...The construction of early childhood educators' professional identities are mainly depend upon many features and changes based on their experiences and the emotions (Duncan, 2008). These experiences and emotions are influenced by many factors such as working conditions, pay rates, policies, and relationships with families and other professionals (Dahlberg el., 2007). Early childhood settings are socially constructed and the specific outcomes that the early childhood settings need to create are now widely identified in early childhood policy and literature (Whitehead, 2008). For example, most of the early childhood centres focus on enhancing children’s development and preparing for schooling (starting school-ready to learn) (Dahlberg el., 2007)....
Words: 910 - Pages: 4
...Historical development of early childhood care and educational services The following essay will discuss the philosophical, historical, political, social and economic factors that have contributed to the development of Early Childhood Care and Education services in Australia within a global perspective. Early childhood education (ECE) today consists of a number of crèches, preschools, kindergartens, primary classes and early intervention programs (Woodill, 1992). Educational theory and practice stretches from Ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle (Biggs & Potter, 1999), into the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, on to more recent centuries (McCarthy & Houston, 1980). Among these, three of the most influential in the field of early childhood education are Johann Pestalozzi, Freidrich Wilhelm Froebel, and Maria Montessori. Early ideas have shaped the provision of care and educational services into those currently operating in Australia today. During medieval times very little importance was placed on childhood. As a result, this period was marked with a view of ‘preformationism’. This was a view that saw children “as miniature, already formed adults” (Berk, 1996, p.6). During this time, the idea that children were unique surreptitiously began to emerge when the church defended the innocence of children. The sixteenth century saw a different image of children emerge born out of protestant belief. This belief raised the idea that children were born evil and needed to...
Words: 2696 - Pages: 11
...This essay will aim to look at how curriculum and assessment are being operated in two different early years settings. The settings under examination are 3-5 year olds and 5-8 year olds. We will start with the definitions of curriculum and assessment and the relationships between them. After that, I will explore similarities and differences between approaches to curriculum and assessment in the two settings. Curriculum is an integrated system drawing together every element for learning and teaching, including learning outcomes, learning areas, teaching strategies, evaluation and assessment to help with children’s learning progression (MacLachlan, Fleer& Edwards, 2010). Curriculum refers to “all the experiences, activities and events, whether direct or indirect, which occur within an environment designed to foster children’s learning and development” (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [DEEWR], 1996). Early childhood educators regard ‘the curriculum’ as a guidance of learning instructions and assessment (Baxter, 2012). A good curriculum can offer the expert guidance, evidence of effectiveness and flexibility. It enables early childhood educators to draw upon a comprehensive view of early years education linked to their own observations and experiences; therefore educators set up and modify learning programs accordingly and timely (Early Childhood Australia, 2013). Assessment can be described as the process of finding out what children know, understand...
Words: 2338 - Pages: 10
...Personal Philosophy Statement of Early Childhood Education Name Lecturer University Due date Abstract This essay is my personal philosophy statement on early childhood education which represent my views on what should be done in the early childhood sector these include ;to impart fine morals and ideals in the children that I come into contact with, esteem each child and the families culture, beliefs, and race, make sure that the treatment I give to each child is fair to ensure that in each child the feeling of equality is developed, I will also have the community work with the families of the children and the educationists as a team, be a constant advocator of the kids, maintain an environment full of fun, interesting and still safe for the children, and to exhaust all avenues prior to making a decision concerning a child. This philosophy that I have presented will ensure that all families feel at home, every child comfortable, and the stakeholders desire to work as a team to make sure the optimal level of a child’s development is reached. My personal philosophy has been shaped over time and it is: to impart fine morals and ideals in the children that I come into contact with; esteem each child and the families culture, beliefs, and race; make sure that the treatment I give to each child is fair to ensure that in each child the feeling of equality is developed; I will also have the community work with the families of the children and the educationists as a team; be a...
