The NSW Department of Education is taking significant steps to revitalize Aboriginal languages among young children in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. The Ninganah No More program now includes three Aboriginal language hubs across NSW, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to...
In the world of modern science, Casper and his mom, Daisy, are a pretty big deal. Fourteen-month-old Casper has Achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. But thanks to a scientific breakthrough, Casper may outgrow his condition. Achondroplasia is the most common type of dwarfism and affects...
Parents can often find themselves staring in bewilderment at the little human they helped to create, write Wendy Goff, Anne Rohde and Bin Wu Sometimes, this bewilderment is centred around awe and amazement. Sometimes, it is firmly entrenched in shock and embarrassment about a specific behaviour...
Nearly 500,000 Australian kids go to after-school care. Researchers Alyssa Clare Milton, Ian Hickie, Karen Thorpe and Tom McClean report that it needs to be more than a babysitting service. Outside school hours care – also known as “school-aged care”, “OOSH”, or “afters” – is booming. As of 2020,...
The next round of education reforms can fix this, researchers Catherine Smith and Helen Dickinson report The National School Reform Agreement is made about once every five years in Australia. This is the main way the federal government can steer changes in how Australian schools are...
Researchers Tonia Gray, Jaydene Barnes and Marion Sturges write that you should stand back and avoid saying ‘be careful!’ There is ongoing concern about the impact of “helicopter parenting” on children’s growth and development. Keen to ensure the best outcomes for their children, helicopter parents tend to...
Baby’s first pet: what pets are best for kids? One of the most rewarding bonds your child can make is with an animal. A pet not only provides warmth and companionship but also teaches life lessons such as responsibility around feeding, cleaning, and walking a pet...
Every parent should be concerned about the well-being of all children, especially those in state care. New Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) data shows that criminal charges are laid against at least two out of every five of their clients placed in residential care within 12 months...
Fees keep climbing, and the Australian consumer watchdog is only halfway through an inquiry into childcare prices, reports Danielle Wood The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s interim report was released on Wednesday. It comes just days after the federal government’s increased childcare subsidies kicked in on...
At this time of year, many parents and carers are asking a familiar set of questions, write Kate Highfield and Victoria Minson Should I send my child to school next year? Are they ready? Would it be better to hold them back? These are complex questions. Here...
