Hunter TAFE’s onsite childcare facility, Carinya, is proving it’s never too early to learn about sustainability and good environmental practices.Rachael Kinsella, an early childhood teacher at Newcastle TAFE Campus, developed an environmental education booklet which has been published through Early Childhood Australia, titled “Greening Services: Practical Sustainability”.

The publication highlights practical ways for early childhood centres to develop environmental management plans and engage in environmental education with young children.

The staff at Carinya believe in the importance of the physical environment, coupled with social justice, good relationships and the inclusion of visual arts and education for holistic and sustainable development.

The booklet features photos of the centre and environmental practices that children participate in at Carinya, including composting, recycling and caring for the vegetable and tyre gardens.