Inaugural meeting for Early Childhood Community

The inaugural meeting of the Toowoomba Early Childhood Community (TECC) will take place at the USQ this Wednesday (21 February 2007).

Initiated by USQ Faculty of Education Community and Regional Projects Officer, Jo Ryan, and Early Education Lecturer in Childhood, Leisa Holzheimer, the meeting is open to anyone who is in the early childhood sector.

'For some time now there has not been an early childhood group in Toowoomba and it has been something that has been missing,' Ms Holzheimer said.

'Historically early childhood teachers have been a strong and collegial group of professionals but we have not been as active as we might have been.

'The community will provide advocacy for people working in childhood services and support for children and families, while offering networking opportunities for teachers and our students.'

At the meeting, early childhood expert Dr Karen Noble will present Meaning making through friendship: Developing capacity across the early childhood education and care workforce.

'Dr Karen Noble brings significant expertise to the field of early childhood education and care and has been working across this field for the past eighteen years,' Ms Holzheimer said.

'She is now the Early Childhood Program Co-ordinator here at USQ and her work has been published in academic and professional literature and is making a contribution to policy and practice in the early years of education.'

While the TECC was only formed late last year, Ms Holzheimer has been buoyed by the reaction to the group.

'The response has been extremely positive from the University and teachers, as well as those in the industry,' she said.

'We want to offer this opportunity to the full range of professionals who work in early childhood – from family day care providers to primary educators.'

The inaugural TECC meeting will be held in room R113 at USQ from 6:45pm, with those interested urged to contact Leisa Holzheimer on 4631 5409.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628, 0403 643 192