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A good place to be a child: Creating effective early learning environments

According to architect Christopher Day, a building for small children must be magical and full of reverent wonder, like an ancient fairy tale.

The physical environment—often known as the ‘third teacher’—is a key factor underpinning good practice, and the way in which it is organised can shape children’s behaviour as learners. A carefully planned and well-organised environment can offer a range of learning experiences for children and adults alike.

In this on-demand webinar, Dr Luke Touhill talks about creating effective early learning environments that can capture the image of the child and shape the behaviour of both children and adults. He also examines what makes a successful learning environment.

Category: ECA Subscriptions

ABC Kids: Exploring science content knowledge with Imagine This

Children are born scientists. From birth, they start exploring their world and building an understanding of how things work and how we communicate. They are ever-curious and have lots of questions. To encourage children’s curiosity and keep up with their questions, educators in early learning settings need to build their own scientific understanding and become knowledgeable co-investigators. This module explores how new media and a podcast by ABC Kids Listen, called Imagine This, can be used by educators to build scientific content knowledge. It also shares some of Dr Nij Lal’s simple scientific explanations, along with a collection of resources to help educators engage effectively in science with young learners.

Category: ECA Subscriptions

Acting Ethically: Exploring the ECA Code of Ethics

Acting ethically is a defining feature of being an early childhood professional. Choosing between many right ways is a complex process, as there are often no simple or easy answers. Our choices affect in equal measure the relationships we have with others—children, families, the community, our colleagues—and the way we understand ourselves and our profession.

As the dimensions of our practice change and the nature of community life becomes more complex, the need for an ethical framework to inform and shape our professional decisions becomes even more critical. The ECA Code of Ethics can serve as a guide to assist early childhood professionals in making wise decisions that build relationships and promote shared values. This course discusses how the ECA Code of Ethics can support everyday decision-making.

In this course, you will explore:

  • what ethics is and what place it has in the work of early childhood professionals
  • the dimensions of the ECA Code of Ethics and how the code works
  • the practice implications for acting in accordance with the ECA Code of Ethics
  • the ethical dilemmas and challenges of early childhood work 
  • how the ECA Code of Ethics can help early childhood professionals make better decisions.
Category: ECA Subscriptions

Action research in behaviour guidance: The Phoenix Cups® approach (2-part series)

This series examines an alternative to behaviourism, drawing on ideas from humanistic psychology and the guidance approach. It comes at a time when ideas about using positive psychology in our work with children have begun to flourish, and the implications and learnings can inform your approach to responding to children's behaviour. You will explore behavioural learning and how the Phoenix Cups framework embodies the guidance approach. You will also learn practical strategies for implementing this approach within an early childhood education and care service.

Throughout the series, you will hear from various practitioners about their professional practice and critical reflection process with subsequent quality improvements. At the end of this series, you'll have a theoretical framework, a solution-focused conversation guide, and practice possibilities and ideas to guide rather than control children's behaviour.

The series is divided into two parts.

Part 1 will explore and reflect on current approaches to understanding behaviour with a research-informed practical framework (the Phoenix Cups) that can be applied to your educational practice.

Part 2 will develop your understanding of action research and how this practice, together with your knowledge of the Phoenix Cups framework, can be used to implement practice change in your service.


Learning outcomes

In this series, you will:

  • discuss current approaches to guiding and supporting children’s behaviour
  • reflect on big behaviours and how to engage in behavioural learning
  • explore a research-informed practical framework and how this can be incorporated into your educational practice
  • define how an educator’s action research, combined with a framework and professional learning, can immediately positively affect practice
  • describe what is needed to create a culture of professional inquiry and reflect on how this could be implemented at your service
  • identify how to use a solution-focused conversation framework when discussing children’s behaviour.


Recommended for: This course suits all levels of early childhood educators, leadership, centre managers and approved providers.

Category: ECA Subscriptions

An insight into Autism Spectrum Disorder in the early years (2-part series)

Behaviour is a form of communication. Even if a person isn’t saying words, their behaviour and body language can show what they might be thinking or feeling.

Children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder often take longer to learn how to speak, so it can be difficult for them to fully express themselves. Sometimes, the ones who can speak may not have the skills to explain ‘in the moment’ what they are thinking or what is concerning them. It is therefore important for educators to understand behaviour and the meaning behind particular behaviours.

This course examines behaviour and how it can be different for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It also explains how educators can guide children through positive behaviour-support strategies and advocate for children with special rights.

In this course, you will:

  • explore why certain behaviours occur
  • learn how to understand certain behaviours
  • discover some of the differences in development that children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder can experience
  • uncover pro-active strategies to support individual children’s positive behaviour and advocate for children with special rights.
Category: ECA Subscriptions

Being the champion for children who are impacted by trauma and adversity

Children who experience trauma can have their sense of belonging and identity impacted. For some, this impact can be lifelong. It is critical that we are aware of the different types of trauma that children might be exposed to and how this can affect the ways in which they:

  • develop positive attachments
  • form trusting relationships
  • regulate their emotions
  • discover their sense of identity
  • develop interpersonal skills necessary for life.

