Today’s childcare centres are more inclusive, child-focused and mindful of children’s emotional, mental and physical needs. It’s thrilling to see continual growth in innovation, and the development of practices such as these 6 emerging trends.
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Over the past years, early childhood education has undergone an enormous and unexpected evolution, transforming into a place of social and emotional education, support, and diversity.
Many of these past and new trends are being developed in response to emerging childhood behaviours, such as:
- Increased screen time since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/2021. The increase in time on digital devices has been shown to have negative effects on physical, mental and social health.
- Decreased physical activity because of more screen time, which causes delays in healthy growth and development. This is becoming an increasing concern as 1 in 4 Australian children are overweight, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Physical activity also helps improve important cognitive function and mental health.
- Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Mental health issues have been on the rise in recent years, most likely as a result of social isolation throughout the pandemic, the increase in screen time and academic and family pressures.
In this blog:
The emerging trends speak to these issues and reflect the ever-changing landscape in Australia, which includes social needs, technology and cultural changes.
1. Becoming self-aware digital citizens.
Technology is part of the fabric of society today, and one of the tensions is working out how to balance digital literacy with healthy boundaries.
The Australian Association for Research in Education says, “A common pedagogical problem in early childhood education is how to most effectively integrate the provision of digital technologies in early childhood settings with play-based learning.”
The integration of intentional screen time – with a focus solely on education and cooperative play – is becoming as important as teaching young people the skills to manage their own screen time, be cyber-safe and set limits on its use. In other words, knowing when it’s time to put down the device and go outside to play.
2. Inclusive practices that help children feel a sense of belonging.
ECEC is integrating practices that support children with diverse backgrounds and abilities by including cultural events, local art and food, and by celebrating the individual needs of each child.
As well, the National Quality Framework (NQF) “recognises all children as confident and capable learners with the capacity and right to succeed regardless of diverse circumstances, including strengths, cultural background and abilities”.
3. Incorporating exciting STEM education.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) principles help promote critical thinking, and foster innovation and problem-solving skills. The integration of STEM education has been one of the most exciting trends in early childhood centres.
STEM practices can include science experiments, coding with Lego, making crystals out of salt, and creating stop-motion animation videos.
4. Integration of environmental awareness.
Some of the environmental issues we’re facing – such as pollution and climate change – may cause stress for children, and the implementation of programs that focus on sustainability solutions can help our young people become a part of the solution.
ECEC are beginning to include practices such as energy conservation, reducing waste, recycling programs, chicken coops, garden beds with compost heaps and reducing plastic in their lunchboxes, which in turn leads to healthier snacks.
5. Innovation in outdoor play.
While outdoor play isn’t a new concept, the way centres are revolutionising its use is incredibly innovative. Centres are setting up inventive outdoor areas that include water play, animals, climbing equipment of varying difficulties, fort-building, and natural play that includes trees and plants, garden beds and mud kitchens.
Other educators are taking outdoor play beyond the walls of the centre, with nature walks, puddle-jumping, and bird-spotting expeditions. Outdoor play helps children foster skills in hands-on learning, assessing risk, exploration and self-management.
6. More opportunity for educators.
Early childhood education is one of Australia’s most robust industries, having survived and thrived through the pandemic and growing in demand every year. The federal government has pledged a multi-billion-dollar early childhood reform that will give more families access to affordable care.
For workers, the opportunity for growth is better than ever. While entry to the profession only requires a Certificate III, there is increasing demand for higher-skilled employees. Educators can upskill with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma, which opens up opportunities for high wages and promotion, even into management roles.
The changes in early childhood education have been fascinating to watch, as we focus more on inclusivity, life-long learning and the needs of the individual child. Many of the current trends are in direct response to the challenges our young people are facing, particularly in the areas of mental and emotional health, which is encouraging to see.
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