Learning and Teaching in Early Childhood Pedagogies of Inquiry and Relationships

‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Early childhood education and care settings play an integral part in this adage. They build such communities by being both a point of connection for, and an integral part of, local contexts. Beginning with what defines a community, this chapter helps readers to consider ways of ‘seeing’, ‘being with’ and ‘serving’ the communities of which they are a part. Illustrations of practice demonstrate ways to invite and involve local groups and services into the early childhood setting. The practicalities of risk assessments and planning for incursions and excursions, and ways of connecting with local aged care facilities, playgroups, council libraries, community centres, and gardening or craft cooperatives are specifically considered. In working together with local communities, teachers do more than partner for mutual connection and the exchange of resources, support or fulfilment. ‘Being with’ encourages teachers to consider ways of ‘seeing’ their contexts first-hand to identify community needs for evidence-informed advocacy and change.