1-supporting-timmys-transition-to-primary-school/)
- [When can I request and share information?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/when-can-i-request-and-share-information/):    
- [What kind of information can I share?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/what-kind-of-information-can-i-share/)
- [Who can I share information with?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/who-can-i-share-information-with/)
- [Why is information sharing important?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/why-is-information-sharing-important/)
- [What are the child information sharing schemes?](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/what-are/)
- [CISS](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/ciss/):      
- [ECA Victoria Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-victoria-committee/)
- [ECA Western Australia Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-western-australia-committee/)
- [ECA Northern Territory Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-northern-territory-committee/)
- [ECA Australian Capital Territory Committee](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about-us/eca-states-and-territories/eca-australian-capital-territory-committee/)
- [Partnerships and Collaborations](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/partnerships-and-collaborations/)
- [ECA Leadership Program](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/eca-leadership-program/)
- [ECA Management Fundamentals Program](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/eca-management-fundamentals/)
- [Bundles](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/bundles/)
- [Online Learning](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/online-learning/)
- [Inclusion](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/professional-learning-initiatives/inclusion/)
- [Child Safety](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/professional-learning-initiatives/child-safety/)
- [Professional Learning Initiatives](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/professional-learning-initiatives/)
- [Communities of Practice](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/communities-of-practice/)
- [About](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/professional-learning/eca-learning-hub/about/): Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been a voice for young children since 1938. We are the peak early childhood advocacy organisation, acting in the interests of young children, their families and those in the early childhood field. We advocate for quality outcomes in early childhood education and care, and we provide resources to help educators achieve this goal.
- [Program and speakers](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/events/regional-rural-remote/program-and-speakers/)

## Products
- [Fostering Creativity](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/fostering-creativity/): Children express their innate creativity in a variety of ways: through art and construction, music and drama, dance and play. It is the role of the educator to plan intentional strategies for fostering children’s creativity as well as their own. This book highlights links to the Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0), includes case studies and reflective questions, and focuses on building early childhood educators’ understanding of the features and values of creative processes and their outcomes. Subscribe to the ECA Digital Library and save! Enjoy this title and the additional educator fact sheet, along with the back catalogue of over 44 Research in Practice Series titles.
- [Claire Warden: Participatory Planning – Focus on Talking Tubs](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/claire-warden-participatory-planning-focus-on-talking-tubs/): A Talking Tub is an object which a practitioner fills with a wide variety of objects which all fit a particular theme. Objects can then be taken out one by one encouraging children to touch, feel, and explore a theme. Observation, documentation, assessment and planning are most effective when they are matched to the needs of the child. In order to achieve this we need to understand children’s thinking, through considering all the ways in which they communicate. The Talking Tub is a vital part of the Talking and Thinking Floorbooks Approach. The tub will allow you to provoke child-led conversations which in turn will create Possible Lines of Development.
- [ECA Community of Practice: Play-based learning in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-community-of-practice-play-based-learning-in-early-childhood/): An ECA Community of Practice (CoP) is a vibrant online community designed for early childhood professionals at all stages of their careers to come together and connect around a particular topic. The CoP is an opportunity for early childhood professionals to learn with and from each other. Each CoP contains carefully curated professional learning resources to support and expand your knowledge base on the chosen topic area. Choosing to be part of a CoP will take your adult learning experience to the next level. You will also engage with specially selected professional learning materials, chosen to expand thinking and facilitate conversation about pedagogy and practice. Communities of Practice are for organisational/group bookings only. Minimum of 8 people. Contact the ECA customer service team to enrol your team.
- [ECA Community of Practice: Diverse learners and inclusive practice in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-community-of-practice-diverse-learners-and-inclusive-practice-in-early-childhood/): An ECA Community of Practice (CoP) is a vibrant online community designed for early childhood professionals at all stages of their careers to come together and connect around a particular topic. The CoP is an opportunity for early childhood professionals to learn with and from each other. Each CoP contains carefully curated professional learning resources to support and expand your knowledge base on the chosen topic area. Choosing to be part of a CoP will take your adult learning experience to the next level. You will also engage with specially selected professional learning materials, chosen to expand thinking and facilitate conversation about pedagogy and practice. Communities of Practice are for organisational/group bookings only. Minimum of 8 people. Contact the ECA customer service team to enrol your team.
- [ECA Community of Practice: Literacy and language in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-community-of-practice-literacy-and-language-in-early-childhood/): An ECA Community of Practice (CoP) is a vibrant online community designed for early childhood professionals at all stages of their careers to come together and connect around a particular topic. The CoP is an opportunity for early childhood professionals to learn with and from each other. Each CoP contains carefully curated professional learning resources to support and expand your knowledge base on the chosen topic area. Choosing to be part of a CoP will take your adult learning experience to the next level. You will also engage with specially selected professional learning materials, chosen to expand thinking and facilitate conversation about pedagogy and practice. Communities of Practice are for organisational/group bookings only. Minimum of 8 people. Contact the ECA customer service team to enrol your team.
- [ECA Community of Practice: ECA Leadership Program](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/community-of-practice-eca-leadership-program/): An ECA Community of Practice (CoP) is a vibrant online community designed for early childhood professionals at all stages of their careers to come together and connect around a particular topic. The CoP is an opportunity for early childhood professionals to learn with and from each other. Each CoP contains carefully curated professional learning resources to support and expand your knowledge base on the chosen topic area. Choosing to be part of a CoP will take your adult learning experience to the next level. You will also engage with specially selected professional learning materials, chosen to expand thinking and facilitate conversation about pedagogy and practice. Communities of Practice are for organisational/group bookings only. Minimum of 8 people. Contact the ECA customer service team to enrol your team.
- [ECA’s 2026 Early Years Weekly Planner](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/weekly-planner/): The ECA early years planners are meticulously designed to empower early childhood educators with the tools they need to inspire, nurture and create meaningful learning experiences. As you embark on a new year of shaping young minds, our planners stand as your trusted companions, offering comprehensive layouts, aligned curriculum strategies, and a wealth of resources. Whether you choose our Early Years Daily Planner for detailed daily insights or our Early Years Weekly Planner for a comprehensive week at a glance, you’re investing in a year filled with purposeful education and seamless organisation. 
- [Claire Warden: Learning with nature – Complete package](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/claire-warden-learning-with-nature-complete-package/): In order to work with nature, we need to re-awaken follow the examples of various custodians of the land around the world and learn the skills that they have maintained over time. There is a worldwide nature movement by embedding nature pedagogy into daily practice. It is not enough to just source bright ideas. As a profession, we need to build on a foundation of values. The ten modules in this package are all about developing higher-order thinking using an inquiry-based learning approach within the context of natural sciences. The package is designed to raise the awareness and skill level of all staff working with children and families from Birth to 11 years.  
