My contact in Australia focuses most of his work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as well as children with disabilities. In areas of equity they have focused on improving access to early childhood education and 'Closing the Gap' in disadvantage between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and other Australian children; and the 'cultural competency' of Early Childhood Services. Here is a link to a paper written by the Secretariat of Aboriginal and Islander Child Care which explores the cultural competence of the Australian early childhood care and education system, and in particular their National Quality Standard, with regards to its inclusion of Australia's native populations in their framework and ensuring their cultures are valued. http://www.snaicc.org.au/_uploads/rsfil/03265.pdf
Australian Aboriginal children
Torres Strait Islander children
Children with disabilities have a lower participation rate in Australian early childhood education than their counterparts. This is most likely due to lack of resources, such as specialized equipment, additional staff members, or the need for environmental/activity modifications. Another factor could be lack of trained staff, therapists, or lack of bicultural staff to address to particular needs of the child.
Child at the Australia Royal Children's Hospital
Hello BethAnn,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see the gap being closed in early childhood education around the world. Of course it is not going to happen in one day but progress has to be made. It is sad to see that children with disabilities do not have the equal opportunity as the others because it is a right for all children no matter their disability to be provided the same education. Of course we all understand every child works at different rates and need certain guidance, but I do not like the fact of children with disabilities having a less chance of participation. We are a nation of equal opportunity and education, especially early childhood needs to be treated that way. Thank you so much for a wonderful post. I look forward in future posting from you, and may I add, great pictures as well.
BethAnn,
ReplyDeleteI see that you are learning and being provided with a great deal of interesting information from your international contact. I see that children all over the world are experiencing some of the issues that the children in the United States are experiencing. I feel that we have a long fight ahead of us but the more we address the issue the better chance we will have at fining a solution. There is no quick fix and it will definitely take time. However, as early childhood professionals continue to push forward they must be well aware of what is going on around them and in other countries.
BethAnn, it is wonderful that you are in communication with your contact. I really enjoyed reading about ECE in Australia. I am looking forward to reading the paper written by the Secretariat of Aboriginal and Islander Child Care.
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