ELC News 

Lyn Pewtress, Director of the ELC 

An indigenous perspective in early childhood education

The national frameworks that inform our curriculum place strong emphasis on the need for early childhood educators to build cultural competence. 

In the Australian context, a key component of this is acknowledging and responding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.

Our Kilvington ELC educators access and make use of educational resources, design programs which are inclusive of indigenous culture, and engage in learning experiences with indigenous members and environments to support our understanding. Groups regularly begin the day with the ELC’s own Acknowledgement of Country.

This year we have welcomed the return of Karan Kent, an indigenous educator who visits the ELC throughout the year to share her knowledge and culture with the children. Aunty Karan visits all groups each term sharing her knowledge, stories, Aboriginal artefacts and instruments and connection to Country. 

The children have whole-heartedly embraced their learning, and will continue to respect and reflect on their understanding of Aboriginal people and their culture.