- [Claire Warden: Learning with nature](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/claire-warden-learning-with-nature-series/): In order to work with nature, we need to re-awaken follow the examples of various custodians of the land around the world and learn the skills that they have maintained over time. There is a worldwide nature movement by embedding nature pedagogy into daily practice. It is not enough to just source bright ideas. As a profession, we need to build on a foundation of values. Purchase the Learning with nature - Complete package.  
- [Helping children with difficult things](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/helping-children-with-difficult-things/): Difficulties are a part of everyone's life. How we respond to them enhances or undermines our coping skills and resilience. Difficulties can be as small as a change in situation or routine, or as large as losing someone close to us. The situations and events that are hard for infants and young children are often very different from those that are hard for adults. This publication is available exclusively on the ECA Digital Library. A digital version is included in the Supporting behaviour and self-regulation professional learning bundle.
- [Families: Where learning begins](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/families-where-learning-begins/): Families: Where learning begins looks at children's self-discovery when they are guided by an interested and encouraging adult. When young children's early learning experiences are positive and supported, they are more likely to become engaged learners. This publication is available exclusively on the ECA Digital Library. A digital version is included in the Partnerships with families professional learning bundle.
- [Children’s behaviour: A guiding approach](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/childrens-behaviour-a-guiding-approach/): Guiding behaviour in children is an important part of development, as it teaches self-regulation. This capacity for self-regulation has to be learned and is a key emotional task of childhood. Detailed in this book is the ‘guidance approach’ to children’s behaviour, which is based on the belief that children don’t need incentives to behave thoughtfully, they need skills. This publication is available exclusively on the ECA Digital Library. A digital version is included in the Supporting behaviour and self-regulation professional learning bundle.  
- [Learning to read](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/learning-to-read/): This Everyday Learning Series booklet is about nurturing children’s love of books and reading, and success in learning to read. Subscribe to the ECA Digital Library and save! Enjoy this title and the additional educator fact sheet, along with the back catalogue of over 44 Everyday Learning Series titles.
- [Code of Ethics Poster](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/code-of-ethics-poster/): Informed by current pedagogical research and practice, the ECA Code of Ethics provides a framework for reflection about the ethical responsibilities of early childhood professionals. Following a national process of consultation, and based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1991), this Code of Ethics reveals the shared values of the sector. Available in full-colour brochure and poster form designed for display in early childhood education and care settings. 
- [Ethics in Action – A practical guide to implementing the ECA Code of Ethics](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/ethics-in-action-a-practical-guide-to-implementing-the-eca-code-of-ethics/): By Dr Lennie Barblett, Catharine Hydon and Dr Anne Kennedy This easy-to-use practical guide is suitable for all educators, managers, leaders and childhood professionals caring for children from birth to 12 years of age. This essential and practical 95-page guide to the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Code of Ethics clearly explains what ‘code of ethics’ means in everyday practice. You will discover case studies, scenarios and provocations to help guide you with everyday ethical implementation. Developed from the early learning and care sector’s desire to commit and enact ethics in daily practice, this easy-to-use publication will support you in bringing ethics into action!
- [Reconciliation in Action](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/reconciliation-in-action/): Co-Edited by Joanne Goodwin and Catharine Hydon Take the next step in your reconciliation journey with this curated collection of stories that paint a picture of reconciliation from multiple perspectives, as it is now and as it might be in the future.
- [ECA Essentials: Literature in Early Childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-essentials-literature-in-early-childhood/): ECA Essentials: Literature in Early Childhood will transform the way you use picture books in your early learning environment. With practical advice on how to spark children’s curiosity and support development through reading experiences, this book has everything you need to bring stories to life in your setting and offer endless opportunities for learning.
- [ECA Essentials: Sustainability in Early Childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-essentials-sustainability-in-early-childhood/): Recommended for anyone who works with children from birth to eight years of age. It starts by looking at the big picture and exploring key changes in thinking over time. This text offers both theoretical and pedagogical insights as foundational for engaging with sustainability. The authors encourage critical reflection and action steps for change in your service and challenge you to robustly step forward on all sustainability fronts.
- [ECA Essentials: Music in Early Childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-essentials-music-in-early-childhood/): This book is recommended for educators, teachers and families of young children who wish to learn how to incorporate music into their time with children. This could be including songs or music into daily routines or creating a new musical program with a strong research foundation. Both emerging and established educators can benefit from the wide range of suggested learning experiences, or gather some new resources to enhance their knowledge of music and teaching methodologies.
- [Code of Ethics Brochure](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/code-of-ethics-brochure/): The ECA Code of Ethics provide a framework for reflection about the ethical responsibilities of early childhood professionals who work with or on behalf of children and families in early childhood settings. It reflects current pedagogical research and practice, providing a framework for reflection about the ethical responsibilities of early childhood professionals. Designed especially for early childhood education and care environments, and based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1991) this code of ethics has followed a national process of consultation, with the emerging standards indicative of the values we share as early childhood professionals in Australia. The Code of Ethics brochures are sold in bundles of ten.
- [Statement on Play + Poster Bundle](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/statement-on-play-poster-bundle/): Enhance your play-based learning approach with our: Learning Through Play Poster Bundle ECA Statement on Play ECA Statement on Play: Play Principles for Families, Parents and Carers ECA Statement on Play: Play Principles for Educators and Leaders The  posters, which have been designed from a child’s perspective, celebrate the importance of play in children’s development, while the Statement provides essential guidance on supporting children’s right to play in various settings. Together, this Bundle is a comprehensive resource for educators and families to nurture creativity, social skills and wellbeing in children aged birth to eight years. 
- [ECA Statement on Play](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-statement-on-play/): This Statement considers play and young children aged from birth to eight years. The right to play, however, extends to every child of any age, ability or background and is relevant in schools and other learning environments, services, and communities in which children participate.  
- [ECA Statement on Play: Play Principles for Educators and Leaders](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-statement-on-play-play-principles-for-educators-and-leaders/): This Statement considers play and young children aged from birth to eight years. The right to play, however, extends to every child of any age, ability or background and is relevant in schools and other learning environments, services, and communities in which children participate. Whether you are an early childhood educator in an early learning or school setting, or a director, principle, manager or leader, we've gathered ideas from each of the principles to get you started.
