Research around the world

In looking at early childhood research around the world, I find that in many places the issues are the same as we face here in the US. I explored the Early Childhood Australia website (http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au) and found that there are many interesting topics discussed there. For example the National quality framework; “The National Quality Framework (NQF) is the result of an agreement between all Australian governments to work together to provide better educational and developmental outcomes for children using education and care services (http://www.acecqa.gov.au).

The Australian Early Childhood Development Census (AEDC) project is another great happening. They have taken on the task of promoting the use of data to advise programming, planning and development and implementation of the Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) and also in assisting Kindergartens and Long Day Care Centres in Queensland to build skills,knowledge and understanding in using the AEDC data to support their programming and planning (Early Childhood Australia, 2014, para. 1).

What surprised me about the Australian website is that they cover all aspects of early childhood development and is very serious about the total well-being of the child. They have a section on mental health called Kids Matter, this is a national initiative focusing on children's mental health and well-being in early childhood education and care services (ECECs) www.kidsmatter.edu.au/earlychildhood.This link covers a variety of useful information on services, benefits and the overall well-being of the child. 

I find the Early Childhood Australia website very informative, current and fairly easy to navigate.The language is clear and the information and issues very similar to that which we encounter here in the United States.

Reference 

Early Childhood Australia. (2014). A voice for young children. Retrieved August1, 2014, from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au