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.

In the fast-paced world, leadership isn’t just about compliance or curriculum; it’s about connection. One of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools in a leader’s toolkit is the humble check-in ritual. These moments of intentional pause can transform team dynamics, foster psychological safety, and embed a culture of care into the everyday rhythm of a service.

A “Look-For” guide is a practical tool used by educational leaders and mentors to identify and reflect on key indicators of quality practice during observations, walkthroughs, or self-assessments. Think of it as a lens—it helps you focus on what matters most in a learning environment.

An educational leader in early childhood plays a pivotal role in shaping not just curriculum, but the entire culture of a service. The following article provides information on standout qualities that define effective leadership in this space and applying these qualities to a service. 

Under the Children’s Services Award 2010, an allowance is payable to an educator formally appointed as the Educational Leader under Regulation 118 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011. From 01 July, the educational leader's allowance will be paid based on the number of days per week you are appointed in the Educational Leader role. 

This template is to be used for assessing and enhancing the quality of reflections.