- [ECA Statement on Play: Play Principles for Families, Parents and Carers](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-statement-on-play-play-principles-for-families-parents-and-carers/): This Statement considers play and young children aged from birth to eight years. The right to play, however, extends to every child of any age, ability or background and is relevant in schools and other learning environments, services, and communities in which children participate. Families and caregivers are essential to a child's play experiences. Together you can create the first play environments for babies; family members are often the baby's first playmates! Understanding how children play and what it means to them can help you in your role as a parent or carer.
- [Statement on young children and digital technologies](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/statement-on-young-children-and-digital-technologies/): Children, their families, and educators now live, play, learn, and work in increasingly complex digital environments that include internet-based technologies, automated systems, extended realities, robotics, and applications powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This revised version of the ECA Statement on young children and digital technologies continues the original statement’s commitment to guiding early childhood educators and teachers. It supports them in effectively and responsibly integrating these technologies into the education and care of young children, in partnership with families and the community. This includes: 1. Relationships 2. Health and wellbeing 3. Citizenship 4. Play and pedagogy
- [Box of Provocations for Birth to Threes Pedagogy](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/box-of-provocations-for-birth-to-threes-pedagogy/): Written by Anne Stonehouse Reflect, act and evolve with ECA’s Box of Provocations: Birth to Threes Pedagogy. Provoke deeper thinking and discussion among educators with the cards in this new collection based on Anne Stonehouse’s encounters. These cards gift readers with an insight into Anne’s longstanding beliefs as an early childhood professional, her current thinking and her evolving perspective as a grandmother. Support critical reflection discussion, debate and deeper thinking in your service today. *Enjoy a bonus expansion pack with every box purchased. Limited time only, while stocks last.  
- [Box of Provocations for Our Earth](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/box-of-provocations-for-our-earth/): Written by Lisa Sonter, Sue Elliott, Julie Davis, Deb Watson, Wendy Gorman, Rebekah Garwood, Claire Warden, Judith McKay-Tempest and Fran Hughes. ECA's Box of Provocations for Our Earth will help educators carefully embed sustainable practice into their early learning setting, teaching children to restore, preserve and nurture the natural world. Early learning settings are well placed to set the foundations for this. As an educator, you might embrace contemporary concerns about the environment and have a strong desire to teach children to not only enjoy and value the natural world but also restore, preserve and nurture it. But how do you make this part of your practice? The provocations in this box will help you do exactly that. They have been written by experts in the fields of sustainability and nature pedagogy, sharing multiple perspectives and multiple voices to provide rich perspectives. Some provocations are an explicit invitation to question and debate—they will prompt you to define and describe what you think—while others represent the writers’ strongly held beliefs. They will help you invite alternative perspectives or reservations about the views expressed in these cards. Themes: theories and worldviews engaging children in sustainability nature pedagogy in Australia nature play and intentional teaching activism, advocacy and community engagement beyond the basics the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective nature pedagogy internationally
- [Box of Leadership Provocations](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/box-of-leadership-provocations/): This resource has been written by six of Australia’s leading Early Childhood experts: Anne Stonehouse, Anthony Semann, Susan Irvine, Catharine Hydon, Michelle Gujer, and Leanne Gibbs. Presenting the new ECA Box of Leadership Provocations, for leaders at all levels of early childhood education and care.  Each of the 48 provocation cards, which are organised under the six capabilities outlined in the ECA Leadership Capability Framework, includes questions to provoke discussion and debate. Using these cards does not rely on familiarity with ECA’s Leadership Capability Framework; however the cards and the framework complement each other and leaders will benefit if they use the two together.  
- [Box of Provocations for Early Childhood Educators](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/box-of-provocations-for-early-childhood-educators/): By Anne Stonehouse The cards in this collection are intended to support critical reflection, discussion, debate and deeper thinking about teaching, learning and what it means to be a professional educator. Their use will result in a better learning experience for children, families and educators. The provocations can be used with educators with all levels of formal qualifications and experience. There are many ways to use the provocations in a variety of settings. Beautifully presented and made to last, these will be a popular resource in your service for many years to come.
- [Every Child Magazine Subscription](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/every-child-magazine-subscription/): Every Child magazine puts the spotlight on the early years of childhood. Published quarterly and beautifully designed in full-colour, it contains informative articles on such issues as health, education and social trends, and also book reviews, profiles and guest statements from well-known identities. Articles focus on aspects of early childhood from a grassroots, local level, but also look into political and national developments. Aimed at anyone involved in the care and education of young children, Every Child is topical, diverse, but always entertaining. Members of Early Childhood Australia receive a copy of Every Child magazine complimentary as part of their membership. If members wish to receive additional subscriptions, they receive a reduced rate on this subscription. To access the member rate, log in to your account. Don’t forget, the subscription cost is tax deductible for early childhood professionals!
- [ECA Professional Learning Subscription+](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-professional-learning-subscription-plus/): Enjoy 12 months of unlimited access to a comprehensive library of self-paced, quality-assured online courses, on-demand webinars and digital publications designed to support your professional needs. The ECA Professional Learning Subscription+ combines: ECA Learning Hub subscription ECA Digital Library subscription ECA Professional Membership With fresh content added throughout the subscription period and exclusive subscriber-only resources, this is your one-stop destination for trusted, current and flexible professional learning. Please note: the products included are assigned to one individual and cannot be split between users.
- [Early Childhood Australia Membership](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/early-childhood-australia-membership/): Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is a not-for-profit organisation that has been a voice for young children since 1938. ECA’s vision is that every young child is thriving and learning. Our role in achieving this is to promote the rights and interests of all young children and to support the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and care. ECA has enjoyed a long and celebrated history, commemorating 80 years of continuous advocacy for young children and those who educate and nurture them—work that has only been possible with the support of our members. To view the benefits of becoming a member of ECA, by membership type, click here.  