As an early childhood professional, you play a vital role in understanding how children can respond if they are exposed to trauma, implementing strategies around fostering warm and responsive relationships, and creating safe and nurturing environments for all children.

This course is suitable for early childhood professionals to develop trauma-aware practices and offer all children the opportunity to develop the skills to form a strong sense of identity and the ability to self-regulate. This is an introduction to trauma and should be completed by anyone interested in developing an understanding of trauma-aware practices within any early childhood context.

In this course, you will:

  • understand that exposure to trauma can have a lifelong impact on children
  • learn how to become trauma-aware
  • develop skills to support children who are impacted by trauma
  • understand your role in developing trusting and secure relationships with children.
Category: ECA Subscriptions

Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0)

This professional learning course is designed for anyone working in early childhood settings who want to increase or refresh their understanding of theEarly Years Learning Framework (V2.0). The Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0) provides a guide for professional practice, curriculum decision-making, teaching and learning to ensure consistent high-quality practices are in place across all Australian early year’s settings.

In this course, you will:

  • explore the sections within the framework Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework in Australia (V2.0)
  • discover the Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes of this nationally approved learning framework
  • recognise the importance of the Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0) for educators in order to support children’s learning
  • examine the connections between the National Quality Standard and the Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0).
Category: ECA Subscriptions

Beyond the rainbow: Making a difference for all families

In this course, you will learn about the diversity of families, LGBTQ+ parented families specifically and how diversity is a positive part of Australian society. You will learn how to create learning opportunities for birth to eight-year-olds that enable children to explore family diversity in an education and care setting.

In this course, you will:

  • have increased awareness that all families are different and all families need to be supported
  • have increased awareness of factors that contribute to discrimination against and disadvantage of children and families
  • have the ability to develop, create and sustain environments that are inclusive to all families
  • learn how to create learning opportunities for children to learn about family diversity.


Category: ECA Subscriptions

Big life events: Impacts on children, families and communities

In this course, you will explore a range of big life events that commonly impact children, along with their families and communities, in the early years. You’ll seek to contextualise these impacts and identify useful early childhood practices and strategies.

In this course, you will:

  • understand common big life events that directly impact young children in Australia
  • recognise the impacts of big life events on children and their families and communities
  • identify contextually relevant strategies to support children and their families and communities through the impacts of big life events.
Category: ECA Subscriptions

Breaking out: Advancing outdoor learning program

Breaking out: Advancing outdoor learning, affords the learner an opportunity to deeply explore theory, knowledge and new understandings in the provision of outdoor learning environments and experiences for young children. This program is highly recommended for early childhood teachers, advanced Diploma educators and educational leaders. 

The program is divided into 3 courses:

  • Active play and risk
  • Affordance theory
  • Intentionality in practice.

Learning outcomes

In this program, you will:

  • revise key guidelines relating to active play and risk
  • understand and utilise Affordance Theory in the provision of outdoor environments and materials
  • recognise and support young children’s agency in outdoor learning
  • appreciate the evidence base of intentionality and how it is enacted outdoors.

Target audience

This program is suitable for advanced diploma and university-qualified early childhood education and care professionals who are seeking ways to enrich their thinking in relation to research and theory, and advance practice in outdoor learning environments.

 Before commencing in this program, ensure you have a sound understanding of: 

  • why outdoor learning matters
  • ways in which you can create rich outdoor learning spaces
  • the value of intentionality and how this can enrich a child’s physical active play
  • how children can take healthy risks and challenges in supportive outdoor environments.

Category: Breaking out: Advancing outdoor learning

Children's Rights

*** This is a recorded version of a live event ***

ECA presented this live webinar in partnership with Bravehearts. Recognising the signs of grooming can be challenging, but it is essential for protecting children. Hear from Kate McGill from Bravehearts as she explains what grooming is and how to identify its signs. The webinar provides practical strategies for creating a child-safe culture within your service. Protect children by understanding what grooming looks like and learning how to respond effectively.

Category: Live Webinars

Course 1: Introducing behaviour guidance and the 6Rs Framework

In this course, you will be introduced to the 6Rs Framework, which has been designed to help you better understand and respond to children’s behaviour. The Framework was developed in response to the increasing rates of challenging behaviours that have been reported by educators, and also in response to the need to identify alternate ways of supporting children, particularly at times of challenge or stress. The 6Rs to supporting children's behaviour captures key understandings and practices that underpin effective pedagogy and behavioural support for young children.


Category: Understanding and guiding behaviour: The 6Rs Framework

Course 2: Affordance theory

Affordance theory course will explore the relationship between the child and the environment and the actions possible within this. It will encourage you to reflect on your own perceptions of the environment and the affordances established, and consider the ways in which the outdoor environment can be maximised to support children’s engagement in learning.


