ECA statements, downloads and resources
ECA Code of Ethics
The ECA Code of Ethics is a set of statements about appropriate and expected behaviour of early childhood professionals.
Designed especially for early childhood education and care environments, and based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) the ECA Code of Ethics reflects current pedagogical research and practice, providing a framework for reflection about the ethical responsibilities of early childhood professionals who work with or on behalf of children and families in early childhood settings.
ECA Code of Ethics Brochure
This brochure outlines ECA’s Code of Ethics in easy-to-follow point form. Click here to access a printable version of the ECA Code of Ethics brochure.
ECA Statement on Play
This Statement considers play and young children aged from birth to eight years. The right to play, however, extends to every child of any age, ability or background and is relevant in schools and other learning environments, services, and communities in which children participate. Download a free PDF of the ECA Statement on Play via the links below.
ECA Statement on Play: Play Principles for educators & leaders
ECA Statement on Play: Play principles for parents & carers
Statement on the inclusion of children in early childhood education and care
Inclusion ensures that all children participate meaningfully while learning and interacting in programs that acknowledge each child’s strengths and interests, so that they are supported to be active members of their community. Inclusion is important for many reasons. It implements current thinking about child development; supports children’s rights; implements the legal standards for early childhood education and care; and is good professional practice. Inclusion fosters diversity and overcomes any barriers that might exist to ensure that every child experiences quality early childhood education and care.
This statement explains inclusion. It outlines why inclusion is important, and it sets out what is required from everyone involved in the delivery of early childhood education and care to ensure inclusion of every child.
View the Statement on the inclusion of children in early childhood education and care.
Statement on the inclusion of children with disability
In 2012, Early Childhood Australia (ECA) collaborated with Reimagine Australia (formerly known as Early Childhood Intervention Australia) to produce a Joint statement on the inclusion of children with disability in early childhood education and care. This joint position statement by ECA and ECIA set out our shared commitment to inclusion in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Its purpose is to create a vision for high quality inclusive practices in early childhood education and care. It will assist everyone in ECEC services, as well as support professionals, to fully include children with a disability and to achieve high quality outcomes for all children. It will also provide a framework for the development and implementation of policy and programs designed for all young children. The inclusive practices promoted by the position statement are characterised by the strong collaborative partnerships between children, families, early childhood educators and support professionals that are widely recognised as a cornerstone of high quality inclusive practice in ECEC programs.
View the Statement on inclusion of children with disability.
How to talk about early childhood education and care
ECA has developed this resource, How to talk about early childhood education and care to promote the use of consistent, affirmative, inclusive and sector-accepted language about ECEC that supports the professionalism of the sector. This resource was developed with support from the Minderoo Foundation – Thrive by Five.
View the resource, How to talk about early childhood education and care
Statement on young children and digital technologies – 2018
ECA has developed a Statement to guide and inform the early childhood sector, and families and care-givers of young children and decision-makers about using digital technologies with and for young children.
View the Statement on young children and digital technologies.