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. 

The Sea of Fish Challenge is a national initiative that invites children, educators, families, and communities to create and display fish artworks as a symbol of unity, culture, and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s a creative way to embed First Nations perspectives into early childhood settings. The following article provides information on the Purpose, How To Participate, Display ideas, Educator Tips and more. 

Here are some heartfelt and playful ideas for an educator that is leaving the service. 

Intentional consideration is such a powerful practice — where every interaction and choice can shape a child’s experience. At its heart, it’s about pausing to purposefully reflect before acting, planning, or responding. It's the difference between doing something because “we’ve always done it that way” and doing it because it's best for the children, families, and community you serve.