- [ECA Learning Hub—Multi-User Subscription](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-learning-hub-multi-user-subscription/): Subscribe to the ECA Learning Hub and receive access to high-quality, professional online learning courses, complementary resources, as well as each new course released during your subscription period*. Focusing on equity, fairness and accessibility, ECA has developed a new Learning Hub subscription model designed to match the flexible, user-focused approach we take with our courses. Now, with the ability to select the exact number of users you need, you can rest assured knowing that you and your team are getting the most out of your subscription. *This excludes some third-party or partner developed content. Looking just for you? Purchase an ECA Learning Hub—Single User Subscription. For 251+ users, contact customerservice@earlychildhood.org.au or 02 6242 1800
- [ECA Learning Hub—Single User Subscription](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-learning-hub-single-user-subscription/): Subscribe to the ECA Learning Hub and receive access to high-quality, professional online learning courses, complementary resources, as well as each new course released during your subscription period*. *This excludes some third-party or partner developed content. Looking to upgrade your team? Purchase an ECA Learning Hub—Multi-User Subscription. For 251+ users, contact customerservice@earlychildhood.org.au or 02 6242 1800  
- [ECA Digital Library—Multi-User Subscription](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-digital-library-multi-user-subscription/): Subscribe to the ECA Digital Library to receive new books including the much loved Everyday Learning and Research in Practice Series titles over a 12-month subscription period, as well as access to a back catalogue of over 88 titles and accompanying resources. Get the latest in quality-assured and sector-reviewed titles at the click of a button. For individual users: ECA Digital Library—Single User Subscription For 251+ users, contact customerservice@earlychildhood.org.au or 02 6242 1800 Pricing begins at $540.00 for 2 users. Enter a number of users below to calculate the total cost for your team.  
- [ECA Digital Library—Single User Subscription](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-digital-library-single-user-subscription/): Subscribe to the ECA Digital Library to receive new books including the much loved Everyday Learning and Research in Practice Series titles over a 12-month subscription period, as well as access to a back catalogue of over 88 titles and accompanying resources. Get the latest in quality-assured and sector-reviewed titles at the click of a button. For 2-250 users: ECA Digital Library—Multi-User Subscription For 251+ users, contact customerservice@earlychildhood.org.au or 02 6242 1800
- [ECA Shop eGift Card](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-shop-egift-card/): Show your appreciation and support professional learning at any time of year with an Early Childhood Australia eGift card. Ideal for recognising individual contribution, celebrating milestones, welcoming new staff, or allocating professional learning budgets, our gift cards are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and $150, giving recipients the freedom to choose from a wide range of resources in our shop. Contact us to purchase eGift Cards over $150.00. ECA eGift cards also offer flexibility within your budget cycle, allowing you to plan and make professional learning purchases when it works best for your service or organisation.
- [Reconciliation in Children’s Education and Care―Taking the First Steps](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/reconciliation-in-childrens-education-and-care%e2%80%95taking-the-first-steps/): Exploring reconciliation in early childhood education and care settings can be an extremely powerful way of teaching children about culture and introducing them to concepts such as respect, equity and justice. This course will help you take your first steps or next steps towards embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and reconciliation into your daily practice.
- [ECA Statement on Play Bundle](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/eca-statement-on-play-bundle/): This Statement considers play and young children aged from birth to eight years. The right to play, however, extends to every child of any age, ability or background and is relevant in schools and other learning environments, services, and communities in which children participate.
- [Happy to be me CD](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/happy-to-be-me-cd/): By Wendy Notley The second CD from Aunty Wendy’s Mob has been developed in consultation with Aboriginal educators and education groups in New South Wales to ensure that it provides a culturally appropriate perspective for teaching in the early childhood setting and the early years of school.
- [Growin’ Up Strong CD](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/growin-up-strong-cd/): By Wendy Notley Growin’ Up Strong is a collection of children’s songs with an Aboriginal perspective, inspired by Wendy’s many years of teaching Aboriginal children at Murawina Multi-Purpose Aboriginal Education Centre in Redfern, Sydney.
- [Family Diversity Resource Pack (3-6 years)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/family-diversity-resource-pack-3-6-years/): This collection of children’s books, along with the Resource Guide, have been curated in consultation with Rainbow Families as an essential resource to support early childhood services in taking the first steps to reduce disadvantage for all families. By using this resource pack, educators can create meaningful opportunities for children to explore, engage and ask questions about family diversity. This resource pack has been developed specifically for children 3-6 years old, but can be adapted for use with children of any age. This pack includes: Heather has two mummies – Leslea Newman The great big book of families – Mary Hoffman And tango makes three – Justin Richardson Living with Mum and Living with Dad – Melanie Walsh Julian is a Mermaid – Jessica Love Resource Guide
- [Learning opportunities: Homes and families](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/learning-opportunities-homes-and-families/): By Tunja Stone and Bridie Raban Young children’s knowledge of homes and families begins with their personal experiences. They build on this foundation and make sense of other homes and families in terms of similarities, or differences, from their familiar model.  This book provides a store of practical ideas focusing on homes and families, enabling educators to plan ahead with confidence.
- [Respect & Relationships](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/respect-relationships/): Respect and Relationships provides a detailed explanation of the reasoning behind the primary caregiving approach, and includes practical guidelines for practice that support secure and respectful relationships with young children. The guidelines for practice are deeply explored, and presented in readily accessible ways to support educators of all experience levels to develop their understanding of respectful practices.
- [Leading with Heart & Soul](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/leading-with-heart-soul/): Leading with Heart & Soul outlines the values associated with leadership in early childhood. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Toni shares her wit, wisdom, and lessons learned from leading teams in early childhood education. Leaders and aspiring leaders will enjoy Toni’s frank and humorous ability to inform and inspire the reader with her values-based approach to leadership. Each of the twelve chapters (be courageous, dream big, serve others, have empathy, foster loyalty, be honest, display grace, encourage creativity create joy, show gratitude, empower others and model respect) features suggestions, helpful ideas, quotes, examples, images, a story and a summary.
- [Pins Bundle](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/pins-bundle/): Create your own custom pins bundle today! Choose any three from the following pins:
- [Family Diversity Resource Pack (Birth-3 years)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/family-diversity-resource-pack-birth-3-years/): This collection of children’s books, along with the Resource Guide, have been curated in consultation with Rainbow Families as an essential resource to support early childhood services in taking the first steps to reduce disadvantage for all families. By using this resource pack, educators can create meaningful opportunities for children to explore, engage and ask questions about family diversity. This resource pack has been developed specifically for children birth-3 years old, but can be adapted for use with children of any age. This pack includes: The Family Book – Todd Parr My Two Dads and Me - Michael Joosten Families – Jayneen Sanders Enid and Her Two Mums – Jessica Skogstad LOVE Makes a Family - Sophie Beer Resource Guide
- [Finding Our Heart](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/finding-our-heart/): By Thomas Mayor ’When we all came together at Uluru, we invited all Australian people to accept our voice and culture as a gift.’ Can you help us find the heart of the nation? A book about understanding Australia’s past, so we can have a shared future.
