Early Childhood Education and Child Care in 2009 (Australia)

There is a great deal happening in the field of early childhood education and child care in Australia at present. It is hard to keep track of everything that is going on. To date this year we have seen the national "Early Years Learning Framework"  released, this is now followed up with a teacher's guide. Whilst the "Early Years Learning Framework" is a national committment, Western Australia also has the "WA Curriculum K -7" which must also be followed. This requires educators to merge these two documents in thier practice.

In Western Australia there has been a new "Office for Early Childhood Development and Learning" established within the "Department of Education and Training". This office is responsible for early childhood education, early childhood development and child care. However, the licencing of child care services currently remains within the "Department for Communities". The amalgamation of care and education in the early years is a challenge we are all confronting in Australia at present.

In order for this amalgamation to be successful and a positive experience for all, particularly the children, all involved must respect one anothers knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience. These should be combined to the greater benefit of the children.