Early Childhood Australia is an organization committed to ensuring "quality, social justice, and equity" in the early childhood field. They are specifically dedicated to advocacy issues for children birth to eight years old, both in school and at home, as well as parent education and maternal and child health issues. In addition, they are committed to ensuring that "Young Aboriginal and Islander children are thriving and learning" (ECA, n.d.).
One interesting advocacy point I found was the Jobs for Families Package Childcare Package Bill. The bill aims to increase childcare subsidies for families and to increase the family salary income entitlement. Currently they anticipate challenges with the bill passing because it is tied to another bill. In effect, monies will be taken from one family program and given to another. The ECA does not support the tying of the tow bills, and is advocating for change with this.
Two other sections of the website that I found interesting were the Parent Resources link and the Start Early link. The Parent Resources link offers information on health and nutrition, separation anxiety, sleeping, and transitions to school. It is clear, concise, and presented in such a way that those with or without early childhood backgrounds are able to benefit from. The Start Early link provides short online courses for childhood professionals. The modules are free and include topics relating to "Respectful Relations, explore issues around Gender, Respect and Identity, and encourage Father Inclusive Practice" (ECA, n.d.). While some information is likely to be geographically specific, there is also information that could help inform practice for educators around the globe. The three current modules are offered until March 2017, so take advantage of them now!
