Introduction
Our society is increasingly recognising children's experiences in the early childhood years as the foundation for future growth, development and learning.
A brief note about this subject
The Exploring Early Childhood course aims to:
· Develop an awareness and understanding of the growth, development and learning of young children and the importance of the early childhood years;
· Recognise the uniqueness of all children, including those who have special needs;
· Become aware of the value of play in the lives of children, and consider means of providing safe and challenging environments for play;
· Identify the range of services developed and provided for young children and their families;
· Consider the role of family and community in the growth, development and learning, and construction of gender of young children;
· Reflect upon potential implications for themselves as adults, in relation to young children;
· Understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures within Australia and the ways which this influences children and families.
Links to good websites
http://www.sydneyschild.com.au/
This website provides up to date information on a whole range of relevant articles written about children and families.
Range of relevant topics offered, including health and well being and information on babies, toddlers and children. A valuable question and answer section, with expert advice and useful suggestions.
(Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia)
Excellent sire relating to safety and children. Fact Sheets are particularly good, covering topics such as water safety, burns and scalds. They have clear content with illustrations, charts and tables. Media releases also provide lots of valuable information.
An informative magazine that offers information on consumer related issues, including product testing for a range of children related products and services.
A useful contact for accessing information on play groups. Gives locations, activities involved etc. A good starting point to find out more about these valuable community groups.
A useful site that provides information on child related issues related in particular to health. It provides tips on caring for children and has contacts for support.
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
Site is set up to help with issues related to breastfeeding. Provides general advice and useful contacts for parents.
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/default.html
Information about safety and regulations regarding toys and play equipment. Also has a media section that gives information about the Department's latest findings and media releases. Good, useful and informative site.
Provides information about this service that offers support for children and young people. It details services available to assist young people facing challenging situations.
National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN).
Information about the association itself and the services it offers. Also provides useful related links.
(National Children's and Youth Law Centre)
Site for young people that looks at lots of legal issues related to children and adolescents. Topic areas include young people and criminal law, family law, school attendance and children's rights. Has information on each State and Territory, as well as Federal laws.
(Association for Children with a Disability)
Provides information, support and advice for families of children with a disability. Self help strategies, information on disabilities, benefits and services available and parent stories are all accessible. Links to useful sites on specific disabilities and supports and assistance.
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/welcome_to_docs_website.html
Community Services promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people services, parenting support and early intervention, foster care, adoption services and help for communities affected by disaster and works to build stronger families and communities. We provide child protection