More than 5,000 early childhood services around the country participated in activities to commemorate Early Childhood Educators’ Day on Wednesday 4 September.
This years’ theme was ‘Embracing diversity has early beginings’ – reflecting the importance of acknowledging the rich diversity of Australia’s early learning spaces, celebrating difference in culture and acknowledging the crucial role in which early childhood educators play in our society.
Early childhood researcher Dr Jamie Sisson says embracing diversity in early childhood education settings can foster a healthy learning environment where families from diverse backgrounds are more engaged and willing to share their cultures and languages.
“When children learn about other ways of knowing, being and belonging, they develop empathy and the ability to see the world through multiple perspectives,” she says.
Sisson is the Deputy Director of the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI) in Education Futures at the University of South Australia and has research expertise in the professional identity and agency of early childhood teachers, inclusive early childhood curriculum and pedagogy, as well as collaborative learning communities – investigating how children and adults come together with multiple perspectives to collaborate and co-construct knowledge.
“The early years are important to how children develop a sense of identity, connection and belonging to their community. Embracing diversity, particularly in early childhood, is critical to this endeavour.
“When children’s cultures, languages and identities are treated as assets for learning, they are able to develop positive learner identities as they can see and build on connections to their home lives,” Sisson says.
“When children learn about other ways of knowing, being and belonging, they develop empathy and the ability to see the world through multiple perspectives.
“Embracing diversity must be a whole-of-site approach as children, families, educators and communities have rich knowledge to share. Research shows that when diversity is embraced and valued in early childhood education, families are more engaged and willing to share their cultures and languages.
“This is particularly important for families who may have had negative school experiences. Educators and community members also bring with them rich experiences and knowledge.
“When they are able to share their cultures, languages and identities with children they provide a safe space where children can connect with and learn about the rich diversity of our world and their role as active citizens.”
Honouring an important workforce
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar paid tribute to the contribution of this workforce by saying their “dedication and determination to make a different for our youngest learners” was appreciated.
He described them as “the beating heart of our sector”.
“We see the meaningful impact you make in the lives of our children, families and communities and we say thank you.”
Early Childhood Educators’ Day was started in 2011 by the Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland branch.
Research shows that 90 per cent of a child’s brain development happens by the age of five and that this period affects a child’s long-term education, health and social outcomes.
Dizdar says high-quality early childhood education and care is instrumental in helping children build the physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills they need before school and in laying the foundations for lifelong well-being and success.
“We believe every child deserves to have access to high-quality early childhood education and care, regardless of their family’s postcode, income or circumstances,” he says.
“This is not possible without you and the expertise, experience and enthusiasm you bring to work every day. You are key to giving our children the best start in life and learning.”
Nurturing rewarding careers in early education
Deputy Secretary for Early Childhood Outcomes Mark Barraket says the NSW Department of Education wanted educators and teachers to have rewarding careers in early learning.
“A strong, skilled, sustainable and valued workforce is crucial to be able to deliver high quality early childhood education and care right across the state,” Barraket says.
“We value the significant contribution early childhood educators play in supporting the education and care of children across NSW.”
The NSW Department of Education is engaging with the early learning sector at its ECE Connect Online sessions that began on 26 August and run through until 12 September. It is also rolling out face-to-face ECE Connect on the Road sessions in October in Parramatta, Wollongong, Queanbeyan and Batemans Bay.