Category: Breaking out: Advancing outdoor learning

Course 2: Relation and Respect

In this course, you will explore two key components of the 6Rs Framework to support children’s behaviour: relationships and respect. We know that children flourish when they’re in the context of reciprocal, responsive and respectful adult–child relationships. In this course, you will unpack key components of effective teacher–child relationships and appreciate the need to attune our behaviours to children’s needs. You will think deeply about how you demonstrate value and respect for children, and the importance of building trust and connection with their families.


Category: Understanding and guiding behaviour: The 6Rs Framework

Course 3: Regulation and Routes

In this course, you will develop a clearer understanding of two key components of the 6Rs Framework: regulation and routes. You will learn what self-regulation is and its foundational importance in children's learning and development, as well as how it shapes their wellbeing. You will explore the different domains of self-regulation and how these interact to impact children’s behaviour.


Category: Understanding and guiding behaviour: The 6Rs Framework

Course 4: Responses and Research

In this course, you will explore the final two components of the 6Rs Framework: responses and research. You will discover the need for evidence-based practice and the importance of having an ongoing commitment to critical reflection. Research underpins each key component of the 6 Rs framework, but the ‘r’ for research is a reminder of how important it is for you to draw on your practices that we know actively support children developing self-regulatory capacities.

Research empowers your practices and decisions and ensures you have a credible voice. It helps you to have those difficult conversations that sometimes you need to have with colleagues and families. Research also gives you confidence in your pedagogical decisions and ensures that the practices that you’re implementing are going to benefit children.

Category: Understanding and guiding behaviour: The 6Rs Framework

Creating a community of support for children and families experiencing vulnerability

This course is suitable for all educators looking to build their confidence in supporting children and families who are experiencing vulnerability in an approved education and care setting. This is a foundation course that may be suitable for educators new to the sector or embarking on a formal early childhood qualification.

Learners will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of what vulnerability is, how to recognise it, and develop strategies to support vulnerable children and families. You will learn the importance of advocating for vulnerable children and families, engaging in reflective practice, and ways to create a community of support within your service to approach vulnerability with more confidence.

In this course, you will:

  • develop an understanding of what vulnerability means in early childhood education and care
  • learn strategies to support children and families in your service who are experiencing vulnerability
  • learn about advocating for children's families and communities.
Category: ECA Subscriptions

Delving deeper into documenting and assessing children's learning

This course expands on the ideas and concepts outlined in the introductory course, ‘Documenting and assessing children’s learning with Dr Anne Kennedy’. It is highly recommended—though not essential—that you complete the introductory course before starting this course, which delves deeper into the topic. It will help you learn a variety of strategies and new ways to document and assess children’s learning. You will understand the importance of documentation and how it is essential to driving children’s learning and high-quality educational programs.

You will hear from services about the methods and strategies they use when documenting and assessing children’s learning, and you will be invited to reflect on and consider your own practice moving forward. You will also be encouraged to consider research, theory and practice in your work and how this underpins children’s learning and development. The planning cycle—which is the foundation of the educational program, future planning and each child’s learning and development—will also be explored in depth.

Category: ECA Subscriptions

Documenting and assessing children's learning with Dr Anne Kennedy

This course elaborates on how documenting and assessing children’s learning helps educators gain a deeper understanding of children’s interests, strengths and abilities. It also explains how educators can use this knowledge to support and extend children’s learning.

In this course, you will:

  • learn about the purpose of documenting children’s learning
  • uncover common myths about documentation
  • discover how to save time and make documentation more effective
  • find out how to use documentation within your planning
  • explore the practices and philosophies of 2 services.
Category: ECA Subscriptions

Dysregulation and maladaptive behaviours in young children (2-part series)

This course is designed to support educators in developing a better understanding of the complexity of children’s behaviour and why a timely and consistent approach is important. You will be asked the question: Why do some children respond or behave in certain ways? If educators think about children’s behaviour as a form of communication, the first thing you need to ask yourself is: What is a child saying when they retreat from a difficult situation, communicate non-verbally, refuse to share, fight over resources, or experience unpredictable outbursts?

You will explore the pathways to emotional regulation and consider possible behaviours children may demonstrate when they are in a state of dysregulation. By engaging with this course, you will develop a deeper appreciation for the foundational nature of regulation for children’s learning, as well as the negative impact of stress on children’s emotions and behaviour, and any barriers to their capacity to learn or engage.

You will be encouraged to adopt an individualised lens for understanding and supporting children’s behaviour, and you will do this through an exploration of potential sources of stress and by identifying common behavioural and environmental triggers, both within and outside your early learning service settings. By developing a better understanding of children’s experiences, developmental pathways and sensitivities, educators are empowered to support children’s social, emotional and behavioural capabilities.

Category: ECA Subscriptions
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