In this issue we dive into relationships, trust and belonging leading quality. We look at the new resources available in our Multicultural Resource Centre (MRC) and start a conversation about going beyond resources and materials to support children in their identity.
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In this issue we take a deeper look at equity in practice. We recount the events fkaCS has been a part of and hosted, including our Annual General Meeting, the Early Childhood Language Program Annual Forum and the Ballarat Children’s Services Expo.
We introduce an exciting new membership partner, Cultural Infusion, and we explore some of our Multicultural Resource Centre (MRC) resources that support children in their self-esteem and identity.
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In this issue, we hear from The Specialist Early Education and Development (SEED) program. SEED is an intensive early childhood education and care model trial operating in partnership between Uniting, Federal and State Departments of Education, Parkville Institute and The University of Melbourne.
Following the themes of SEED we continue to discuss the everyday, simple, yet big acts of inclusion and connection that occur in early years settings. We demonstrate how fkaCS’ Story Bags can support teachers and educators in their intentional teaching, and highlight some of the new resources available in our Multicultural Resource Centre (MRC).
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After conducting a thorough risk assessment and on the advice of the CFA fire Danger Ratings, Bureau of Meteorology, Vic Emergency and the Victorian Department of Health, the Ballarat Children’s Services Expo has been postponed and will no longer run on Wednesday 28 February 2024.
The CFA fire danger rating for this day is forecast as Extreme for the Central, North Central, South-West and Wimmera regions. The wellbeing and safety of participants, staff and wider community is our priority. We will be in touch shortly with a revised date.
Happy holidays from the team at fka Children’s Services!
Our office and the Multicultural Resource Centre will be closed from midday, Thursday 21 December 2023. We will re-open on Wednesday 10 January 2024.
We wish you a safe and relaxing holiday period and look forward to working with you in the New Year.
In this issue, we learn about early childhood educators’ viewpoints on linguistic and cultural diversity through research conducted by Associate Professor Yvette Slaughter from The University of Melbourne.
Following the themes of this research we continue to discuss strengthening children’s identities using integrated teaching and learning approaches.
We open a reflective practice discussion on how the books we provide for young children impact their identity and belonging, and we showcase some of the new resources now available in our Multicultural Resource Centre (MRC).
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In this issue, we focus on how as a sector we can strengthen our inclusive practices through a social cohesion model. We also discuss how the innovative use of your School Readiness Funding can support you in achieving bigger goals.
We highlight National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day and the resources you can consider including in your environment when engaging in this important event.
We also make a special acknowledgment to Fay Stewart-Muir, 2023 recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her invaluable contribution to the early childhood education and care sector.
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This term, we’ve got our Annual General Meeting with some wonderful guest speakers: author of the children’s book Why Does Mum Wear A Hijab? and other titles, Amal Abou-Eid is joining us along with Associate Professor Brigid Jordan AM and Dr Anne Kennedy to talk about their work with Parkville Institute – Changing children’s life trajectories: Research, evidence and practice.
In this newsletter we highlight just a few from the range of new resources in the MRC for you to borrow to support inclusion, social and emotional wellbeing in your service. We highlight some of the happenings for the sector and we dig a little on using labels for multilingual families in early childhood.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the AGM on Wednesday 24 May. Please RSVP by 17 May to fkacs@fka.org.au.
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