Early Childhood SIG

About this Group

The EC SIG was established in 2003 by AAEE to recognise an emerging group of early childhood professionals working across the early childhood sector to promote education for sustainability. The group includes practising early childhood educators, lecturers at university and TAFE, primary school teachers, educators in extension education services and others with a professional interest in early childhood education for sustainability.

The group functions across Australia as a network for coordinating, advocating and resourcing early childhood education for sustainability. The SIG group developed Action Plans for 2003- 06 and 2007-09 indicating priorities for action in the early childhood sector. SIG members connect electronically by email and meet locally or at the biannual AAEE conference. The SIG convenor circulates a quarterly newsletter and contributions are welcome.

To join the Early Childhood SIG when you join AAEE, nominate your interest on your membership application form or membership renewal, or contact Sue Elliott – Convenor – susan.elliott@rmit.edu.au

Early Childhood

Early childhood is usually developmentally defined as the years from birth to eight years of age, but in practice often refers to young children and the services they attend before school age. Education for sustainability is described as a life long process and early childhood educators strongly affirm that this process begins at birth. Early childhood is a foundational period and can be described as a ‘green window of opportunity’. An opportunity for young children to experientially connect with the natural environment, construct values and attitudes about sustainability, practise the skills of sustainable living and be active participants in sustainability. Many strategies fundamental to education for sustainability are embedded in early childhood pedagogy and early childhood educators are uniquely placed to empower young children to live healthy and sustainable lives.

Coming Events

The next major event for the AAEE EC SIG will be the third Australiasian Early Childhood Education for Sustainability conference, to be hosted by Environmental Education in Early Childhood Victoria Inc.

Engage Empower Enact: Sustainability and the Early Years

22-24 October, 2009

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Contact Stephanie Ralton, EEEC Resource Centre Manager for further details – eeec@alphalink.com.au