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Early Learning Matters
High-quality early education and care supports children to be confident, enthusiastic learners, building a foundation for wellbeing and achievement throughout their lives, and all of this through play-based learning. High-quality, play-based education and care supports young children to learn and thrive, with support from parents, carers and the wider community.
Early Learning Matters Week runs from the 24th to 28th July this year. It's the sixth consecutive year that Early Learning Matters Week has run, raising awareness and understanding of the importance of children having access to quality early learning. As stated on the Early Learning Matters website (earlylearningmatters.org.au):
"It is a great opportunity to tell our communities how high-quality early education and care supports children to be confident, enthusiastic learners, building a foundation for wellbeing and achievement throughout their lives, and all of this through play-based learning.
High-quality, play-based education and care supports young children to learn and thrive, with support from parents, carers and the wider community."
This year's theme is learning through connection - where we can explore the many ways connection supports children's learning, "Children’s connection and contribution to their world is built on the idea they can exert agency in ways that make a difference and build a foundation for civic and democratic participation."(earlylearningmatters.org.au/theme)
Learning about connections to Country, place, community and cultural practices requires respectful acknowledgement of the diverse experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This includes acknowledging the complex histories of our nation and the experience of disconnection felt by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people resulting from colonisation. By learning about the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and experiences including the value of caring for Country and community, children gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of social justice, active citizenship and sustainability. This can foster a sense of belonging and social engagement and promotes active and respectful participation in shared efforts to build a sustainable and inclusive future. This is important not only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children but also their non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers.