Research Around the World

In exploring research in the early childhood field, it can be interesting to discover what early childhood professionals are focusing on in other countries.  I decided to see what Australia is focusing on in early childhood.  I chose to focus on Early Childhood Australia.

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

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is an advocacy organization that works to "ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of young children."  ECA values integrity, collaboration, leadership, inclusiveness, and quality.  Their vision is:  Every young child is thriving and learning.

One topic discussed on their web site is Asthma and Asthma Management in young children.  They provide a link to Asthma Australia which provides a variety of resources for educators and parents.  Another link they include is to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which provides helpful information on Asthma and children.

Another topic discussed on their web site is cultural awareness.  They have in-depth studies concerning the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders populations.  Adam Duncan, and early childhood educator from the Wiradjuri Preschool and Child Care Centre, provides insight for non-indigenous educators teaching about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.  There are resources for educators regarding families and diversity.

"The Spoke" is ECA's blog.  Some of their blog topics include:  "While old Indigenous languages disappear, new ones evolve," "Cultural competence: You don’t need to be an expert," and "We trust children to know what gender they are – until they go against the norm."  Their blogs are insightful and they provide links for further research.