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Sustainability Activities for OOSH Children

Sustainability Activities for OOSH Children New!

Sustainability isn’t just about recycling; it’s about helping children understand their role as caretakers of the planet. In OOSH settings, educators have a unique opportunity to weave eco-friendly practices into everyday routines, turning play and learning into powerful lessons about…
Q: Are “Under the Roof” Ratios Still Allowed?

Q: Are “Under the Roof” Ratios Still Allowed? New!

At present, “under the roof” ratios are not yet formally abolished in law, but Education Ministers announced in February 2026 that they intend to remove this practice. ACECQA has flagged that ratios will soon be required per room, with educators…
Educational Leader Allowance and Non-Contact Time

Educational Leader Allowance and Non-Contact Time New!

Educational leaders play a crucial role in their early childhood service by ensuring that the educational program aligns with best practices and supports the holistic development of children. As per the Children's Services Award, educational leaders are given a yearly…
Ratios Save Lives: Why Educators Must Shift the Battle

Ratios Save Lives: Why Educators Must Shift the Battle New!

On July 15, educators are once again being called to walk off the job, demanding a 15% wage increase. It’s a familiar rallying cry, one we’ve heard in previous years, with little lasting change. Yet while wages matter, the government…
Negotiating Wages as an Early Childhood Teacher

Negotiating Wages as an Early Childhood Teacher

Negotiation is not just about money; it’s about recognition. As an ECT, you bring expertise, leadership, and stability to services. By approaching wage discussions with confidence and professionalism, you can ensure their contributions are valued and sustained.
Risky Play In OOSH Services

Risky Play In OOSH Services

Risky play in OOSH services is encouraged as a way to build children’s confidence, resilience, and risk-assessment skills, but it must be balanced with structured risk management and compliance practices.
Safety Meets Connection: Rethinking Roll Call in Large OSHC Centres

Safety Meets Connection: Rethinking Roll Call in Large OSHC Centres

In Out of School Hours care, educators manage large groups of children in dynamic environments where safety, belonging, and engagement must coexist. One of the most essential, yet often contested, practices is the roll call and headcount. This article explores…
Teaching OSHC Children About Reconciliation Week

Teaching OSHC Children About Reconciliation Week

For OOSH (Out of School Hours) children, Reconciliation Week topics should focus on identity, respect, caring for Country, storytelling, friendship, and truth-telling. These themes help children understand Australia’s shared history and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in age‑appropriate…
Embedding Reconciliation in Early Childhood Practice

Embedding Reconciliation in Early Childhood Practice

Reconciliation in early childhood is not a one‑week event; it’s a daily practice. Embedding reconciliation means weaving respect, truth‑telling, and cultural awareness into routines, environments, and relationships. For educators, this is about creating spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander…
Caring for Country in the Playground

Caring for Country in the Playground

In early childhood, the playground is more than a place to play; it's a living classroom. Caring for Country invites children to see the land as a friend, not just a space. Through simple, sensory experiences, educators can nurture respect…
Pre‑Shift Pay Rules for Early Childhood Educators

Pre‑Shift Pay Rules for Early Childhood Educators

Early childhood services often require staff to arrive before their rostered start time, to set up rooms, prepare learning materials, or ensure safety checks are complete. But when does this preparation count as paid work?
Forcing Children To Say Sorry

Forcing Children To Say Sorry

When children are pressured to immediately say “sorry” after causing harm, they often learn that apologies are just words, a quick escape from discomfort. This teaches compliance, not compassion. It can unintentionally encourage dishonesty, as children may say the words…
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