In recent years, the early childhood education and care sector has faced a troubling rise in fraudulent qualifications, a threat not only to professional integrity but also to the safety and wellbeing of children. From forged certificates to unaccredited training providers, the issue has triggered national investigations and sweeping reforms.
In the heart of every early childhood service is a director, someone who balances compliance with compassion, strategy with soul, and leadership with deep relational care. Directors Day, November 10th, is a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible contribution these leaders make to children, families, educators, and the broader sector.
Across continents, a shared truth is emerging: children read better when they feel safe, supported, and free from judgment. In Finland, the lukukoira (reading dog) program has been quietly revolutionizing literacy since 2011. In Australia, similar programs are now flourishing in schools and libraries, offering children the chance to read aloud to calm, friendly dogs who simply listen.
Little Boo’s Halloween Activity Book is a playful, inclusive resource for emotional literacy, early numeracy, and creative exploration. This modular activity book blends Halloween-themed fun with foundational learning. Educators can adapt activities for individual, small group, or whole-class use. Velcro-backed pieces and visual prompts support inclusive engagement, while the book’s gentle tone ensures Halloween remains joyful, not frightening.
The following lists cultural and special events that are taking place in November 2025. This should help you to plan and organise upcoming events and celebrations for November 2025.
Shapes are everywhere, in the food we eat, the toys we play with, and the stories we tell. For young children, learning shapes isn’t just about geometry; it’s about noticing patterns, building vocabulary, and connecting with the world around them. These simple, rhythmic rhymes make shape learning fun, memorable, and emotionally engaging.
In early childhood education, stories are more than entertainment; they’re vessels of culture, emotion, and connection. Aboriginal children’s books that explore water, wind, and nature offer rich opportunities to embed Indigenous perspectives, foster environmental awareness, and support holistic development. When paired with the 8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning and the EYLF, these stories become powerful tools for relational, symbolic, and experiential learning.
Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported, especially in the environments where they learn and grow. In response to this foundational truth, the National Child Safety Training Project is reshaping how Australia’s ECEC sector approaches child safeguarding.
Outcome 3 of the EYLF, Children have a strong sense of well-being, which reminds us that physical health and emotional safety are deeply connected. In early childhood, well-being is expressed through movement, rest, nutrition, emotional regulation, and trusting relationships. The following article translates the outcome into simplified language to support educators in recognising and documenting moments where children care for their bodies, express their feelings, and build resilience.
Celebrating Halloween in early childhood settings can be enriching, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges thoughtfully. Here's a breakdown to help guide your decision:
Here’s a playful set of questions you can use during group time to explore children’s understanding of Halloween. These are designed to spark curiosity, storytelling, and cultural reflection, while keeping things warm and inclusive.
Halloween is more than costumes and candy; it's a cultural moment that invites play, storytelling, and community connection. But beneath the surface, it also offers a rich opportunity for reflection. What are we celebrating, and how does it shape our values, identities, and relationships? Here’s a thoughtful set of critical reflection questions for families considering whether to celebrate Halloween, designed to support values-based decision-making, emotional safety, and inclusive dialogue.
A Brisbane childcare provider has been fined $12,500 after a five-year-old child was discovered crossing busy roads alone. The incident occurred on February 17, 2023, when the child exited through an emergency door that led to street level from the centre, which is located above a shopping complex.
In early childhood services, leadership is relational. Whether you're guiding a new educator or supporting a seasoned team member through change, knowing when to coach and when to mentor is essential. These approaches aren’t interchangeable; they serve different purposes, require different skills, and yield different outcomes. This cheat sheet helps leaders distinguish between coaching and mentoring, apply each effectively, and embed both into everyday practice.
