FROM THE Editor Swings & Roundabouts works hard to inform both management and kaiako with its variety of articles and some of these feature articles such as the centre profiles and stories from centres about their mahi can both inform and inspire. From page 16 is a profile on Rotorua Community Crèche & Kindergarten who generously share their story about who they are and what is important – their kaupapa. There are gems here for both kaiako and management. From page 28, another early learning centre, The Learning Space, shares their rituals around their regular hikoi to their local park. With both these articles you get a sense of aroha, calm and excellent communication with tamariki at the heart of everything they do. Another inspiring article comes from Del Costello, where she shares some tips and information in supporting your centre to come alive with the sharing of stories that are connected to where you are and who your community is – your localised curriculum. You can find this article from page 22. But all this hard mahi and aroha like the examples in the above articles cannot be achieved without passionate kaiako and leadership who are supported, well-paid and with good working conditions. The article by ECC Project Advisor Ingrid Crispin shares stories by two kaiako who have suffered stress within their teaching and leadership roles, particularly in relation to the teaching shortage. Ingrid offers some support but also asks the reader, Do you know of other ways to help make working as an ECE teacher more attractive so that we can retain our best and recruit more to our sector? The ECC are open to your ideas so please get in touch with Ingrid and share your thoughts and help our youngest tamariki realise their potential to build a strong foundation for later learning and for life, as the above whakataukī from Te Whāriki advocates. The CEO Message also alludes to possible centre closures if centres do not have enough time to implement and comply with the upcoming changes the Ministry recently announced around ‘Persons Responsible’. As Simon suggests, these changes along with our teaching shortages could mean centre closures which can lead to whānau to having less choice and with less centres may mean higher fees (due to the high demand). Children should be at the heart of all our decisions as a society - "He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea." Thank you to all our spring contributors. Ngā mihi Trudi Sutcliffe Editor "He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea." "A child is a treasure, to be nurtured, to grow, to flourish." Calling for Job Applications - Editor – Swings & Roundabouts ECC is calling for applications for people who are interested in becoming the new editor of Swings & Roundabouts. Our editor, Trudi Sutcliffe, has completed a long and distinguished stint and is ready to hand over the responsibility so she can focus on new opportunities. Ideally our new editor will have experience in magazine publishing/editing and have a connection to the early learning sector. ECC’s magazine is a great communication channel and is distributed for free to all centres in New Zealand, and to other stakeholders. It’s intended to be read by early learning leaders, teachers and other people involved in the sector or interested in early learning. Swings & Roundabouts is published four times per year. If you have questions or would like to apply, please contact admin@ecc.org.nz. Applications close on 15 January 2024. Complete applications should include your curriculum vitae and a cover letter that outlines why you are interested and what would distinguish you from other applicants. The Editor role could be established as an employee or by contract. December 2023 { 7 }
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