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Beyond the Book: Why Declining Reading Rates Are a Symptom of Deeper Systemic Gaps in Early Childhood Education

Beyond the Book: Why Declining Reading Rates Are a Symptom of Deeper Systemic Gaps in Early Childhood Education

A recent report shared by 7NEWS Australia warns of a troubling trend: fewer Australian parents are reading to their children. While the headline sparks concern about declining literacy and emotional development, it risks overlooking a deeper reality—one that goes far…
Sound Before Sight: Why Phoneme Awareness Is the Hidden Key to Literacy Equity

Sound Before Sight: Why Phoneme Awareness Is the Hidden Key to Literacy Equity

In a world where classroom outcomes are often skewed by postcode, language background, or parental education, one early predictor quietly cuts through the noise: phoneme awareness. As Brady (2020) starkly highlights, this foundational skill outranks intelligence and socioeconomic status when…
Ratios and Burnout: The Hidden Cost of “Minimum Standards” in Early Childhood Education

Ratios and Burnout: The Hidden Cost of “Minimum Standards” in Early Childhood Education

In early childhood education, minimum ratios is one of the most insidious drivers of burnout across the sector. When minimum standards become maximum limits, educators are expected to absorb overwhelming cognitive and emotional loads while maintaining composure, care, and compliance.…
Safe Ratio Recommendations In Early Childhood Services

Safe Ratio Recommendations In Early Childhood Services

In early childhood education and care, ratios are more than a technicality—they are a frontline safeguard. Every child deserves responsive supervision, emotional connection, and developmental support. Yet in Australia, the current staff-to-child ratio standards may meet regulatory requirements, but they…
Detecting Fast-Tracked Early Childhood Qualifications in Interviews

Detecting Fast-Tracked Early Childhood Qualifications in Interviews

When unraveling whether a candidate has shortcut their Early Childhood Education (ECE) training, structured interviews and targeted questions can expose gaps in real-world competence. Fast-track or “vacation” pathways have raised alarm after thousands of candidates completed diplomas and graduate qualifications…
Opinion: Are Current Childcare Staffing Ratios Enough to Keep Children Safe?

Opinion: Are Current Childcare Staffing Ratios Enough to Keep Children Safe?

Across Australia, regulated staffing ratios aim to safeguard children in early learning settings. However, a growing number of incidents reveal that meeting these minimum requirements on paper doesn’t always translate into active, vigilant supervision. Below are several case studies that…
Q: How Does Opening With 2 Cert 3's Classify As Meeting The 50/50 Requirements For Diploma To Cert Ratio?

Q: How Does Opening With 2 Cert 3's Classify As Meeting The 50/50 Requirements For Diploma To Cert Ratio?

A: This typically refers to opening a room or service with two educators holding Certificate III qualifications. The assumption is that the third staff member (when added) would be diploma-qualified, allowing the team to meet the 50/50 ratio requirement—which mandates…
Reporting An Early Childhood Service

Reporting An Early Childhood Service

If you need to report an early childhood service, there are clear steps you can take depending on the nature of the issue and your location. Here's a breakdown to guide you:
What To Do When A Family Requests That Male Educators Not Change Their Child’s Nappy

What To Do When A Family Requests That Male Educators Not Change Their Child’s Nappy

When a family requests that male educators not change their child’s nappy, it touches on safeguarding, inclusion, and professional boundaries all at once. Here’s a way to navigate it thoughtfully.
Q: Can A Cert 3 Open and Close With Someone Who Is Working Towards Their Qualification

Q: Can A Cert 3 Open and Close With Someone Who Is Working Towards Their Qualification

A: Under the National Quality Framework (NQF), every time a centre-based early childhood service is open—whether at opening, throughout the day, or at closing—there must be at least one Responsible Person physically present and on duty.
Trauma-Informed Storytelling

Trauma-Informed Storytelling

Stories shape how children make sense of their world. When we tell stories through a trauma-informed lens, we offer safety, build resilience, and honour each child’s experience. The following article provides information on Core Principles, Why It Matters, In Practice, …
How To Prepare Preschoolers For School - School Readiness Guide For Educators

How To Prepare Preschoolers For School - School Readiness Guide For Educators

Setting children up for a confident and joyful start to school begins long before the first bell. This guide brings together evidence-informed strategies, play-based activities, and partnership ideas to help preschoolers develop the skills, independence, and emotional resilience they need…
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