Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the long post in advance! I'm currently doing a unit related to policy and politics in early childhood. I have an assignment which asks for a:

Review of a current policy issue:

*Prepare a review of a current policy issue in the early childhood education and care sector. You will need to identify and analyse the issues that underpin the current situation. Analyse how the issues are reflected in current policy documents, who the stakeholders are, and further directions for advocacy work.

My topic is: "Quality in Childcare"

I then have to:

Identify and analyse the issues surrounding my topic:

*You should develop your analytical overview of the issues by drawing on current research and professional commentary. Then you should consider how the issues are represented and dealt with on a broad scale with reference to the federal government’s broad social policy on the area, state/local government approaches and at the level of provider organisations.

The main policy that comes to mind is the National Quality Framework, which addresses the 'issues' surrounding quality in childcare. This is the federal governments broad social policy... However, I'm having trouble figuring out "state/local Government approaches and at the level of provider organisations".

I then have to look at:

Directions for further advocacy:
*You will need to investigate how policies on this issue have been developed (eg: how has research and professional commentary informed government policy), who the stakeholders are and what processes there are for their input. This helps you clearly identify what further directions for advocacy work might be.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm having so much trouble starting this report! Also, where does the EYLF come into all of this.. does it have anything to do with NQF?

Thanks

Bree

Hey Bree,

Bit of a tricky assignment you got here but don't worry I'll try and help you out!

My topic is: "Quality in Childcare"

I found some info that I will attach that may help you out with your question regarding quality in childcare. Have a read through the attachments below and you may get an idea on what issues to discuss for this question.

[attachment=2]Draft_NQS.pdf[/attachment]
[attachment=1]childcare_quality_in_childcare.pdf[/attachment]
[attachment=0]national_agreement_early_childhood.pdf[/attachment]

Also, where does the EYLF come into all of this.. does it have anything to do with NQF?

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was released by COAG last year as the first national framework to guide early childhood educators and families in the delivery of quality early childhood education.

The new national quality standards endorsed by COAG in December 2009 require that “the EYLF (or another prescribed curriculum framework) informs the development of a program for each child” in early childhood education and care services that are included in the new national system.

Also, I am providing you a link to the DEEWR site, which has further information on Policy Agenda's for Early Childhood.

I hope the information I have provided will give you enough of an idea to get you started.

Let me know if you need any further help.

Cheers ,
L.A

Hi L.A,

Thanks so much for your reply. The links were really helpful. It's been a tough one!

The subject is Critical Issues in Early childhood educational contexts and its part of a Bachelor of early childhood studies degree.

I'm in third year and havent struggled with any other assignment until now.

Thanks again for you help

Bree

Hi L.A,

Certainly is getting tougher I can't wait until it's all over. Am planning on doing my masters starting next year which will be another 18 months but will give me the option to do primary teaching.
I got a private message from someone but can't reply so if they see this thread, I'm at UWS full time on campus. Our year is the last year to do the current Early childhood studies course as it has all changed!

Thanks again,

Bree

Hi i was the one who PMed you
i am starting my BEd next mnth at USQ
i will be doing all my study online though

Goodluck Fefe, if you need any help with your uni course you can PM me and I can now reply

Thanks LA, you're so helpful! I keep telling myself it will all be worth it in the end

Bree