Words: 2637 - Pages: 11
...Marketing analysis of ABC Learning 1. Introduction ABC learning is an Australian company that is the world’s largest provider of early childhood education services before the failure. ABC learning was established in 1988 in Ashgrove, Brisbane, Queensland by Eddy Groves (ABC Learning Centres Australia, n.d.). It had 43 child-care centres in2001. In 2005 ABC rapidly expanded, reaching 697 childhood education centres in Australia. After the influence of the financial crisis the index dramatically decrease, the company had to facing bankrupt. In order to keep centres operating the government provide investment recently. In this report, I will discuss the reasons for success and ultimate failure of the company. Then answer some question. In the end, I will give some suggestions. 2. Analysis 2.1 analysis of environment Marketing environment is a significant factor that affects business. Marketing environment can bring threat to business. It would appear in many of the marketing environment issues which are unfavourable factors to corporate marketing activities. If enterprises do not take appropriate measures to avoid the risk, these factors will lead to difficulties in marketing, pose a threat. Environment also can make opportunities to business. For enterprises, environmental opportunities are an important foundation for developing business situation. Use PESTLE analysis; there were three aspects of environment factors that impacted on ABC in this case. The first is social...
Words: 1772 - Pages: 8
...Name: Danielle Sussman Student Number: 42852471 ECH113 Early Childhood Play and Inquiry Assignment 5: Learning Potential Scenario Analysis Play is linked to the intellectual development of children (Degotardi, 2014a). It provides an active construction of understanding in a variety of areas, nurturing creative, academic and social dispositions from its beginnings in the life of a child (Myck-Wayne, 2010, pp. 3). Play exists in many forms, and is assessed by a number of measures. The play scenario between four-year-olds Sophie, Isaac and Matthew will be examined in light of their narrative development and social play. An understanding of the importance of narrative development and the complexity of social play in early childhood will unmask the centrality of play in nurturing children’s cognitive and emotional development. It will also provide an insight into the potential methods for adult support and enhancement in play to maximize its benefits in early childhood. Narrative development in early childhood play is a result of creative thought and expression. Narrative development is rooted in symbolic thought, which refers to representational thinking (Degotardi, 2014a). Symbolic thought is a construct of abstraction, whereby something is transformed in the child’s mind into something else, creating meaning beyond its original context (Van Hoorn, Nourot, Scales, & Alward, 2013, pp. 213). Sophie and Isaac’s symbolic play begins by utilizing...
Words: 1913 - Pages: 8
...BACKGROUND INFO: http://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/education-and-training/early-childhood https://www.education.gov.au/early-learning https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_student_performance https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=australia%27s%20education%20ranking What is Secondary school? School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school) andsenior secondary school (or college). Schooling lasts for 13 years, from preparatory to senior secondary. School is compulsory until at least the age of 16. What is a middle school? Most regions of Australia do not have middle schools, as students go directly from primary school to secondary school. As an alternate to themiddle school model, some secondary schools divided their grades into Junior High School (Years 7 to 9 or 10) and Senior High School(Years 10 or 11 and 12) What is high school? A high school (also secondary school, senior school, secondary college) is a school that provides children and youth with part or all of their secondary education. It may come after primary school or middle school and be followed by higher education or vocational training. What is primary school in Australia? School education is 13 years and divided into: Primary school - Runs for seven or eight years, starting at Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7. Secondary school -...