- [A Kiwi year: Twelve months in the life of New Zealand’s kids](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/a-kiwi-year-twelve-months-in-the-life-of-new-zealands-kids/): By Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling Meet Charlie, Ruby, Oliver, Mason and Kaia — Kiwi kids representing a multicultural blend of culture and race that typifies the amazing country. They’ll take you through a year in the life of New Zealand’s kids, from celebrations, traditions and events, to their everyday way of life and the little things that make childhood so memorable. A Kiwi Year is a picture book bursting with national pride. It’s a snapshot of who they are as New Zealanders, blending a modern-day culture and lifestyle with past traditions and native heritage. Its pages feature meandering text, dates and gorgeous illustrations showcasing five Kiwi kids at play, at school, at home, and enjoying the sights and sites of the great nation. From the Bay of Islands to the hot springs and soaring mountains, vibrant cities and quaint country towns, this is their New Zealand childhood.
- [Australia Illustrated](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/australia-illustrated/): By Tania McCartney A glorious picture-book tribute to Australia and all that makes it unique, from the iconic to the quirky. Australia. Big. Beautiful. Diverse. From the First People to washing lines and crocodiles, football and sunshine, koalas and akubras, skyscrapers and beaches that squeak, this 96-page picture book is a glorious tribute to this wide brown land and its rich and varied multicultural communities. Vibrantly illustrated with watercolour, ink and mono-printing, Australia Illustrated not only celebrates the more ‘typical’ Australian flora, fauna and landmarks, it also showcases the everyday quirks and idiosyncrasies that make Australia unique: the many types of rain, Greek street food, Sydney ferries, cattle breeds, the plants of the Daintree. Even the quokka selfie epidemic is featured! Divided into Australia-wide entries as well as state and territory specific elements, readers will learn more about the endemic plants, animals, foods, landmarks, sports and oddities that make the regions around Australia special. Whimsical, humorous, high in detail, and guaranteed to delight both children and adults, this is a portrait of Australia like you’ve never seen it before. Grab your snorkel. Let’s dive in!
- [The EYLF and NQS without tears](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-eylf-and-nqs-without-tears/): By Susie Rosback and Sarah Wilson Since its publication in 2012, The EYLF and NQS without Tears by Susie Rosback and Sarah Wilson has become an indispensable reference and guide for early childhood educators. Its practical nature has reassured educators that meeting the requirements of the EYLF and NQS is achievable, and has elevated the book to its current highly regarded status.
- [Participatory research with children and young people](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/participatory-research-with-children-and-young-people/): By Susan Groundwater-Smith, Sue Dockett and Dorothy Bottrell This book sets out a clear framework for conducting participatory research with children and young people within a discussion of the rights of the child.
- [The early years gardening handbook](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-early-years-gardening-handbook/): By Sue Ward Reap the rewards. This handbook gives clear, practical advice to help develop an edible garden to inspire young children. It offers a step-by-step approach to planning a garden for an early years setting, choosing what to grow, caring for plants and avoiding common pitfalls. Complete with inspiring case studies and a wealth of exciting activities this book gives an insight into the possibilities a thriving garden can bring.
- [The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-whole-child-alphabet-how-young-children-actually-develop-literacy/): The Whole Child Alphabet is a lively and intelligent book that transforms how educators approach literacy. Connecting movement, play, and child-led activity to the foundational skills necessary for early literacy development, The Whole Child Alphabet is a timely invitation to active, joyful learning.
- [Intentional Practice with Infants and Toddlers: Pedagogies for Learning, Development and Wellbeing](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/intentional-practice-with-infants-and-toddlers-pedagogies-for-learning-development-and-wellbeing/): Children in their first three years of life learn, develop and grow at a faster rate than at any other time, with early childhood teachers and educators playing a vital role in providing them with the very best learning opportunities. Intentional Practice with Infants and Toddlers focuses on purposeful pedagogical approaches, equipping pre-service and practising early childhood teachers and educators with the professional knowledge and strategies required to implement effective infant and toddler pedagogies in early childhood education settings. Drawing on a growing body of research and evidence, the book covers topics such as educational programs, pedagogy as care, health and physical wellbeing, creating a language-rich environment, establishing social cultures, and documenting, planning for and communicating learning. Features include spotlight boxes to explore relevant research, theories and practices; vignettes to open each chapter; reflection questions; and links to the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards.
- [Ted goes to Hospital](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/ted-goes-to-hospital/): By Sarah Cummings and Sare Christensen Ted goes to Hospital is the first book from Teach Ted. It follows our hero Ted as he gets ready for his operation. The simple story helps alleviate anxiety by familiarising children with the hospital process, making the hospital journey a smoother process for both children and their families
- [My Feelings Matter](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/my-feelings-matter/): By Sara Stace A book for little people with BIG feelings.
- [The Rainbow Brain](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-rainbow-brain/): The Rainbow Brain is an inspiring and colourful children’s book that is the first of its kind to describe what it’s like to have both autism and ADHD. It is a neuro-affirming introduction to identity, designed to encourage children to explore and celebrate their uniqueness whilst understanding their accommodations.
- [The Brain Forest](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-brain-forest/): by Sandhya Menon A heart-warming read that helps celebrate neurodiversity without dismissing its challenges, and centers around building a strengths-based society where everyone is valued for what they have to offer. This book helps start conversations and offers ideas to the reader about what they can do to create more inclusive environments.
- [eSafety Program](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/esafety-program/): The eSafety Professional Learning Courses are unique professional learning opportunities developed by the eSafety Commissioner and Early Childhood Australia. The courses are part of the eSafety Early Years program which provides online safety advice and tips within a positive framework for prior to school aged children, their parents, carers and their educators in an Australian context.
- [50 Fantastic Ideas for Exploring Emotions](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/50-fantastic-ideas-for-exploring-emotions/): By Sally Featherstone, Phill Featherstone and Kay Margetts Emotional competence is a gift we can give to a child, but it doesn’t develop without adult support, guidance and modelling. Children developing a strong sense of wellbeing is a core outcome in the EYLF, with personal, social and emotional development at the heart of best practice. This book offers 50 short starter sessions with interesting ideas for follow up, each one focused on a different aspect of emotional development. The activities will help children to understand, explore and manage their own emotions and those of others through discussion, observation, stories, songs and movement.
- [Helping young children cope with difficult times: Supporting wellbeing and identity](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/helping-young-children-cope-with-difficult-times-supporting-wellbeing-and-identity/): By Sally Featherstone, Clare Beswick and Anne Vize Building on the principles and practices described in the Early Years Learning Framework this accessible resource is packed full of suggestions that can be dipped into when a young child appears troubled or distressed. The activities are designed for use in one-to-one or very small group situations to meet the needs of individual children at a time of stress.
