There are various programs and resources aimed at educators working with families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Let’s Count, an initiative by The Smith Family, builds early math skills in disadvantaged communities (The Smith Family, 2024), while Goodstart Early Learning's social inclusion programs provide targeted support to economically vulnerable families (Goodstart Early Learning, 2023). The Raising Children Network provides research-based parenting resources to be shared by educators with families (Raising Children Network, 2024), and the NSW Government's Start Strong program funds early childhood education for children from less advantaged backgrounds (NSW Department of Education, 2023).
Children's literature can nurture empathy and understanding. For instance, Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts explores poverty (Boelts, 2007), while A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams tells a story about resilience and saving after hardship (Williams, 1982). Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña celebrates gratitude and community despite being less fortunate (de la Peña, 2015), and The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig deals with social exclusion often linked with being poor (Ludwig, 2013).
Educational media have also been providing much-needed avenues for economic contexts. This special Play School episode, Making Friends, encourages inclusion (ABC Kids, 2023). Sesame Street in Communities in return provides financial education resources for the very young and their families (Sesame Workshop, 2023). An episode of Bluey called "Markets" uses play-based storytelling language to talk about buying and selling (ABC Kids, 2022), and the podcast on ABC Kids Listen, Little Yarns, aids cultural connection and empathy (ABC Kids Listen, 2023).