Early learning matters

Research has repeatedly demonstrated the positive impacts of early childhood education not only while a child is in care but throughout their entire life.

Children’s brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives, so these years set the foundations and frameworks for their future learning. By attending an early childhood service, children not only start to develop their cognitive skills during this crucial period of their lives, but also cultivate a love of learning that will stay with them.

Studies have shown that children who attend early learning services are 33 per cent less likely to be developmentally vulnerable when they start school. And this impact continues after early learning, leading to higher academic attainment and improved employment outcomes in later life.

Of course, early childhood education is about more than cognitive skills. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), “Early childhood care and education (ECCE) … aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. ECCE has the possibility to nurture caring, capable and responsible future citizens.”

According to UNESCO, early childhood education is one of the best investments a country can make to promote human resource development, gender equality and social cohesion.

This massive impact on society at large can be difficult to see when you visit an early childhood service. But although it might look like children are just having fun playing, early childhood educators are trained to develop learning opportunities through play. They deliberately structure their programs to provide children with opportunities to explore, observe, experiment and solve problems.

Educators are also crucial in helping families understand and support their child’s development, given their knowledge of developmental milestones.

At YWCA Canberra, we continue to advocate for recognition of the importance of early childhood education and care, and the professionalism of the sector. As a member of the Children’s First Alliance, YWCA Canberra also advocates for the early learning sector including reforms to affordability, and equal pay for our hardworking educators

We are proud to have so many excellent educators at our six early childhood services. Our educators uphold the professional standards and values of the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics, as well as the principles and practices of the National Quality Framework.

To celebrate this essential role, we asked our early childhood educators to reflect on some of the best or strangest moments working in the sector:

• Two children were sitting on the couch and looking at a blank computer screen. I asked what they were doing, and they said they were watching a movie. One said to me, ‘Pass me a beer’ The other said, ‘and a popcorn please’. I assume they learn from their parents.
• I saw a child at a shopping centre and they looked very confused and said "What are you doing here? You live at school!"
• A child gave me their most precious drawing and told me, "You're allowed to come to my birthday party."

Investing in leadership with the She Leads Diploma

On the topic of the professionalism of the early childhood sector, we often have educators looking to progress to leadership positions undertake our She Leads Diploma of Leadership and Management.

This is what some of our current early childhood She Leads Diploma students and recent graduates had to say:

• “Identifying what I value in leaders gives me something to strive towards.”
• “The idea that a leader can be empathetic was highlighted—that I can be myself and be a successful leader.”
• “I learnt how to boost my own emotional intelligence.”
• “Good leadership is being able to inspire, motivate, guide and support others.”

Whatever sector you are in, if you think it’s time to kickstart your own leadership journey, check out our events below to find out more about enrolling in our upcoming She Leads Diploma intake!

2021 She Leads Conference sold out!

After having to cancel last year due to COVID-19, we can't wait excited that our 2021 She Leads Conference has sold out! We are so excited to bring incredible speakers to emerging and existing women and non-binary women in Canberra, including:

• Walkley award-winning journalist and founder of the #LetHerSpeak campaign Nina Funnell
• Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Senator for NSW
• academic and advocate Amy Thunig,
• and so many more!

If you missed out on getting a ticket this year, you can still come along to our Networking event the night before for comedy, connections and canapés!

You can also learn from these powerful women by reading their Five quick questions articles through the links above.

Our lives: Women in the ACT survey 2021

Women and non-binary people living in Canberra: have your say on what life is really like for you in our city.

The 2021 Our lives survey is your chance to share your lived experience and facilitate change by contributing to our advocacy work.

The survey includes questions relating to work, economic security, housing, personal safety, hopes and fears. It will also ask questions relating to the impact of COVID-19 on your wellbeing and participation.

The information collected will be used to develop a comprehensive snapshot of Canberra women and help guide our advocacy work. All responses are anonymous.

NAIDOC Week

We were proud to support the Canberra Community NAIDOC Week event at Woden Town Square on 6 July. Thank you to Billy Tompkins and Tiana House for the Welcome to Country and for inviting us to take part in the smoking ceremony.

The NAIDOC Week 2021 theme was Heal Country.

This healing is important not just during NAIDOC Week but throughout the entire year. Country is integral to First Nations identity, culture and community.

YWCA Canberra acknowledges the unique knowledge and connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their enormous contribution to protecting natural heritage for all.