- [Language & Literacy Development in Early Childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/language-literacy-development-in-early-childhood/): By Robyn Ewing, Jon Callow and Kathleen Rushton An excellent Australian textbook that unpacks language and literacy development in early childhood. Contains practical ideas on how to embed practices into your work with young children.
- [The Voyage](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-voyage/): by Robert Vescio and Andrea Edmonds Displaced by war and conflict, a refugee family sets out on a voyage into the unknown. Told in only a few words, this is the powerful story of a family fleeing their war-torn country and making a dangerous trip across the ocean to a new life in a new land. The Voyage was named a 2020 Notable Social Studies by the Children’s Book Council.
- [Alfie the Kind](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/alfie-the-kind/): Alfie is not the bravest dog, he is scared of magpies, swimming in the sea and things with noisy wheels like skateboards and wheelbarrows! But maybe there is something else he’s good at? Alfie loves his family and is always looking for ways to help or make them happy, from wake-up licks to sharing his favourite toy. One day at the park when he comes across a small boy who is sad, Alfie discovers that his true talent might be the thing that comes most naturally to him, his kindness.
- [Alfie the Brave](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/alfie-the-brave/): Alfie was a fine-looking dog. His coat was sleek and shiny like an otter. He was the son of champions. But Alfie didn’t feel like a champion. Alfie was scared of . . . everything! Could Alfie ever be bold and brave like other dogs?
- [The Art of Risk: What we can learn from the world’s leading risk-takers](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-art-of-risk-what-we-can-learn-from-the-worlds-leading-risk-takers/): Come on the ultimate armchair adventure with Harris while he talks with other ‘risk-takers’ about why they do what they do, how they prepare, and how they’ve handled things going wrong. Harry talks with people like climber Alex Honnold (of ‘Free Solo’), sailor Jessica Watson, mountaineer James Scott, and film director, and deep-sea diver James Cameron, amongst many less familiar world-beaters, each of whom has a fascinating story. We meet base jumpers, drag-racers, snipers, surfers, and people adventuring from the highest of skies to the deepest of oceans.
- [How Mother Kangaroo Got Her Pouch](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/how-mother-kangaroo-got-her-pouch/): How Mother Kangaroo Got Her Pouch follows Mother Bunda and her spirited joey, Baabay, as they adventure across the vast Australian landscape where they meet Wambad, the wise old wombat. When Mother Kangaroo’s bravery and quick thinking save Baabay and Wambad from hunters, Wambad repays their kindness with an unexpected gift that will change their lives forever.
- [Early Childhood Playgrounds: Planning an outside learning environment](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/early-childhood-playgrounds-planning-an-outside-learning-environment/): By Prue Walsh The outdoor play environment has an integral role to play in a child’s learning across the pivotal early childhood years. An outside space that is well designed allows for enriching, stimulating and challenging play experiences that meet children’s ongoing developmental needs. Early Childhood Playgrounds provides a step-by-step guide to planning, designing and creating an outdoor learning environment for young children. This book will be fascinating reading for those studying early childhood and practitioners looking into the ways and means of setting up, improving or expanding their outdoor play facilities. It is also geared towards other disciplines, making it an essential guide for architects and planning professionals wanting to gain a greater understanding of play and the vital role it takes in meeting children’s needs and development.
- [Transformative Change and Real Utopias in Early Childhood Education](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/transformative-change-and-real-utopias-in-early-childhood-education/): Early childhood education and care is a major policy issue for national governments and international organisations. This book contests two stories, both infused by neoliberal thinking, that dominate early childhood policy making today – ‘the story of quality and high returns’ and ‘the story of markets’, stories that promise high returns on investment if only the right technologies are applied to children and the perfection of a system based on competition and individual choice. But there are alternative stories and this book tells one: a ‘story of democracy, experimentation and potentiality’ in which early childhood centres are public spaces and public resources, places where democracy and experimentation are fundamental values, community workshops for realising the potentiality of citizens. This story calls for transformative change but offers a real utopia, both viable and achievable. The book discusses some of the conditions needed for the story’s enactment and shows what it means in practice in a chapter about project work contributed by a Swedish preschool teacher. Critical but hopeful, this book is an important contribution to resisting the dictatorship of no alternative and renewing a democratic politics of early childhood education. It is essential reading for students and teachers, researchers and other academics, and for all other concerned citizens.
- [Loris Malaguzzi and the Schools of Reggio Emilia: A selection of his writings and speeches 1945-1993](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/loris-malaguzzi-and-the-schools-of-reggio-emilia-a-selection-of-his-writings-and-speeches-1945-1993/): Edited by Paola Cagliari, Marina Castagnetti, Claudia Giudici, Carlina Rinaldi, Vea Vecchi, Peter Moss Loris Malaguzzi was one of the most important figures in 20th century early childhood education, achieving world-wide recognition for his educational ideas and his role in the creation of municipal schools for young children in the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, the most successful example ever of progressive, democratic and public education. Despite Malaguzzi’s reputation, very little of what he wrote or said about early childhood education has been available in English. This book helps fill the gap, presenting for the first time in English, writings and speeches spanning 1945 to 1993, selected by a group of his colleagues from an archive established in Reggio Emilia. They range from short poems, letters and newspaper articles to extended pieces about Malaguzzi’s early life, the origins of the municipal schools and his ideas about children, pedagogy and schools. This material is organised into five chronological chapters, starting at the end of World War Two and ending just before his death, with introductions to each chapter providing background, including the historical context, the main events in Malaguzzi’s life and the rationale for the selection of documents. The book provides a unique insight into the background, thinking and work of Malaguzzi, revealing, in his own words, how his thinking developed, how he moved between theory and practice, how he border-crossed many disciplines and subjects, and how he combined many roles ranging from administrator and campaigner to researcher and pedagogue. Academics, students and practitioners alike will find this landmark publication provides rich insights into his life and work.
- [Your child from birth to eight (3rd edn)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/your-child-from-birth-to-eight-3rd-edn/): Your child from birth to eight provides a practical guide to the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of young children, with a focus on fostering the bond between parent and child. The book encourages us to see, delight in and react to babies and young children as complex human beings.
- [SOLO taxonomy in the Early Years](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/solo-taxonomy-in-the-early-years/): Using SOLO Taxonomy as a model, young learners become active participants in their own learning as they can see a clear, manageable progression of steps they can follow to create new learning. This empowering resource describes practical examples and experiences of educators and learners. It also provides the scaffolding young learners need to self-assess their learning outcomes and make thoughtful decisions about next steps and strategies. This empowering resource by Pam Hook and Bridget Casse, shows how using SOLO Taxonomy as a model, young learners become active participants in their own learning as they can see a clear, manageable progression of steps they can follow to create new learning.
