Research Around the World

The website that I explored was http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. The website offers innovative research into the field of early childhood education and holds similar mission statement as to that of the NAEYC. There is a series called The Research in Practice Series it is a practical, easy-to-read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children.

One of the most current international research topics is Critical reflection as a tool for change: Stories about quality improvement. This topic has global importance to those in the early childhood field. The stories demonstrate how effective reflective practice within several services throughout Australia and resulted in identifying issues that needed to be included in their Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). These stories consider how reflection can be embedded into daily work. The strategies are not complicated but demonstrate how a deliberate and disciplined approach can result in changes in practice.The children and families of these services have benefited as a result of the passion and commitment to change and best practice that these services demonstrated.

One new insight that I gained from exploring the international early childhood website is assessment and how helpful it can be towards children’s education. The organization advocates to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years.

Early Childhood Australia is the national umbrella organisation for children's services. Early Childhood Australia sees this task as an opportunity to support the advocacy role of the children's services sector as a whole, without undermining the rights of sector peak organisations to operate and speak independently.