For more than 25 years I’ve been involved in early childcare and education as a teacher, as a lecturer, as a researcher, and through a previous ChildForum website that focused on the interests of early childhood researchers. 

I started the NZ Research in Early Childhood Education Network in 1988 and we had a website for researchers and student researchers. 

That was fantastic.

But what I’ve discovered as someone from a teaching and research background, as a busy mother of 5 children, and as someone who has just recently spent a year at the Early Childhood Council dealing with many varied issues for centre owners and managers that we didn’t really have the capacity to help sufficiently with, is that people want and need something very different to what is available:

• Something that meets their needs for quick and relevant information in easy to understand language
• A non-political organisation that is inclusive of people working in a range of early childhood settings and in different roles
• To receive support and belong to an organisation that doesn’t cost a lot in membership fees and that they can truly be a part of. 

So the old website has gone.  

As you'll see ChildForum as it has developed, is a unique concept.  We strive to bring fresh thinking to early childcare and education in an innovative way.

People on the mailing list for the research network must sign up and become a member with the new ChildForum if they want to remain part of the network and continue to be on the mailing list. 

In addition to the research network, members can now get access to two new networks: a network for teachers and parents, and a network for service managers and administrators.

ChildForum is the place now where families, teachers, directors, early childhood leaders, owners, administrators, committee and board members and decision-makers can all go to pick up information and share information as members.

We'll be putting out a newsletter monthly and making it available online here.  Members will receive other updates from time to time emailed directly to them. 

In our first August 2010 newsletter are articles on:

• Whether the Free Kindergarten of Old is (Almost) Dead and Buried
• Who are the Big Providers of Early Childcare and Education?
• A listing of new early childhood articles and information online
• Links to read feature articles on selected early childhood services
• Information Alerts

* The Power of the Media to Influence Education Policy

* Children Not Enrolled in a Formal Early Childcare & Edn Service

* GST increase – Are You Ready?

* Sick Leave Policy Change – Employee and Employer Concerns

* Proposal for Raised Academic Standards for Entry into Teacher  Training

Until the end of August 12 months of membership is being offered at a special rate of just $75.00.  From the 1st August the full membership fee of $95.00 will be applied.

As a member of ChildForum you can: 

• Discover and share information on early childcare and education
• Find informed comment and analysis by experts
• Be challenged to think of different early childcare options and choices
• Have your say in the comments
• Follow what others say
• Obtain exclusive discounts on early childhood services and goods
• Get access to ChildForum resources and guides as they are published
• Source research evidence
• Get a discount off the cost of registering at ChildForum organised national and regional seminars and conferences.

The expanded Childforum that you see here will be around for many, many, many years.  And ChildForum will continue to grow and provide a better and better service for members.  That is what we are about, serving members so you can do your best for children. 

Jump on board now and be part of something good, something strong, something wise, caring and helpful for all. 

Best regards,  Sarah Farquhar