- [Clever Crow](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/clever-crow/): by Nina Lawrence Illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft Clever Crow is an endearing and witty tale that follows the exploits of a hungry and very clever crow. Crow searches in the bush for food but he can find none. It is only when he comes across people preparing for a ceremony that his luck changes. Crow spots a big turtle egg waiting to be cooked, and he cries out, ‘Yummy, food for me!’ But it is not an easy task stealing a turtle egg – even for a clever crow. Crow has to be more clever than he has ever been before! Children will love Bronwyn Bancrofts’s distinctive illustrations, and how the Djambarrpuynu language translation – Yolnu language from North East Arnhem Land – is woven into the design.
- [Adventurous Play – Developing children’s life skills through rich play experiences](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/adventurous-play-developing-childrens-life-skills-through-rich-play-experiences/): By Niki Buchan For children, playing, creating, learning, developing and doing are all integrated. Learning through play is supported by skilled educators through the curriculum. Children are not consciously learning, they are not playing to learn, they are playing for the sheer joy it brings them. The learning and development occur naturally. This book is a practical interpretation of the thoughts and ideas that underpin the meeting of children’s developmental needs, and acknowledges the critical role of providing play opportunities needed by children, particularly in early childhood centres. It presents a wealth of detail on areas such as: how to create and interpret challenging and stimulating play how to see safety in the context of children’s developmental needs how to enrich the play space The book provides the needed link to ensure that children can flourish within an ever-changing environment, varied forms of spaces and varying social configurations, as well as thought-provoking examples shown through a wide selection of photographs. It supplies a fundamental framework for all parties involved in early childhood centres to understand and act upon the needs of young children during the most formative years of their lives.
- [Asserting a Culture of Child Safety: Offering Children the Protection and Care That They Deserve](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/asserting-a-culture-of-child-safety-offering-children-the-protection-and-care-that-they-deserve/): Child protection training, undertaken by educators, maintains general knowledge of what to do if concerns arise. The purpose of this book is to help the early childhood sector to be working from a position of earlier identification and prevention. This book is a step-by-step guide to championing children’s safety and wellbeing. As a practical tool, it will give clarification and confidence about what to do to create a culture of child safety at your education and care organisation.
- [Exploring natural connections with light, reflection and shadow](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/exploring-natural-connections-with-light-reflection-and-shadow/): By Nicole Halton, Natasha Treveton and Niki Buchan This is a book to inspire educators to think outside the box, to explore, to create and to wonder. It uses real examples from early childhood services across Australia to unpack the possibilities and learning opportunities that can arise from working with concepts of light, reflection and shadow, and links these to relevant theories and to the EYLF. By observing children’s interests without adult interference, we can analyse and reflect on what they have observed, and explore other possibilities that link to what the child is really interested in. Following the child’s interest increases their engagement and learning.
- [Bringing STEM to Life](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/bringing-stem-to-life/): By Nicole Halton and Natashja Treveton An understanding of science, technology, engineering and maths –  STEM – has never been more important, and the need to develop these skills at the early childhood level is now widely recognised. This book supports professionals in the early childhood field to: thoroughly understand the concept of STEM realise that in a quality play-based program there should be no need for ‘extra’ programs or curricula to ensure that children develop skills related to STEM see that these skills are already facilitated by our rich environments, resources, interactions and practice with children and by the child’s own innate curiosity and playfulness Educators are given information and practical ideas that link to the EYLF and the NQS.
- [Inclusive Practice](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/inclusive-practice/): By Nicole Halton and Anne Rodgers Ensuring that every aspect of early childhood education is inclusive is vital to providing the highest quality education for young children and their families, Inclusive Practice offers essential guidance on how to plan and resource a genuinely inclusive environment. It shows educators how to facilitate an inclusive team and invites them to reflect on three main strands of quality and diversity, children’s entitlements, and early support. It will also help early childhood educators and teams put inclusive practice into action. The many practical examples and points for reflection support readers to gain confidence in their own skills and assess whether they could improve their current provision to better support the young children in their care.
- [My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/my-magic-breath-finding-calm-through-mindful-breathing/): by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor Do YOU have the magic breath? Let’s see…Take a deeeeeep breath in…and BLOW it out… …and like magic, you can feel better just by breathing! Sometimes it’s hard to feel happy. But with this interactive picture book, children breathe along as they learn how to make angry or sad thoughts disappear.
- [Aboriginal Flag Pin](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/aboriginal-flag-pin/): Get your Aboriginal Flag Pin today. The vibrant colours of the flag stand for the people, the land, and the sun, embodying the spirit of Aboriginal culture. Add these high-quality pins to your outfits and wear them with pride. Don’t miss out—grab yours now!
- [Torres Strait Islander Flag Pin](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/torres-strait-islander-flag-pin/): Get your Torres Strait Islander Flag Pin today! The flag symbolises the unity and identity of all Torres Strait Islanders. ⦁  The flag is emblazoned with a white Dhari (head dress) which is a symbol of Torres Strait Islander culture. ⦁  The white five-pointed star beneath it symbolises peace, the five major island groups and the navigational importance of stars to the seafaring people of the Torres Strait. ⦁  The green represents the land, the black represents the people, and the blue the sea. Add these high-quality pins to your outfits and wear them with pride. Don’t miss out—grab yours now!
- [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flag Pin](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-flag-pin/): Get your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flag Pin today!
- [The Everyday Autism Series: Madi starts school](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-everyday-autism-series-madi-starts-school/): Blue-eyed Madi is growing up, and now it is time for her to go to school. At school, Madi learns many things and so do her classmates and her teachers. We all know it’s not easy being different, especially when you struggle to find words to express yourself.
- [The Everyday Autism Series: Madi goes shopping](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-everyday-autism-series-madi-goes-shopping/): Although Madi looks just like all the other kids you see at the shops she is different – she has autism. As Madi grows up she and her parents notice the unspoken accusations of others. See the world through Madi’s eyes as she goes shopping and understand the challenges and joys of daily life with autism for Madi and her parents.
- [The Everyday Autism Series: Madi at Kinder](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-everyday-autism-series-madi-at-kinder/): Madi is ready for Kinder, but it is not easy for her or her teachers and classmates to understand her. Look at the world through Madi’s eyes as she goes to Kinder and understand the challenges and joys of daily life with autism for Madi, her classmates, and her teachers.
