New online community built by the Front Project will foster connection in ECEC

A new online community exclusively for those working in early childhood education and care (ECEC) has been created by the team at the Front Project. 

From Monday 18 October ECEC professionals can access the platform, which will offer a space for educators and teachers to come together to support one another, seek answers to questions and build their networks.

Anyone working directly with children and families in the ECEC sector can join the Online Community and access its features for no cost until the end of January next year.

The Front Project created the platform, CEO Jane Hunt explained, after research and time working with educators showed that ECEC professionals “need and deserve an online space where they can enjoy opportunities for collaboration with peers from all parts of the sector and all over the country.”

“We have heard stories from educators and teachers about feeling isolated, losing connection with their peers and having trouble navigating change and uncertainty,” Ms Hunt said.

“We have been working to build an online community that is for professionals working directly with children and families in early learning to share their professional skills and knowledge, broaden their networks and share high-quality programs and experiences across different settings and postcodes.”

In order to address the issues around connection and understanding change at a time when many in the sector are seeking to connect and understand the many changes taking place, the Front Project has made the platform free to access until the end of January to allow teachers and educators to have somewhere to go to seek support through the next phase of the pandemic.

Ms Hunt said she hopes that ECEC professionals will feel more connected and supported through having a professionally moderated place to build professional identity, safely ask questions, hold robust discussions and hear insights about what their peers are experiencing as they continue their work to support children and families.

“We hope our online community will be a place to find anything you need to provide the best experiences for children and ensure a strong future for early childhood education in Australia,” Ms Hunt explained.

While the community will change and evolve to align with the needs of its users, the Front Project anticipates that it will be a space where educators and teachers go to: 

• seek peer support and advice
• enjoy moderated and safe robust discussions
• discover the latest resources and tools
• seek a mentor
• attend professional development webinars and events
• enjoy opportunities for collaboration across settings and regions
• learn about new and improved practices
• gain a deeper understanding of leadership and upskilling pathways

Interested parties are invited to register now for free access until the end of January.