Parents for Climate produce new ECEC resource

Advocacy group Parents for Climate have officially launched Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy for Children’s Healthy Futures, a booklet which aims to give early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals the tools they need to embed sustainability into early learning programs.

The booklet was officially launched on Friday last week at Woodlands House Childcare in Ocean Grove, Victoria, and features play-based activities, case studies and practical guidance with the intention of empowering children to understand the importance of clean energy.

Released as part of the Parents for Climate’s Solar Learning initiative, which is designed to drive a future powered by clean energy, the resource was described by leading expert in early childhood education for sustainability Dr Sue Elliott as “a much needed resource.”

“It is an exciting initiative that will promote children’s learning about energy conservation and renewable energy – helping build the foundations for a sustainable future,” she said.

Unlike their counterparts in the schools space, early learning services have minimal access to energy education and support in transitioning to clean energy, leaving them to find their own solutions when it comes to sustainability.

For Woodlands House, one of those steps has been the decision to replace its gas hot water system with an energy-efficient heat pump that will cut energy costs, improve air quality and serve as a learning experience.

“With their new heat pump installation, Woodlands House is not only teaching children about demonstrating it in action – helping families see the financial and health benefits of going gas-free,” Parents for Climate development director Laura Grufas said.

For more information, head to parentsforclimate.org

Information in this story was drawn from local coverage in The Bellarine Times. Find the original here.