Words: 299 - Pages: 2
...the community are still disturbingly unaware of the prevalence of youth suicide until they experience it themselves. Although something can be done, with the introduction of suicide prevention programs to the Australian Curriculum, the education departments and its bodies would be seen as doing more towards the prevention of suicide. Youth suicide is the most concerning area of suicide and its destruction of young life has implications for the long-term affairs of our community. The Australian government identified this and in the 1995/96 commonwealth budget provided substantial funding, $13 million dollars with a combined total of $31 million by 1999. This initial funding lead to the creation of the National Youth Prevention Strategy administered by Department of Health with emphasis on promotion, prevention and early intervention. (Living is for everyone, 2008, p. 7) Since then many agencies have been proactively targeting youth suicide. In 2000 the National Youth Prevention Strategy expanded into Life is for Everyone (LIFE). LIFE is a world-class suicide and self-harm prevention resource. Dedicated to providing the best available evidence and resources to guide activities aimed at reducing the rate at which people take their lives in Australia, LIFE is specifically designed for people across the community who are involved in suicide and self-harm prevention activities. (Living is for everyone, 2008, p. 7) According to LIFE, suicide, which is determined by the coroner as intentional...
Words: 2355 - Pages: 10
...of health education for children in early childhood and school settings Introduction Nutrition education in Australian schools is becoming a more prevalent issue than in the past due to the increasing obesity rate. Childhood obesity has accelerated rapidly into one of the most significant health problems as well as being a prominent concern for early childhood professions. Obesity is the largest nutritional problem among Australian children where childhood obesity has been estimated to be rising to the extent of 1% per year. If we take these statistics and skip forward to 2025 it translates to 50% of Australia’s young people will be overweight. Historically the family has been a child’s main source of education in regards to health through a combination of direct and indirect instruction, the child then models this behaviour. Teachers must now also be the facilitators of children’s health education to build on what children are learning from their family, the more knowledge they gain in regards to what keeps them healthy and why, the better prepared they will be for a healthy adult life. A correlation between Australian children’s health and wellbeing, and their educational prospects has been identified. (Mathews 2004) Educators have the opportunity through curriculum to develop strategies to support health and nutritional education in line with best practice by adhering to the Health Promoting Schools model There is hope that improved health education for children...
Words: 1878 - Pages: 8
...described as the most educationally disadvantaged group of people within Australia. Due to a lack of knowledge of Indigenous educational practices, and a lack of research into the high rates of detentions, absenteeism and suspensions for Indigenous students, attendance rates across all levels of education are lower for Indigenous students than those of non-Indigenous students. Research and government policy is now attempting to address these issues. Through culturally sensitive policies of inclusion, and focused strategies embedding Indigenous perspectives in education models, progress is possible towards alleviating the current poor state of Indigenous students in the Australian school system. The State of Aboriginal Education All young Australians are entitled to equal educational opportunity. Until Indigenous Australians can choose from the same range of futures as other Australians, we are not achieving our nation’s promise as a democratic society (Kemp, D. in METYA, 2000, pg. 3). Aboriginal people have been described as the most educationally disadvantaged group of people within Australia (ATSISJC, 1995). Their attendance rates across all levels of education are lower than those of non-Indigenous Australia (ABS, 2006). Poverty, health problems, infant mortality, infectious diseases, and a life expectancy that is between 15 to 20 years lower are all major factors adversely affecting their education potential (ATSISJC 1995; ABS, 2006). This essay will review strategies...
Words: 1829 - Pages: 8
...Intentional Teaching and its Importance in Early Childhood Education Introduction: ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ — William Butler Yeats Reflected by an early childhood educator, it is evident the response or idea everyone has when you mention to them that you are an early childhood educator; ‘Oh, you get to play with children all day’ or, in a particular tone, ‘You must love kids’. Very limited is the understanding to how important the role of an educator is, more importantly how critical the role of an educator is in the development of a young child. Onlookers will see an educator involved in play with children but will never truly comprehend the purposeful planning that has been implemented nor the intentional teaching employed to inhibit learning. Similar is the thought process and understanding of most parents. The educators have to promote intentional teaching practices and help parents recognize its true purpose and value in supporting children’s learning and development. This essay aims to explain intentional teaching and its relation to early childhood education and care. This essay will also focus on removing or denunciating any confusion amongst educators questioning the need for intentional teaching or that the practice is a formal instruction in a play-based curriculum. Intentional teaching- Definition and its placement in ECE: ‘Intentional teaching: involves educators being deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful...
