National Families Week is on the way – how will you celebrate diversity and connection?

Australia’s annual celebration of the beauty and uniqueness of each and every family is coming up from 13-19 May. In 2024 the National Families Week theme is ‘Celebrating Family Diversity and Connections’.

National Families Week not only celebrates the  vital role that families play in Australian society, but also reflects the critical role that families play in teaching, supporting and nurturing children as they grow.

In an early childhood education and care (ECEC) context relationships with families are paramount. When ECEC service providers have strong relationships with families they demonstrate the respect they have for family units, enhance the sense of belonging they experience, show that they understand the significance of the cultural and community context of children, and value the insights that offer a richer picture about their child.

As the early years learning framework (EYLF) notes, children’s earliest learning, development and wellbeing takes place through relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. 

Educators’ practices and the relationships they form with children and their families have a significant effect on children’s participation in early childhood education, engagement in learning opportunities and success as learners.

When educators establish respectful relationships with children and their families, they are able to work together to use relational and place-based pedagogies that assist in developing curriculum relevant to children in their local context.

Resources to guide and support educators in celebrating National Families Week are available here.