The annual Early Childhood Australia conference was held at the beginning of October in Adelaide, and some representatives from St Nicholas were fortunate to attend. The opportunity to engage with sector leaders in professional learning enabled reflective conversations, new learnings, and networking to occur.
Embedded throughout the conference was a strong commitment to enhancing the voices and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in policy and practice. While the outcome of the referendum was disheartening in being unable to achieve constitutional recognition for First Nations peoples, we at St Nick’s will continue to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures’ ways of knowing, being and doing through teaching and learning. We will also continue to advocate for the education, health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to work towards closing the gap.
A significant component within the conference was the launch of ECA’s Statement on Play. The Statement is an outcome of a multi-disciplinary advisory group and demonstrates a commitment to protect and promote a children’s right to play. The Statement on Play includes the statement, six principles and information as to what play looks like in ECEC, at home and in the community. Taking time to read and reflect upon the Statement on Play will be beneficial for all.
Please review and share the following resources, as appropriate:
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ECA Statement on Play: Play principles for educators and leaders
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ECA Statement on Play: Play principles for parents and carers
A highlight of the conference was a presentation from a local service in Salamander Bay, who shared their documentation on a project with toddlers regarding frogs. The project provided a child-centred approach, long-term commitment of both children and educators, and the connection to Country, community and families in rich and meaningful ways.
To share this highlight more broadly, Angie Freeman has kindly organised for the presenters to conduct a session at Pathways in the late afternoon within the next month for those who wish to attend. The presentation will be available free of charge and limited places will be available. Further information and details will be provided shortly, and we are looking forward to connecting with you!
