The following lists cultural and special events that are taking place from January to December 2026. This should help you plan and organise upcoming events and celebrations in 2026.
Despite the overwhelming volume of documentation educators are expected to complete, the National Law and National Regulations do not require endless observations, daily learning stories, or long‑form essays about children’s learning.
ACECQA’s own guidance for approved providers emphasises that documentation should be meaningful, authentic, and free from duplication, and that educators should use professional judgment when deciding what to record.
The National Regulations themselves focus on program visibility, child information, and records for safety and compliance, not excessive narrative documentation.
Early childhood education thrives on curiosity, exploration, and authentic engagement. David A. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory offers a powerful framework for understanding how young children learn through doing, reflecting, thinking, and trying again. Rather than viewing learning as a linear process, Kolb positions it as a continuous cycle—one that mirrors the natural way children interact with the world.
In early childhood settings across the country, you can walk into a room and instantly tell what kind of art culture lives there. Sometimes you see walls lined with identical paper plate animals, each one carefully guided by an adult hand. Other times, you see a riot of colour, texture, and imagination — each piece unmistakably belonging to the child who created it.
The difference between these two environments is more than aesthetic. It speaks to the heart of our pedagogy, our image of the child, and our commitment to fostering creativity, agency, and authentic expression.
In early childhood education, documentation is often framed as evidence or proof of learning, compliance, or curriculum alignment. But what if we reimagined it as a mirror? A tool that reflects not just cognitive milestones but emotional journeys, identity formation, and the quiet power of self-expression?
Visual documentation drawings, photos, annotated art, and symbolic storytelling can become a language of emotional literacy. It allows children to say what words cannot and invites educators to listen with their eyes, hearts, and intuition.
Snapshots Of My Year is a thoughtfully designed template that helps educators document and celebrate a child’s growth through the lens of the EYLF learning outcomes. With its photo-rich format and reflective comment sections, it offers families a warm, visual summary of their child’s developmental journey.
In early childhood settings, emotional literacy is foundational to well-being, learning, and relationships. The free printable Feeling Check-In posters featuring clear visuals, child-friendly language, and actionable strategies offer educators a powerful way to support children in identifying, expressing, and managing their emotions. Whether used during transitions, check-ins, or moments of dysregulation, these posters help embed emotional intelligence into daily practice.
Feelings Check In Posters are powerful tools for fostering emotional literacy and self-awareness in early childhood settings. Designed with vibrant visuals and child-friendly language, they help children identify, name, and express a wide range of emotions—from anger and frustration to calm and excitement. Each poster offers simple, actionable strategies for regulation, such as deep breathing, asking for help, or using “I feel” statements, making them ideal for trauma-informed and emotionally intelligent practice. Educators can use them during morning check-ins, transitions, or moments of dysregulation to support children in building emotional vocabulary and resilience. Whether displayed on classroom walls, embedded in documentation kits, or used in small-group discussions, these posters promote a culture of empathy, safety, and connection—aligning beautifully with EYLF wellbeing outcomes and sector-wide goals for inclusive, responsive care.
A Child-Led Inquiry Map is more than a documentation tool; it’s a living framework that honours children’s curiosity, amplifies their voices, and scaffolds meaningful learning journeys. Rooted in emotionally intelligent and trauma-informed practice, it allows educators to capture the spark of wonder and trace how it evolves into deeper exploration, collaboration, and growth.
By mapping inquiries visually, educators make children’s thinking visible, strengthen family partnerships, and demonstrate alignment with the EYLF v2.0 outcomes. Importantly, inquiry maps also serve as advocacy artifacts, showing policymakers and leaders the richness of child voice beyond compliance checklists.
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.
