Day 2 – Declarations, Conventions, Obligations, and Codes

I deepened my understanding of national regulatory considerations by reviewing the Education and Care Services National Regulations and Law. I was able to identify how these guidelines support the implementation of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and underpin the daily operations of the service. I asked questions about compliance and documentation and began to see the critical link between policy and practice. Exploring the ethical and legal frameworks that guide childcare practices.

Understanding Relevant Declarations and Conventions

In my placement, I’ve learned about various key declarations and conventions that guide my practice as an early childhood educator. These include:

  1. Code of Ethics (ECA)  Through the Code of Ethics (ECA), I gained understanding about the essential value of child dignity and respect, together with promoting equality throughout all practice activities (Early Childhood Australia [ECA], 2016).

  2. National Quality Framework (NQF)

  3. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) shows me that children need advocacy to participate in life decisions while securing their rights to be heard (United Nations, 1989).

  4. National Regulations and Standards       The National Regulations and Standards brought me insight about their responsibilities that empower early childhood facilities to follow safety along operational standards while directly affecting my work through educator ratios and kitchen requirements (ACECQA, 2020).

  5. Child Protection Legislation I’ve learned the responsibility I hold to keep children safe by being vigilant for signs of harm and following appropriate procedures for reporting concerns (Australian Government, 2022).

  6. Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) – I now integrate EYLF principles into my daily planning to ensure children’s learning and development are supported in a way that promotes their identity, well-being, and active engagement with the world (Department of Education, 2022).

Putting Declarations into Action: A Typical Day

Embracing Inclusion and Cultural Diversity

At my placement, we conducted group time reading of storybooks each day as part of our daily routine. The child who came from an overseas location had little English language ability and appeared uninvolved. The service aligns its goals with inclusive practices that ensure each child receives full educational participation (UNCRC Article 28).

I deliberately selected a book in two languages and requested that the child share part of the narrative using their native tongue. As part of my efforts, I obtained the greeting protocols of their language while simultaneously employing gestures and visual aids to help with interpretation.

The minor modification in the reading session brought positive results as the child displayed a smile and improved confidence levels and became the first member to instruct their classmates. This interaction proved that I put the ECA Code of Ethics into practice through my diverse and inclusive approach and my efforts to build inclusiveness (Early Childhood Australia [ECA], 2016).

Activity

🐑 Activity: Cotton Sheep Craft

What I did:
I created a sheep outline using cardboard and cut out the belly area in the middle. I placed double-sided tape in the empty section and invited the children to fill in the belly using cotton buds to represent the sheep’s wool. I encouraged them to explore the texture, stick the cotton gently, and observe how it filled the space.

Learning Intentions:

  • Develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

  • Encourage creativity and self-expression

  • Support sensory exploration and texture recognition

  • Foster patience and turn-taking in a shared art experience

Children’s Learning and Responses:

The children were excited and engaged. They took turns placing cotton, carefully pressing it onto the tape. Some described the cotton as "fluffy" and “soft,” showing sensory awareness. A few children asked to add more detail like a face or legs, which sparked imaginative thinking.

EYLF Learning Outcomes Linked:

✅ Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

  • 1.1 Children feel safe, secure, and supported as they explore and engage in new activities

✅ Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

  • 2.4 Children become socially responsible and show respect for their environment (by using recycled cardboard)

✅ Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

  • 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing (through developing fine motor skills)

✅ Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

  • 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, creativity, enthusiasm and persistence

  • 4.3 Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another

✅ Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

  • 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes

 

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