Hello Everyone,Welcome to the August 2014 edition of Childcare Conversations. Since the last edition, I have been out and about in services across Australia, and have been excited to see so many creative ideas and resourceful practices. I have included some of these here. However, I was disappointed to see that the indoor dramatic play spaces in quite a number of services were not arranged, set-up or resourced in ways to encourage rich dramatic play. Maybe it is timely to take a look at these areas across your service. It can be so easy to overlook an aspect such as this, particularly when we have so many demands on our time.
August 2014 |
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Early Years Learning FrameworksYou might be interested to know that Early Years Learning Framework is no longer being issued in hard copy (nor will it be made available in this format in the foreseeable future). The Federal Government now directs Services/Educators to an online copy and invites us to print it for ourselves. Hmm … If you have been issued a copy, best treat it like gold. I had better luck obtaining a copy of Staying Healthy in Child Care (Edition 5) by emailing Health@nationalmailing.com.au It is so pleasurable to hold a beautifully issued copy in my hands. |
National Regulations
Are you using the current version of the Education and Care National Regulations (National Regulations) – the one dated 1 June 2014?
If not, you can download a pdf version from HERE Although the mention of NSW on the cover is confusing, it is the copy of the National Regulations that applies to every Australian state and territory. It has the specific provisions for each state and territory at the back, as well as transitional arrangements.
Book Week Winners 2014
The Children’s Book Council of Australia announced this year’s winners during Book Week
http://cbca.org.au/winners-2014.htm
While the excitement of the week’s activities may be over for another year, we are left with the ongoing pleasure of reading the Early Childhood Winner and Honour Books for 2014. They are:
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The WinnerTITLE: The Swap |
The WinnerTITLE: The Swap |
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The WinnerTITLE: The Swap |
Child's version of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Child's version of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child |
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While we are on the topic of ethics, no subject could be greater than the rights of the child. Download the child friendly version from http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf |
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It is worthwhile to display these posters on the UN Convention – even in rooms with very young children – as parents can be unaware that it exists, and it is a reminder for educators to align their practices with it. Of course, you can always make your own signs with input from the older children. |
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 Global Handwashing DayWhat a great idea! It is not until 5th October, so we have time to take a closer look at the handwashing practices in our service (staff/educators and children and babies). It is also allows us time to check the handwashing signs displayed across the service. Are they worn and tired? Do they reflect our actual practice? From time to time, I have seen handwashing signs displayed which depict adults using a nail brush to scrub under their nails – with no actual nail brush in sight. Best practice requires that we follow the technique in our signs. |
 FREE Online Professional Devel opment CourseKids Matter is offering a free online professional development course for early childhood educators and teachers called Connecting with families: conversations that make a difference. It consists of two modules. Those who complete the modules receive a certificate. It is not one that I have completed so I cannot comment one way or the other – but you might like to check it out for yourself. |
SustainabilityThe NQS, EYLF and MTOP require services to promote sustainability in our education programs. A helpful reference is the Backyard in a Box website http://www.backyardinabox.com.au It contains useful resources and publishes very readable articles. It also posts videos on U-tube such as this one presented by Kiri Combi on how to establish and maintain healthy worm farms. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeIKMMyaZ6k |
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Dramatic PlayRegrettably, over the past months, I have seen some dramatic play areas that are sadly lacking. I know we are all busy – but a thoughtfully arranged, well-resourced and set-up dramatic play area evokes rich dramatic play. In addition, we know dramatic play helps to develop children’s identity (Refer Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity). |
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Gardening IncursionsNot all services have staff/educators with the knowledge and skills to introduce young children to the pleasure of gardening, and to develop children’s abilities to grow healthy foods in an environmentally sustainable way. However, services are overcoming this deficit by seeking parents to help out, |
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approaching local garden clubs or booking gardening incursions through individuals and organisations providing this service. |
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Awe and WonderThe previous section reminded me of the many hours I spent gardening with my grandmother in her backyard. In the DVD Awe and Wonder, I refer to memories such as these because it seems that many of us share vivid sensory memories of gardening with a grandparent or parent. This DVD uses contains exquisite videos and photographs. It defines awe and wonder, and shares ways educators can promote children’s sense of awe and wonder. The DVD can be ordered from http://www.childcarebydesign.com.au/Product/24/awe-and-wonder |
Colour Coded Cloths
Most services display charts with colour codes for the cloths for various cleaning tasks because using colour coded cloths is known to reduce the risk of cross contamination. However, a problem arises when individuals do not adhere strictly to the code. The reasons are many, including running out of supplies in one or other of the colours. Whatever the reason, it does not look good and can pose a risk. It is best to avoid this one.
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Kinetic SandChildren and their educators (and me) are really enjoying playing with kinetic sand, and the price is quite reasonable. Recipes are also freely available for you to make your own. Take a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50_-zqsgDA4 |
Zucchini SliceIngredients:
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 Any other suitable fresh/ frozen veges as desired |
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Fry onion and bacon until soft. Sift flour into bowl, add all ingredients except parmesan cheese, and stir to combine. Pour into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over top. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until skewer comes out clean. (Serves 6 adults and, of course, more children). http://www.taste.com.au/kitchen/recipes/kid+friendly+zucchini+slice,18886
Invitation
If you have any ideas or photographs for the next edition of Childcare Conversations, I would love to hear from you. In addition, please feel free to contact me about my consultancy services and resources, or just to have a general chat about child care.
Visit www.childcarebydesign.com.au to see the many ways I can support you in your quality care journey.
Invitation
If you have any ideas or photographs for the next edition of Childcare Conversations, I would love to hear from you. In addition, please feel free to contact me about my consultancy services and resources, or just to have a general chat about child care.
Visit www.childcarebydesign.com.au to see the many ways I can support you in your quality care journey.
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