14 AugYour chance to show a politician what early learning is all about
Early Learning Matters Week (ELMW) is only a little over two weeks away (September 2 to 6). The primary purpose of ELMW is to ensure the good work that is being done by Australia’s Early Learning sector– its critical importance to the future of our children and the economic and social prosperity of Australia – is clearly understood by our Federal politicians. The best way to do this is to show them first hand by inviting a federal politician to come and visit your service during ELMW. If our politicians understand the work we do, its value, and the challenges our sector faces then this sets our sector up for better advocacy outcomes on things like funding, access and regulation policy into the future. ELMW is run as an activity under the Early Learning Everyone Benefits national advocacy campaign of which ELAA is a partner.
You can find out more about ELMW and even register to host a politician via the campaign web site at www.everyonebenefits.org.au/early_learning_matters_week . Please note that any service proposing to host a politician should have staff and parents that would be welcoming of a visit by their relevant member of Federal Parliament; be confident about hosting the MP or Senator for an hour or so; and be capable of demonstrating contemporary quality approaches to early childhood education to the politician. Ideally, the service should have an ACECQA ‘Exceeding’ rating but this is not mandatory.
Please note that services are not expected to prepare a formal presentation for the visiting politician or provide catering (although a cup of tea for the politician may be good if requested) … the idea is that the visit is ‘low key’ while you show the politician the great work that you are doing as it’s happening around them; tell them anything special about your service, learning approach, community etc; and share any specific challenges your service may face if appropriate. You’re welcome to involve parents if you wish or invite the local media (although promotion to media is at your discretion).