- [The Everyday Autism Series: Madi](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/the-everyday-autism-series-madi/): Blue-eyed Madi has a difficult gift. At first sight she looks just like most other kids her age, but she is different – she has autism. This book tells about Madi’s early years and how hard it was to discover what was going on inside her precious mind and heart.
- [Flutterby Butterfly](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/flutterby-butterfly/): Bring your child’s imagination to life and encourage conversations about life beginnings and how we all have the power to change with Flutterby Butterfly.  
- [Rituals: making the everyday extraordinary in early childhood](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/rituals-making-the-everyday-extraordinary-in-early-childhood/): By Memory Lyon & Toni Christie This beautiful treasure of a book will have your insides applauding loudly. Intended for parents, teachers, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful and mindful experiences, readers will find delight and inspiration within these colourful pages. Toni and Memory share practical ideas for turning humble routines into thoughtful and sacred rituals through stunning imagery and real life examples.  
- [I’m Australian too](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/im-australian-too/): By Mem Fox and Ronojoy Ghosh I’m Australian! How about you? Many people from many places have come across the seas, to make Australia their home. How Australian is that? From countries near and far, many have made their home in Australia, sharing it with the original inhabitants, and living in peace beneath the Southern Star. Mem Fox celebrates Australia’s incredible multicultural heritage in this beautiful book illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh.
- [Physical health and wellbeing professional learning bundle](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/physical-health-and-wellbeing-professional-learning-bundle/): This professional learning bundle is a complementary mix of online learning content and digital publications to support educators to build knowledge and contemporary practices around physical health and wellbeing in the early years. It includes: Fundamental Movement Skills–Beyond the basics presented by Carla McFadden Incorporating meaningful movement in every day presented by Carla McFadden Everyday Learning Series 'Facilitating and extending play-based learning' by Leonie Arthur Everyday Learning Series 'Risky play and the outdoors' by Helen Little Everyday Learning Series 'Active outdoor play' by Helen Little
- [Play in Early Childhood Education: Learning in Diverse Contexts (2nd Ed.)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/play-in-early-childhood-education-learning-in-diverse-contexts-2nd-ed/): Edited by Marjory Ebbeck and Manjula Waniganayake The topic of play is fundamental to understanding how children grow and learn. Play in Early Childhood Education Second Edition is an essential introduction to the theories behind this play and how it relates to children’s development and learning. It enables students and educators to understand the complex learning theories, professional practice and selected government policies that focus on children’s play and early learning. This user-friendly text also tackles the rapidly changing contexts where children are raised and educated, demonstrating diverse approaches to play-based learning and considering new insights and possibilities.   Features: Includes a wide range of real life case examples; teaching examples; and reflections covering the birth to 8 years age range to illustrate theory in practice Expert author team of early childhood academics Cross-cultural contexts – examines the power of play in facilitating young children’s development and learning in many diverse contexts including Australia, Cambodia, Finland, Tanzania, Singapore  and Hong Kong.
- [Play in the Early Years (3rd ed)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/play-in-the-early-years-3rd-ed/): Discover how play is a crucial component of the learning and development of children in the early years in the third edition of Play in the Early Years. This comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of play for children is suitable for all educators.
- [Leadership: Contexts and Complexities in Early Childhood Education (3rd Edition)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/leadership-contexts-and-complexities-in-early-childhood-education-3rd-edition/): Intentional leadership changes over time with new research evidence, a rapidly changing policy landscape and the increasing professionalisation of the early childhood sector. Leadership third edition encourages you to question and critically engage with leadership perspectives using your own knowledge, beliefs, values and lived experiences. Part One focuses on ‘big picture’ issues that give shape to early childhood leadership, and includes discussion of early childhood policy, quality standards, governance, strategic planning, pedagogical leadership, advocacy and leading organisational change. Part Two covers professional communication, the development of strong relationships with families, engagement with community, financial matters and the establishment of inclusive and ethical workplace cultures. It emphasises two increasingly important leadership dimensions, staff well-being and social justice.
- [Yellow Dog](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/yellow-dog/): Age 3 – 5 By Lyndall Stavrou and Jenny Taylor The Yellow Dog story is based on a dog adapted by the family while living and working in an Aboriginal community, Kowanyama, on Cape York Peninsular.
- [Baby Bilby and the Wildcat](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/baby-bilby-and-the-wildcat/): By Lyndall Stavrou and Jann Forge Baby Bilby and the Wildcat is inspired by the unique landscapes, animals and the traditional food gathering and hunting of the Indigenous people of the Territory.  
- [Young Children’s Behaviour: Guidance approaches for early childhood educators (4th Edn)](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/young-childrens-behaviour-guidance-approaches-for-early-childhood-educators-4th-edn/): By Louise Porter Drawing on the latest research evidence, Young Children’s Behaviour outlines the beliefs and values that underpin the guidance approach to managing the behaviours of children from birth to eight years of age. In contrast with rewards-and-punishment systems, guidance believes that children do not need incentives to behave well, but instead need skills. Rather than punishing them for lacking skills, guidance teaches young children self-regulation skills so that they can behave considerately.
- [Young Children’s Community Building in Action](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/young-childrens-community-building-in-action/): By Louise Gwenneth Phillips, Jenny Ritchie, Lavina Dynevor, Jared Lambert, Kerryn Moroney Rethinking the concepts of citizenship and community in relation to young children, this groundbreaking text examines the ways in which indigenous understandings and practices applied in early childhood settings in Australia and New Zealand encourage young children to demonstrate their care and concern for others and so, in turn, perceive themselves as part of a larger community.
- [Stories for Simon](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/stories-for-simon/): A beautiful story of acknowledging the past and working together for a brighter future. When Simon unwraps a beautiful boomerang wrapped in an old newspaper, he learns of the national apology to the Stolen Generations. Who were the Stolen Generations and how can saying ‘sorry’ help? Through a new friendship and a magnificent collection of stories, Simon gains a deep appreciation of the past and a positive vision for the future. Includes a foreword by Bidjigal Elder Vic Simms and endorsement from Adam Goodes, Australian of the Year 2014.
- [Bodysong: Exploring Children’s Natural World Through Creative Dance](https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/product/bodysong-exploring-childrens-natural-world-through-creative-dance/): The Bodysong Creative Dance approach highlights ideas and imagination. This book is an inspirational and practical guide for early childhood educators and dance teachers seeking to incorporate creative movement into their programs.

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Primary authoritative content includes policy, research-informed articles, professional learning resources, and educational publications by Early Childhood Australia.