Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector is facing a crisis that numbers alone cannot explain. On paper, more than 70,000 students are enrolled in early childhood qualifications across the country. Yet services report a shortfall of 21,000 qualified educators. Families are stuck on waitlists, centres are forced to reduce hours, and educators already in the field are stretched to breaking point.
This paradox—so many in training, yet so few in classrooms—reveals a deeper structural failure.
Gratitude songs before meals are more than just cheerful tunes; they’re rituals that nurture mindfulness, community, and appreciation in young children. By singing together, children learn to pause, acknowledge the effort behind their food, and celebrate the connections between nature, family, and community. These songs can be simple, repetitive, and symbolic, making them accessible for toddlers while still meaningful for older preschoolers.
A: You can show individual learning cycles in a simplified way by using visual templates and structured documentation that align with the EYLF. These tools help educators track each child’s progress without overwhelming complexity. Here are a few effective strategies.
The My Yearbook template is a beautifully designed resource that helps early childhood educators celebrate each child’s journey through the year. With its photo-rich layout and thoughtful prompts, it transforms everyday moments into lasting memories, fostering a deep sense of belonging and pride.
Dinosaurs have always captured the imagination of children, making them the perfect theme for engaging classroom activities. This cut-and-paste puzzle printable combines fun with purposeful learning, offering educators a resource that supports fine motor development, problem-solving, and creativity all while aligning with the EYLF outcomes.
Dinosaur Cut and Paste Puzzles supports fine motor development, visual discrimination, and sequencing skills. Each activity invites children to cut out colorful dinosaur panels and match them to faded outlines for reinforcing attention to detail and spatial awareness.
In early childhood education, the practice of moving educators to new rooms each year is common. Some services see it as a way to keep things fresh, while others worry it disrupts continuity for children. So, are yearly room changes supporting children’s well-being or unsettling the very relationships they rely on?
Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in how brains process information, emotions, and social interactions. In early childhood, this may include children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or other neurological differences.
Early childhood teachers across Victoria are sounding the alarm over new childcare reforms, warning that the changes are piling administrative burdens onto staff and eroding the joy of teaching.
Explore the responsibilities, legal obligations, and best practices of the nominated supervisor ECEC with this three-part webinar series presented by Victoria McDowell and Meray Parsons from Gowrie NSW.
The following lists cultural and special events that are taking place in December 2025. This should help you to plan and organise upcoming events and celebrations for December 2025.
A: Something as simple as a child asking to braid an educator’s hair—or children braiding each other’s can spark important questions about connection, trust, and professional boundaries. For many, braiding is more than a playful activity; it is a gesture of closeness, a way of forming relationships, and in some cultures, a practice rich with tradition and identity.
At the same time, educators must balance these relational opportunities with health, hygiene, and safety considerations, ensuring that practices in the service align with professional standards and family expectations. This tension—between fostering connection and maintaining boundaries—makes hair braiding a valuable topic for reflection in early learning settings.
Outdoor play is vital for children’s well-being, offering opportunities for physical activity, exploration, and connection with nature. In Australia, however, educators face a unique challenge: how to balance children’s right to outdoor play with the risks of extreme heat and high UV exposure. With summer temperatures often exceeding 35°C, services must make careful, informed decisions about when it is safe to go outside.
In early childhood education, children are not just learners; they are active participants in shaping their environments. One emerging practice gaining traction among educational leaders is the establishment of a children’s council. This initiative provides children with a structured platform to express their ideas, make decisions, and contribute to the life of the centre.
