New South Wales early childhood practitioners, parents and other stakeholders will have a unique opportunity to have their say on the future of early childhood education in Australia, through public consultations to be held on 2 December.
The New South Wales consultation sessions are part of a series of forums to be held in each capital city.
Sydney will host two public consultation sessions on Tuesday 2 December 2008 at the The Westin Hotel, 1 Martin Place, Sydney, from 3–5 pm and from 6.30–8.30 pm.
The Commonwealth Government, in partnership with state and territory governments, is developing the Early Years Learning Framework to guide the practice of early childhood educators and ensure quality and national consistency in delivery.
The Early Years Learning Framework is a key component of the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care being progressed through the Council of Australian Governments’ productivity reform agenda.
A draft of the Early Years Learning Framework has been developed by a consortium of early childhood experts led by Charles Sturt University.
This framework has been released to guide the consultation process taking place in capital cities throughout November and December.
“The forums are integral to the development of the framework, to ensure that the early childhood sector and parents have the opportunity to review, discuss and refine key components,” said Ms McKew.
“We want a world class, evidence-based framework, accepted by all jurisdictions, early childhood experts and educators.”
On 2 October 2008, the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and Ms McKew announced $700 000 in funding to the consortium to develop the framework to improve outcomes and opportunities for children during their critical early years.
“The Early Years Learning Framework is a key component of the Australian Government’s early childhood education reforms which encompass significant investment in the education, development, health and care of our children,” Ms McKew said.
For more information on the forum, please visit www.deewr.gov.au/eylf.
Written submissions can be sent to EYLF@deewr.gov.au.