Professor Fiona Stanley
Child Welfare & Child Care
What does it say about how we value children in our society when often their carers are paid less than parking attendants who look after cars?

The evidence is very clear that what happens in childhood can have a profound impact on how that individual develops into adulthood.

Surely then, early childhood warrants significant investment and attention? And that attention cannot be solely the responsibility of their immediate families, but the whole community.

So why isn't that happening and what's the impact on our children and indeed the nation's future?

» Read the article…




Education for pre-schoolers
How much "schooling" is your child getting at pre-school / child care?
The other week one of our team dropped off her little girl (just 4) at her child care centre and found a pack of information and swot cards waiting at the sign in desk.

The pack contained a book called "Early childhood literacy and numeracy: Building good practice" and a pack of cards to help parents develop their child's literacy and numeracy, which can also be viewed at oececc.gov.au.

On first appearance it looked quite scary, but as she read through it, particularly the cards, she was fully absorbed by the tips and suggestions on how we can be conscious of the everyday activities and interaction that help our children gain the initial foundations of literacy and numeracy.

» Read full article…




Annual Child Care Survey
Have your say on Australia's Child Care System
Thank you very much to the parents who wrote in for suggestions to this year's CareforKids.com.au Annual Child Care Survey. You should have received an email from us last week inviting you to participate in the survey… if you missed it please have your say here.

CareforKids.com.au Annual Child Care Survey has become a valued indicator of the state of the nation's child care and is anticipated each year by governmental bodies and media alike. So, we'd be really grateful if you'd let us know your thoughts on child care in Australia, as well as on other issues facing working parents.

Don't forget that all respondants will also go into the draw to win a Nanny for a day or an Apple iPod nano (8GB)... your choice.

Next month's newsletter will have the results and findings and as usual we're sure there will be some very interesting anecdotes, statistics and conclusions!




Everyday Mum In Profile
Rachael Street
Rachael Street, 39, lives in Ocean Reef, WA with husband Pete and two children - Jasmine (4) and Ethan (2). Pete works as a sole trader in the commercial fitout industry and Rachael works two days a week from home as a draftsperson specialising in the installation of dangerous goods…

» Read the interview

Are you an Everyday Mum and want to share your child care experience with others? Tell us your story and receive a special gift from CareforKids.com.au.

Download the questionnaire here and submit to us via email including a photo




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March 2009
Roxanne Elliott

Welcome to the March '09 edition of the CareforKids.com.au newsletter.

Children are well into their new "school" year. We'd love to know the sorts of things your kids get up to in their child care facilities in terms of educational programs and activities particularly in the one or two years prior to 'big' school, and this month's main article is about early childhood education; current and proposed legislation and requirements.

Professor Fiona Stanley, 2003 Australian of the Year, writes on Child Welfare and child care and looks at the responsibility of the child care industry and community as a whole in the welfare of our children.

Our annual survey examining the health of Australia's child care system is underway and has become a vital indicator on child care so if you haven't already had your say please take part as we value your comment and opinions.

Thanks to all the mums who responded to our call out for the Mum in Profile interview. We had loads of responses and will start profiling them each month from now on… Following the response to our call out last month, Our first Mum in Profile and winner of some Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics is… Rachael Street from WA.

Speaking of mums, don't forget if any of you have mums in the UK and Ireland, Mothers Day over there is on March 22nd!

Until next month.
Roxanne.
 
Parent Guide Library
child care news bulletins

Your picks for this month's most popular articles, checklists, links & tips:

Comparing child care options

Family Day Care an Overview

Child Care Centre Checklist

Choosing the best time to put your child into child care

Child Care Benefit

What are your obligations when you employ a nanny


 
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