Research Around the World

The international website I chose to explore was Early Childhood Australia. Early Childhood Australia advocates to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to age eight.

On their website, they have a "Research in Practice Series (RIPS)", which is a practical, easy-to-read resource that offers effective new approaches for challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children.

Early Childhood Australia have a wide range of topics for anyone interested in children's early year. Listed below are some of the current international research topics in the Research in Practice Series that I found to be interesting, but there are many more available.

• Respecting diversity: Articulation early childhood practice
• Learning and teaching through play
• The Early Years Learning Framework:  Building confident learners
• The Early Years Learning Framework:  Getting started
• Nurturing the spiritual child:  Compassion, connection and a sense of self
• Portfolios: Documenting a journey
• Treasures and collections: A touch of magic in the early years
• Diversity and difference:  Lighting the spirit of identity
• Young children as active learners

One of the surprising facts about early childhood I gained from exploring this international early childhood website was their topic on "Learning and teaching through play" by Anne Kennedy and Lennie Barblett. I was interested in this topic because the importance of play in early childhood growth and development is my chosen research simulation. This book will assist educators to examine their understanding of play and how play-based approaches require intentional planning and teaching in order to support and extend children's learning. Therefore, this book will definitely be an resource that will contribute to my research simulation.

Early Childhood Australia also offers the Early Years Learning Framework Professional Learning Program with resources and workshops, and so much more that will contribute to their mission for being a voice for young children.

For additional information, visit their website at:
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/