Action on Aboriginal Perspectives in Early Childhood (AAPEC)

AAPEC is a collective of people committed to embedding Aboriginal Perspectives in early childhood services, focusing on local Victorian cultures. The group is made up of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal early childhood professionals.

The group draws on its members’ experience and expertise to provide professional development and learning opportunities for early childhood services regarding embedding Aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum.
Mural by Annette Sax.

Possum Skin Pedagogy

In 2017, AAPEC was awarded a Warrawong Grant to develop Possum Skin Pedagogy: A Guide for Early Childhood Practitioners. Dr Sue Atkinson AM (Yorta Yorta) authored the document with support from several Victorian Elders, senior members of the Aboriginal community, SNAICC, and the AAPEC Possum Skin subcommittee.

The Possum Skin Pedagogy Professional Learning Project was established in response to feedback from Aboriginal participants, who expressed the need for narratives to be implemented alongside an Aboriginal Elder or community member. This project was funded by the Association of Graduates in Early Childhood Studies (AGECS) and coordinated and led by AAPEC under the direction of Dr. Sue Atkinson AO.

A second section of the guide documenting the journey and outcomes of the Learning Project was produced in 2019.

The third instalment of the publication, Possum Skin Pedagogy: A Chain of Allies in the Early Years Landscape was published in 2020.

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Possum Skin Pedagogy

Possum Skin Pedagogy: A Guide for Early Childhood Practitioners is grounded in the wisdom of Victorian First Nations Elders and knowledge holders. It explores seven key narratives that form a framework for embedding […]
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Relationship with fkaCS

Former fkaCS President, Denise Rundle, is a member of AAPEC and contributed her expertise as an experienced Kindergarten Teacher with strong connections to the local Aboriginal community. She presented at Professional Learning opportunities and opened Boroondara Kindergarten after hours as a demonstration model of good practice.

fkaCS Executive Director, Melodie Davies, is a member of AAPEC and contributed to the Possum Skin Pedagogy Subcommittee.

fkaCS auspiced the projects, managing the grant income and associated costs, and provides ongoing back-of-house administrative support at no fee.
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