In early childhood education, timing shapes interpretation. A message that would normally pass quietly through the sector can suddenly feel loaded when educators are already carrying frustration, fatigue, and a sense of being unheard. That’s exactly what happened when ACECQA published a routine #funfactfriday post. The post itself was simple and familiar. ACECQA shared a link to one of their infographics, saying, "Did You Know... ACECQA Does Not Conduct Assessment and Rating Visits?
As the year draws to a close, many early childhood services find themselves navigating the familiar tradition of end‑of‑year gifting. Families want to show appreciation, educators want to be gracious, and services try to balance gratitude with fairness.
But in recent years, this once‑simple gesture has become more complicated. Rising living costs, shifting expectations, and concerns about equity have prompted many educators and leaders to ask an important question:
Are end‑of‑year gifts still a kind tradition, or have they become an unnecessary pressure for families and staff?
Starting in a new early childhood setting should feel hopeful, energising, and full of possibility. Instead, some educators walk into environments where the culture is already fractured, where misinformation, inconsistency, and unprofessional behaviour have been normalised.
One of the most destabilising experiences is working under a leader who lies. When a deputy manager or senior educator fabricates information about children, families, or staff, it creates a workplace where trust collapses and psychological safety disappears.
This article explores why this behaviour is so harmful, how it impacts educators, and what practical steps you can take to protect yourself, uphold your professionalism, and make informed decisions about your future.
Regulatory authorities across Australia have identified staffing as a priority area, with a strong focus on ensuring educators hold valid, authentic qualifications. Unfortunately, fraudulent certificates continue to circulate, and some are sophisticated enough to fool even experienced leaders.
This article gives you a clear, practical guide to:
***WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT***
Victorian detectives have laid 83 additional charges against former Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, expanding the total number of alleged offences to 156. The new charges stem from the identification of four additional alleged victims, alongside further offences connected to the eight children previously identified earlier this year. Health authorities have confirmed that no further child testing is required, and no new childcare centres have been flagged as concerning in relation to the latest charges.
In April 2025, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) issued a provisional decision recommending staged award increases to address the undervaluation of early childhood educators; however, a final ruling has not yet been handed down.
Recent commentary has highlighted a striking statistic: 90% of new childcare providers in Australia are run for profit. This raises a fundamental question is this really how we want to run education in Australia? Early childhood education and care is the foundation of lifelong learning. Yet, unlike primary and secondary schooling, it is increasingly dominated by private operators whose business models prioritise revenue. The debate is not simply about economics; it is about values, equity, and the future of children’s education.
The following is a directory for NSW early learning services that can access a variety of free incursions that enrich children’s learning.
If an employee is frequently calling in sick, balance empathy with accountability. Support them by exploring underlying causes, offering flexible arrangements, and connecting them to resources, while also protecting team morale by redistributing workload fairly and setting clear expectations.
In early childhood education, staff wellbeing is critical, but frequent sick leave can create real challenges. Absences affect ratios, compliance, and team morale, often leaving colleagues stretched thin. Leaders must balance compassion for the individual with fairness to the team.
The Australian Government is rolling out unannounced spot checks across Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services nationwide. This follows a successful pilot in October–November 2025. The program is designed to strengthen compliance, lift standards, and give families confidence that services are safe, high-quality, and correctly administering the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Unfair dismissal can feel overwhelming, but knowing the process helps you take action with confidence. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is the national workplace relations tribunal that deals with these claims. Here’s a clear roadmap.
Daily experience Journals are a cornerstone of communication between educators and families. They provide parents with a snapshot of what their children explored, learned, and enjoyed during the day. Yet, when working with a whole group, efficiency and clarity become essential.
In late 2024, the Australian Government announced a 15% wage increase for early childhood educators. The so‑called “15% grant” is actually a government‑funded wage subsidy that delivers a 15% pay rise for early childhood educators. Services must apply for the funding, agree to fee‑cap conditions, and pass the increase directly to staff. Once the grant period ends, services lose the subsidy and must sustain wages through normal operations.
Resigning from a role in early childhood education is a natural part of career progression. Whether you’re moving on to new opportunities, prioritising wellbeing, or navigating personal changes, it’s important to resign with clarity, professionalism, and dignity. This guide outlines notice periods, signs it may be time to leave, what to say, how to write a resignation letter, and strategies for managing difficult situations.
