Australia’s most iconic children’s program, Play School, has teamed up with Little Scientists to bring early childhood educators a vibrant suite of STEM experiments designed for children aged 2–8 years. This exciting collaboration aligns with Series 3 and 4 of Play School’s Science Time, offering hands-on learning experiences that explore everything from sound waves and slime to moon craters and solar energy.
As services prepare for upcoming assessment and rating, educators and leaders often seek clarity on what assessors typically observe, review, and discuss during visits. This article outlines common areas of focus, documentation requirements, and practical considerations to support services in demonstrating quality practice and compliance.
ACECQA has developed a set of free eLearning modules for educators in the early education and care sector. The National Quality Standard eLearning module provides information about the purpose and structure of the NQS, which includes seven quality areas that are key to achieving positive outcomes for children.
South Australia has become the first Australian state to implement a formal ban on mobile phones within early childhood services. The new regulation is designed to address concerns related to child safety, privacy, and professional conduct in early learning environments.
Early childhood education thrives on diversity. Multicultural teams bring rich perspectives, lived experiences, and linguistic variety that enhance learning environments for children and educators alike.
In this article, we explore how services can support respectful language use, address feelings of exclusion, and uphold the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standard (NQS)—without compromising identity or connection.
Here’s a themed EYLF-aligned guide to 30 preschool science experiments, complete with materials, instructions, science concepts, and EYLF learning outcomes. This is designed for educators who want to embed intentionality, inquiry, and curriculum links into hands-on science.
Here’s a roundup of 20 super simple science experiments for toddlers in early learning settings. These activities are sensory-rich, safe, and designed to spark curiosity while introducing foundational science concepts.
With National Science Week on from 9th to 17th August 2025, this is a great opportunity to introduce science to babies. For babies it’s less about formal experiments and more about sensory exploration, pattern recognition, and curiosity-driven play—all foundational to scientific thinking and nurturing their natural curiosity and helping them explore the world through sensory-rich, playful experiences.
Creating a purposeful outdoor space means more than scattering toys—it’s about crafting an environment that actively supports children’s growth. By weaving the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) into your outdoor design, you ensure every element invites meaningful exploration, skill-building, and well-being.
Young children often explore their world through touch and close contact, but rough play can lead to upset or hurt feelings. Introducing personal space and consent concepts early helps preschoolers learn boundaries, empathy, and respectful interactions.
Children asserting “boys only” or “girls only” play zones can create unfair barriers and hurt feelings. As educators, guiding young learners toward inclusive play builds empathy, respects diversity, and lays the foundation for equitable relationships.
Educators and families deserve a system that mirrors real-time quality and safety—one that responds instantly to compliance breaches or serious incidents rather than waiting years for the next review. Here’s a blueprint for transforming our current “tick-and-forget” model into a living, breathing accountability framework.
