An opt-in intimate care waiver is a formal consent form offered by some early childhood education and care (ECEC) services that allows families to choose whether male educators can perform intimate care tasks—such as nappy changes, toileting, or dressing—for their child. On the surface, this seems like a reasonable compromise: empower families, protect children, and avoid blanket bans on male staff. But scratch beneath the surface, and a deeper question emerges: Are we quietly institutionalizing gender discrimination?

In early childhood education, advocacy is not just about policy—it’s about protection. It’s about standing up for safe supervision, ethical staffing, and professional respect. When educators are unsupported, children are at risk. When educators are silenced, quality suffers. That’s why now, more than ever, we must speak. This article is a call to action. It’s a guide for educators who care deeply, who speak bravely, and who protect fiercely. Whether you're raising a concern for the first time or supporting a colleague who feels unheard, this resource will help you advocate with confidence, professionalism, and purpose—backed by the National Quality Standard, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics.

The Four Eyes Policy—also known as the Four Eyes Principle or Two-Person Rule—is a safeguarding and accountability measure that requires two adults to be present or able to observe during certain activities involving children. In childcare, especially in high-risk contexts like intimate care or one-on-one interactions, this principle helps protect both children and educators.

The recent tragedy is a stark reminder that compliance alone is not enough. Despite holding a valid Working with Children Check, the alleged offender was able to exploit systemic gaps. It calls for a renewed commitment to proactive safeguarding, transparent communication, and a culture where children’s rights and voices are at the centre of everything we do. The The following article provides information on: Beyond Background Checks: Rethinking Recruitment, Active Supervision and Safe Environments, Clear Codes of Conduct, Mandatory and Ongoing Training, Empowering Children and Elevating Their Voices, Reassuring and Engaging Families, Leadership and Accountability, Advocating for Systemic Reform and more.

In light of the recent events, it's important for services to reassure families that this incident should not deter them from sending their child to care and from trusting in early childhood education. The following is a compassionate and professionally grounded sample letter that acknowledges parents’ concerns while reassuring them of your center’s commitment to safety, transparency, and trust. This letter may be used, edited, and adapted for your particular service to reassure families that their concerns are valid and their children are safe. 

In the wake of disturbing child abuse allegations at a Melbourne early learning centre, families across the country have been left shaken. These events cast long shadows—not just over the centre involved but over the broader early childhood education community. Understandably, parents are seeking clarity, reassurance, and transparency. The following article provides information on Why Reassurance is Crucial, Strategies to Reassure Families About Their Child Safety Concerns, Letter to Families, Creating a Safety Culture Beyond the Headlines and more. 

Mindsets in early childhood are foundational beliefs children form about themselves, their abilities, and how they relate to the world. These beliefs begin to take shape through everyday experiences, interactions, and the language used by adults around them. The following article provides information on Key Mindsets, How Do These Mindsets Relate To The EYLF Outcomes, What Activities Can Foster These Mindsets In Children and more. 

In light of ongoing reforms to Working with Children Check legislation across Australia, especially following serious child safety breaches, early childhood education (ECE) centres are called to rethink how safeguarding is embedded into everyday practice.

For babies, the Acknowledgment of Country is often expressed through sensory-rich, rhythmic, and visual experiences that help them connect to the land and its Traditional Custodians in developmentally appropriate ways. The following article provides Acknowledgment Of Country Ideas For The Babies Room. 

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.