The Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009, p. 13) sets out five principles of early education and the fourth is “Respect for diversity”. These principles are founded on early childhood research and theory, as are the practices and outcomes. This blog is designed to help educators understand the links between early childhood theory and this fourth and very important principle of the EYLF, in addition to how this theory has now been reinforced with current research in to

With possible changes to sexual consent laws in NSW, the ABC recently interviewed Deanne Carson from Body Safety Australia sparking an international discussion about how to create a culture of consent and promote protective behaviours with children (Carson, D. 2018). While not all the media attention has been positive in regard to Ms. Carson’s interview, there is no debating she has successfully opened up a topic of discussion which was well overdue in this country. In the ea

There has been a huge amount of online discussion recently around gender issues in early childhood education. From complex discussion surrounding assigning gender at birth, to simple opinions about what constitutes appropriate dress ups in play, the discussion has ranged from intelligent reflection to general trolling. However throughout there has been one notable theme. And it is a common theme whenever political discussions arise in ECEC. Educators have, in some cases, told