Charles Sturt University (CSU) has welcomed the announcement by the Rudd Government on Thursday 2 October that the University has been appointed to lead a national initiative to develop the Early Years Learning Framework as part of the Federal Government’s agenda for early childhood education.

 

The Dean of the Faculty of Education at CSU, Professor Toni Downes, also welcomed the announcement of $700 000 in funding for the initiative and said the announcement demonstrates that the Government is serious about early childhood policy and program development.

 

The Australian Government’s agenda for early childhood education and child care aims to provide Australian families with high-quality and integrated early childhood education and child care. The Early Years Learning Framework is an integral part of the early childhood reforms and will provide guidance to early childhood educators in developing quality early childhood programs.

 

“This announcement is further recognition of Charles Sturt University’s national leadership in early childhood education. The University is a long-standing provider of early childhood teacher education, and has an exceptional team of researchers who have a strong track record of working with a range of institutions to deliver high quality outcomes,” Professor Downes said.

 

CSU will lead a team of academics and professionals including independent consultants and staff from Macquarie University, Flinders University, the Queensland University of Technology, the University of Western Sydney, Batchelor College, SDN Children’s Services and Lady Gowrie Child Centre in developing the Framework.

 

“The Consortium led by Charles Sturt University offers extensive geographical reach and networks, and knowledge of both local contexts and the diverse needs of Australian families. It has professional and practical expertise in all age groups in early childhood and into the early years of school.

 

“We have experience in service management and leadership, and the proven ability to work effectively with early childhood educators, including conducting focus groups with children, parents and staff of diverse backgrounds, and consulting with Indigenous and refugee communities.”

 

The consortium will be led by Professor Jennifer Sumsion, sub-Dean of CSU’s Faculty of Education and Associate Professor Linda Harrison from the University’s School of Teacher Education .

 

Professor Sumsion said, “The Government recognises that the Charles Sturt University Consortium has the skills and experience to effectively engage with professionals in the early childhood field and with communities”.

 

The Early Years Learning Framework will have a strong emphasis on play-based learning and recognises the importance of communication and language, including early literacy and numeracy, and social and emotional development. The Framework will be developed in consultation with the early childhood sector, including governments, practitioners, service providers, academics and parents.