Research Findings: Despite calls to the contrary, research about teaching has tended to take a back seat to research about children's development and learning in early childhood education. After exploring why this might be the case, this essay considers the importance of teaching for early childhood education and the contexts in which it occurs in…

Young children's views are heard rarely in public debates and are often subordinated to adults' views. This article examines how early childhood staff could support and enhance young children's participation in public decision making. We argue that when early childhood staff use their expertise in young children's physical, social and cognitive…

Observes that increasing numbers of overseas-trained professionals are seeking recognition of their qualifications in Australia. Asserts that only scant consideration has been given to recognizing and supporting skilled migrant early childhood professionals. Explores one type of program that attempts such recognition and makes key recommendations…

Recognizes problems of resettlement for Australian migrant families, including the following: unemployment, inability to speak English, loss of the extended family, problems of maintaining an ethnic identity, role conflict, conflicting child rearing patterns with the host society, and locating resources and services. Ideas for helping families…

Examines how early childhood teachers in one Australian state use child observations. Argues that the current economic/political climate has produced changes for early childhood settings and that how teachers respond to changes regarding child observation depends on their work context. Suggests that the purpose of observation is changing and that…

This paper discusses roles of early childhood teachers in the context of a perspective which views the changes that have occurred in the education profession as surface changes only, and which suggests that teachers should not lose connections with the roots of their profession. The value of many past beliefs and practices has been confirmed by…

Explains changes that have taken place in early childhood education in Victoria, Australia, over last decade. Points the way to changes that could occur as a result of continued appreciation of social, political, and economic changes. Discusses measures that early childhood workers can take to ensure that children are allowed to experience…

Recent changes in the field of early childhood education that suggest patterns of emerging professionalism in Australia are discussed. These changes include the following: (1) the development of a code of ethics for the Australian early childhood profession; (2) the transitions of training institutions into universities; (3) the development of…

Discusses growing recognition of and pressure to improve the quality of early childhood services, and the resulting increased professionalism of practitioners. Considers broadening early childhood professionals' roles to include political action, conference presentations, and professional organization contributions. Concludes that the early goal…

Five articles explore ideas about the nature and kinds of courses dealing with language and education that should be developed in teacher education programs in the Australian school curriculum, specifically where English as mother tongue is used. They include: "Some Recent Developments in Mother Tongue English Teaching in Australia"…