Under ACECQA’s National Quality Framework, educators are deemed “qualified” if they hold a Certificate III, Diploma, or approved university degree. But qualification does not equal competence. The current system allows individuals with unrelated undergraduate degrees to complete a one-year postgraduate course and enter classrooms, often with minimal practical experience or emotional readiness. The result? A workforce flooded with technically qualified but emotionally disconnected practitioners some of whom openly admit they “don’t like kids” and entered the profession for visa access or job security.
Q: A strengths-based approach focuses on what children can do, rather than what they lack. It celebrates each child’s capabilities, interests, and efforts and uses these as the foundation for learning and development.
Here’s an educator-friendly EYLF V2.0 Reference Sheet designed for quick use in planning, documentation, and reflection. It’s structured to support intuitive linking between observations and outcomes, with simplified language and examples to spark educator insight.
In a sector built on nurturing, empathy, and care, it’s heartbreaking to witness how often educators themselves are left feeling isolated, undervalued, or even bullied. On this World Kindness Day, let’s pause and remember: kindness isn’t just for children. It’s for us, too.
To Decision-Makers in Education and Care,
I write to you as an educator and advocate for the safety and well-being of children and staff in early childhood education.
Summative assessments are more than end-point reflections—they’re storytelling tools that honour each child’s journey. They help educators celebrate growth, identify emerging skills, and co-plan intentional next steps. This guide is designed for quick glances during documentation, team huddles, or family meetings, keeping your language strengths-based, specific, and emotionally resonant.
Use it to:
A coalition of 55 early childhood experts has unveiled a bold six-point plan urging governments to take decisive action to restore public trust in Australia’s childcare system. Sparked by revelations from a year-long ABC investigation, the plan responds to widespread concerns about safety, quality, and transparency in early learning environments.
The EYLF practices are more than guiding principles; they’re invitations to co-create vibrant, inclusive, and emotionally safe learning environments. Whether you're nurturing infants, engaging toddlers, or scaffolding preschoolers’ agency, these strategies help bring the EYLF to life in ways that feel authentic, responsive, and restorative.
Each practice below includes:
A: No, you don’t have to include theorists in every piece of documentation, but referencing them can deepen your practice, especially when aligned with EYLF V2.0 and the National Quality Standard.
A: Group time is not strictly necessary, but when thoughtfully designed, it can be a powerful tool for fostering connection, communication, and community in early childhood settings.
Educator ratios must be upheld at all times, including during care tasks unless supervision is compromised, in which case coverage is legally required. Here’s a guide to help educators understand their rights and responsibilities around ratios and supervision, with more examples and direct links to authoritative sources.
A: In early childhood education, programming isn’t just about planning activities—it’s about tuning into children’s rhythms, honouring their voices, and creating emotionally safe, meaningful learning journeys. One of the most common questions is:
“Should I plan daily or weekly?"
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s a good thing. Your approach will depend on your service’s philosophy, your room’s energy, and the unique needs of your children and team.
This guide breaks down the difference between weekly and daily programming styles, with practical examples, reflective prompts, and flexible options to help you find your rhythm—or co-create one that evolves with your context.
Kindergarten is a joyful and important year in your child’s learning journey. It builds the foundation for school readiness through play, relationships, and exploration. But every child develops at their own pace—and readiness isn’t just about knowing letters or numbers. This factsheet offers a holistic view of what “readiness” might look like, helping you reflect on your child’s strengths, needs, and personality.
