On March 26th, the guests from Melbourne Pedagogy Academy Australia and its affiliated kindergartens came to our college and our lab schools for a friendly visit for four days. The delegates included Ms Michelle Zhang, pedagogical & international coordinator in Melbourne Pedagogy Academy as well as director of Monash Vale Early Learning Centre, Ms Nicoletta Moutzouris, director of Bridge Road Early Learning Centre, and some others. Mr. Yang Jianliang, Principal of Suzhou Early Childhood Education College, Mrs. Lv Hong, VP of SECEC, Mrs Cai Hongyu, director of International Exchange Division jointly received their visit. Principal Yang made a brief introduction to the guests, involving school history, school mission, curriculum system, campus culture and more. The other side also introduced their institution and its affiliated kindergartens’ history, preschool education training qualifications, kindergarten curriculum idea and characteristics etc… The two sides have conducted in-depth exchanges between Chinese and Australian preschool education system, preschool education classification and curriculum design. The two sides reached a consensus on establishing long-term cooperation and signed a memorandum of international education cooperation and communication. It’s hoped that to encourage and support the interaction and communication between Chinese and Australian teachers and students through various forms, carry out multifaceted international curriculum development and teacher training, and exchange information in the field of education and training. Afterwards, the guests walked around the campus in the company of Mrs Cai. They were very impressed by the artistic atmosphere on campus and the students’ art works.

On the second day, the guests held a round table discussion with some teachers and regional kindergarten leaders. Everyone expressed their views, while interpreting their own views and practices on the concept of early childhood education. They also had interest and sympathy for the curriculum design of preschool education in Australia, agreeing that "Learning through play and growing through nature" is the mainstream of the concept of preschool education. The Australian guests also praised our class-based course and the development of regional culture.

Later, two directors also brought two brilliant academic lectures for our SECEC students. One was called Together We Grow presented by Ms Michelle Zhang. It mainly focused on building up professional development partnerships with early childhood educators and pre-service teachers. The second one was What Does An Exceeding Early Childhood Service Look Like in Australia addressed by Ms Nicoletta Moutzouris. It contained National quality standard, Approved framework, exceeding standard and everyday practice. The two lectures were well received by the students, and the students said that it was a great benefit to them, whether it was from the perspective of preschool education or the need to open the international vision.