Theme for Early Learning Matters Week announced

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has announced the theme for Early Learning Matters Week in 2023 - Learning through connection.

Early Learning Matters Week (24-28 July) is an annual opportunity for early childhood educators, parents, carers and community leaders around Australia to build awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning and the difference it makes to children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

This year’s theme, Learning through connection, invites services to consider and share the ways that ‘connection’ supports children’s learning.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) includes the outcome that ‘children are connected with and contribute to their world”. The EYLF explores the concept of connection in relation to family, communities, culture and place – and reinforces the importance of connection for participation.

Children’s connection and contribution to their world is built on the idea they can exert agency in ways that make a difference and build a foundation for civic and democratic participation.

The refreshed version of the EYLF includes a new principle that prioritises strengthening engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and perspectives in early learning settings. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have been learning through their connection to Country and community for tens and thousands of years.

The EYLF also specifically recognises the importance of the connection to Country and community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the continued significance of such connections in children’s learning. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are connected to the longest surviving cultures in the world and represent the custodians of Lands across the Australian continent.

During Early Learning Matters Week this year, ECA is acknowledging these longstanding and continuing connections, as well as the new and ongoing connections that are fostered in early learning settings nationally.

“No matter where you are in Australia or how long you have been here – we are all living and learning on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Lands,” ECA notes.

To learn more about Early Learning Matters Week, or to access resources to support in its promotion, please visit the Early Learning Matters Week website.