Saturday, February 9, 2019

Early Childhood Australia


Photo credit: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au


Exploring the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) website, it was very fascinating to learn of this nations equivalent to our National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). While I figured the research topics would mirror almost exactly ones I have seen in current Young Children journal from NAEYC I was amazed to learn this were not the same. While the topics can be applied to the children I work with here in the United States, it is interesting to see them addressed in a differed light.

While I could search many years of research topics on the website, I will include the three listed under the 2018 tab for the most current research topics. First, is the topic of reconciliation within the nation of Australia. I did not know this was something that was an issue but upon reviewing a synopsis of the article, it was quite clear this is a difficulty and so addressing this as a low level within the early childhood field, ECA hopes to offer steps to assist with this issue in this nation. Next matches a topic I have seen many times within the United States and this has to deal with cultural diversity and bias as well as competency. As being an intentional teacher is so important for any teacher in the early childhood education sector, this article explores how to use this intentional teaching in a play based setting and apply cultural proficiency within the classroom with young children. Last, this topic is one I have had to explore on my own with a previous student which is how to assist a child with navigating a burdensome topic or situation. While the research highlights stress as a sign and how to alleviate this for young children, it also offers tools for not only the child but also the educator to cope with the stresses in life especially those particularly difficult times. (
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-publications/research-practice-series/research-practice-series-index/) 


While I have always felt that NAEYC is the pinnacle of information within the early childhood field, not only for working with children but also for professional development overall, it was interesting to explore the ideas behind the other organization. ECA offers a more whole child and I think, a holistic approach for working with young children. I will eager to explore this website more and even refer to when needed. The idea of discussion a national topic such as reconciliation with young children is not something I think the United States would do. While there is segregation within our own nation, it is not something that is truly addressed within the early childhood classrooms I have been in. I have always offered an environment of openness and acceptance but not the idea of reconciling all races and cultures with one another.

The layout of this website puts the information people are looking for upfront. The tab for Parents includes topics that many may be worried about and would probably attempt to search for but could become frustrated if results were not yielded promptly. Taking the time to put this information on the homepage shows the care and understanding this organization takes for young children and their families. Even addressing sleep for varying ages and what is developmentally expected is something that many parents may worry about but the topic is addressed right away.

I am truly eager to learn more from this website as I am able to explore it further in the coming days.
  

10 comments:


  1. Hi Sarah,

    I enjoyed reading your blog. I like it when website are easy to explore and as you stated that the layout of this website put the information people are looking for upfront. The topics that the website offers are very interesting especially for parents. I had to explore the website and wanted to read more about sleeping patterns for children very interesting. Thank you for sharing such valuable information with us.

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    1. Miguel,
      Yes, this is a website that offers great information for all those who have or work with young children. I can tell how the time is taken to ensure the best information is relayed because the amount of research available on the website.

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  2. It is interesting to see how other nations tackle early childhood education. It makes sense that they would have different information, not necessarily because the research is different but because of the cultural differences in what is critical to their young children's education. I think it is an interesting way to learn about other cultures by learning about what topics are most important to their ECE professionals.

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    1. Aubry,
      Yes, simply because the information is different does not necessarily mean it is not pertinent to young children of any nation. I was fascinated by the information and eager to refer to this organization more in the future.

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  3. Great blog with useful information that can be shared with families and others professionals. Exploring the site provides insight of how others around the world views the same concerns and issues presented in the States. It is a great opportunity to learn how others deal with those concerns and also a new set of eyes to tell the same story, but with different outcomes. It a way to learn something new and try a different way. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Tami,
      You stated it so well with being offered a different perspective on the same topics we here in the United States may encountered but are given an alternative lens. Having another great resource to learn from and even one that is reliable with well researched information is even better.

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  4. Sarah
    The Early Childhood Australia supports children in many areas but education and researches are the most important issue the website works for; to provide for all children in different age groups. As you stated “Taking the time to put this information on the homepage shows the care and understanding this organization takes for young children and their families.” It supports my ideas and thoughts as well when I discuss some issues that happened in real life by mentioning and sharing the stories from the website.

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    1. Hanadi,
      If you are able to make something real and relevant for others to draw that connection then the information is much easier to relay. I think that is the most important aspect for working with families and young children. Being able to draw from a reliable source is vital to ensure the information being given is the best and has a real investment into he betterment of young children.

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  5. Sarah,

    It is interesting how two people can have varying experiences when exploring a website. Although we both explored this website, it is nice to see that you found and shared different information than I did. I focused more on the journal publications Early Childhood Australia puts out, while you concentrated more on the overall website. Thank you for sharing information I may have overlooked and/or not thoroughly explored.

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