Words: 1376 - Pages: 6
...Project Assessment for Early Childhood Education and Care Do we need a National Early Years Learning Framework? How does a National Early Years Learning Framework impact on Early Childhood Professionals? What are the key principles and elements of the Framework? Yes we need this framework so we can ensure quality and consistency Australia wide in early childhood education programs for our children. Belonging, Being and Becoming. These are three of the most important words when dealing with the well-being and education of children today. As most of us are aware, the world can be a scary place and if it can be a scary place for adults, just imagine what it’s like for children where everything is big and new, and foreign places or new experiences can be confusing, lonely and terrifying. We are only very young when we have to first venture out on our own, whether that is childcare, preschool or school, and not having our parent’s with us, can be very daunting. That’s why I think ‘Belonging, being and becoming’ as a statement, is something that sums up what we need to look at when dealing with the development of life’s most precious little beings. Accommodating diversity and focusing on the child In order to learn in this big wide world we need to make children feel comfortable and secure in their surroundings. Years ago the teaching and caring methods involved with childcare and schooling seemed to be more of a ‘this is how we teach and this is how you will learn’...
Words: 891 - Pages: 4
...effective early childhood leadership by taking a participant role in an early childhood-focused organisation or group. To complete the assessment, I have chosen an early childhood educational setting which is the primary school to observe the leadership processes when I actively participate in the activities associated with the group and to research the leadership strengths of the group. The primary school is located at a suburb of south Perth and it is a new primary school which only have classes for kindergarten and pre-primary children. This case study focuses on the factors that build up an effective early childhood workplace in early childhood services. Moreover, the observations of leadership...
Words: 515 - Pages: 3
...children?’ Childhood obesity levels are rising in many countries throughout the world, including Australia. Numerous studies of Australian, overweight children, have shown obesity has doubled in recent years with 20% - 25% of children now considered obese or overweight (Batch & Baur 2005, p.130). The health and social problems associated with obesity in children are numerous, pushing health practitioners and researchers to uncover solutions for this issue. While evidence points to many dissimilar rationales, much emphasis is being placed upon parents and their role in educating and providing children with effective lifestyle behaviours, focussed on gaining control of the obesity wave. This essay explores the parent’s responsibilities and influences on their child’s weight; through nutritional choices, physical activity and screen time (television, computer and video games), as well as marital status and parenting styles. It will also discuss research showing genetics to be a large portion of the illustration into the world of childhood obesity, and could be the exception to placing blame on the family. Treatment programs for obese children are taking into account parental influences of food choices within the family. Parents are exclusively accountable for the procurement and preparation of healthy food for their children in the home, yet research shows, mothers are inundated with confusion on what constitutes a healthy, balanced meal. With education on these...
Words: 2016 - Pages: 9
...Acknowledgements This report would not have been possible without the support of two research assistants, Caroline Scott and Karin Barty. We thank them for their enthusiasm for the project and the many hours they spent searching the literature. The Early Childhood Education Research Team would also like to acknowledge the parents, primary school teachers, school principals, early childhood professionals and other support staff who were willing to provide their views on what they considered to be a successful transition to school. A very special thank you to the kindergarten teachers who, at the time, were very busy writing Transition Learning and Development Statements yet somehow put time aside to answer our questions. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the support and colleagueship provided by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, especially Pippa Procter, Gina Suntesic and Karen Weston. This has been an interesting and stimulating project for us all. The Early Childhood Education Research Team Victoria University December, 2009 Table of Contents Acknowledgements Introduction • Background • Purpose Methodology • Literature Review • Participants • Data Collection • Victorian Early Years Learning & Development Framework (Victorian Framework) • Outcomes • Indicators • Measures • Tables Outcomes & Indicators of a Positive Start to School • For Children • For Families • For Educators • Table 1: Outcomes & indicators of a positive start to school...
Words: 22052 - Pages: 89
