Write an essay on Early Childhood issues. APA referencing.

Submit a written summary and analysis as either:

i) three discrete short answer summaries and critical analysis for each of the three chosen issues. No less than 600-700 words each.

OR

ii) one fluid essay incorporating the three chosen issues including a brief introduction and conclusion. The essay would be no lessthan 1500 words and no more than 2000.

The five topics/issues are:

• Constructions of childhood
• Readiness and transition
• Wellbeing movement in early childhood
• Technology and Young Children
• Ethics in early childhood Assessment presentation

Part 1 - Constructions of Childhood

The primary reading for part 1 is by Sorin (2005). In it, Sorin gives a detailed analysis of how young children have been, and continue to be viewed within society. There are many layers to this paper and keep an open mind as to the implications of each construction of childhood and how this matches, or in some cases contradicts how you view the care and education of young chidlren.

Sorin, R. (2005). Changing Images of Childhood: Reconceptualising early childhood practice, International Journal of Transitions in Childhood, 1, 12-2.

The following presentation by Mackay (2013) presents using Prezi a reflection of "images of the child". (Prezi is a web-based tool for creating presentations (called prezis for short). It's similar to other presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint, but it offers some unique features that make it a good alternative). You should be able to view the following presentation without logging into Prezi:

Mackay, A. (2013). Analysis of images of children [Prezi]. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/ymuyebfobi08/analysis-of-images-of-children/

Part 2 - Readiness and Transition to School

The first reading in part 2 comes from the Federal Government website mychild.gov.au, it is the Continuity of Learning, which is a 'practical guide providing a range of creative strategies to assist educators in the identification of contextually, culturally and educationally appropriate choices to support children's transition to school' (Australian Government, 2014). It is quite a lengthy document, so you may want to read the first 9 pages and then the rest if you choose readiness and early intervention as a topic for Assignment 1.

Dockett, S. & Perry, B. (2014). Continuity of Learning: A resource to support effective transition to school and school age care. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government Department of Education.

Part 3 - Wellbeing Movement in Care and Education

The first from part 3 is a brief newsletter format from Owens (2012). She writes for the NQS Professional Learning Program, which is aimed at assisting the implementation of the national quality standards within early childhood. The focus of her article is on chidlren's health, safety and wellbeing, which she refers to holistically.

Owens, A. (2012). Health, safety and wellbeing. NQS PLP E-Newsletter, 29, 1-4.

This reading focusses on family day care (FDC), but highlights the impact for early childhood educators in relation to the stresses associated with working in the industry. If early childhood educators have poor mental health, then the ability to provide high quality care is heavily diminished.

Corr, L., Cook, K., LaMontagne, AD., Waters, E. & Davis, E. (2015). Associations between Australian early childhood educators' mental health and working conditions: A cross-sectional study, Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 40 (3), 69-78.

Go to the website about Kids Matter, the Australian Mental Health Initiative for early childhood and primary schools. There are several links to articles/programs about well being our you can simply investigate the site itself to learn more about the approaches being made to improve mental health and wellbeing of children in the prior to school sector and in schools.

http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/primary/about-kidsmatter-primary

http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/early-childhood

Part 4 - Ethics in Early Childhood

The first reading in topic 4 is the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Code of Ethics. ECA is the peak body for early childhood care and education in Australia. They provide a set of ethics by which early childhood professionals can gauge their professional conduct.

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ECA-COE-Brochure-2016.pdf

Kennedy, A., Barblett, L. & Hydon, C. (2016). Reviewing early childhood Australia's code of ethics, Every Child, 22 (2), 10-11.

Part 5 - Technology and Young Children

The first reading for topic 5 is also from Chip. In it he discusses the practicalities of being an early childhood educator trying to implement technology into service delivery

Donohue, C. (2015). Technology in the early years: Start with what you know, Every Child, 21 (4), 44.

The next reference is from the ABC news program 7.30. In it, they look at how (and if) young chidlren use digital technology both in the home and in educational environments.

Noyce, J. (Reporter). (2016). Should preschoolers be using digital devices? [Television Newscast]. Sydney, NSW: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.