A: Dealing with negative behaviors such as passive aggressiveness, negativity, gossiping, cliques, favoritism, and a lack of motivation within an educator team is a challenging yet critical leadership task. These behaviours not only disrupt team cohesion but can also trickle down and impact the learning environment provided for the children. Drawing on experiences shared within the Educational Leaders and EYLF/NQS support groups, here are some strategies and points to consider:
Higher duties in the Children's Services Award refer to situations where an educator temporarily performs tasks or responsibilities that belong to a higher classification or position than their usual role. During this time, appropriate compensation should be awarded.
Rotation schema refers to a pattern of engagement where spinning, twirling, and circular motions tap into a child's innate fascination with movement and rhythm. It’s a developmental window into how children explore and understand the world around them.
The trajectory schema is one of the key patterns observed in schematic play, where children explore movement—particularly the paths objects take when they are thrown, dropped, or otherwise in motion.
Sharing circles are a powerful tool for fostering collaboration, reflection, and connection among educators in early childhood settings. They create a safe and inclusive space where educators can share experiences, challenges, and successes, promoting professional growth and emotional well-being. Here are some insights and ideas based on the concept of sharing circles.
Empowering educator well-being and belonging is about creating an environment where educators feel seen, supported, and valued—not just as professionals, but as whole people. When educators feel that what they do truly matters, they’re more engaged, resilient, and effective in fostering meaningful connections with children. Here are some ways to bring this into everyday practice.
Shifting toward a more interactive culture requires intentional, supportive practice. Here are some ideas to encourage educators to actively engage with children.
A RAP, or Reconciliation Action Plan, is a formal framework designed to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It outlines practical actions to foster respectful relationships, create opportunities, and celebrate the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The following article provides information on How To Develop A RAP, Examples of Initiatives To Include In A RAP, Creating A Reconciliation Action Plan, RAP Framework, Examples, and more.
Schematic play refers to repeated patterns of behavior that children exhibit as they explore the world around them. These behaviors, known as schemas, are essential for understanding how things work and for brain development. The following article provides information on Nine Schemas in Young Children's Play, How To Encourage Schematic Play, Activity Ideas For Schema Play and more.
Here is the list of the EYLF Learning Outcomes that you can use as a guide or reference for your documentation and planning. The EYLF… Read More
The EYLF is a guide which consists of Principles, Practices and 5 main Learning Outcomes along with each of their sub outcomes, based on identity,… Read More
This is a guide on How to Write a Learning Story. It provides information on What Is A Learning Story, Writing A Learning Story, Sample… Read More
One of the most important types of documentation methods that educators needs to be familiar with are “observations”. Observations are crucial for all early childhood… Read More
To support children achieve learning outcomes from the EYLF Framework, the following list gives educators examples of how to promote children's learning in each individual… Read More
Reflective practice is learning from everyday situations and issues and concerns that arise which form part of our daily routine while working in an early… Read More
When observing children, it's important that we use a range of different observation methods from running records, learning stories to photographs and work samples. Using… Read More
Within Australia, Programming and Planning is reflected and supported by the Early Years Learning Framework. Educators within early childhood settings, use the EYLF to guide… Read More
This is a guide for educators on what to observe under each sub learning outcome from the EYLF Framework, when a child is engaged in… Read More
The Early Years Learning Framework describes the curriculum as “all the interactions, experiences, activities, routines and events, planned and unplanned, that occur in an environment… Read More
Involving children in documentation in early childhood education can be a powerful way to engage...
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Here’s a thoughtfully curated list of 20 autism-friendly activities that align beautifully with inclusive early...
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Educator ratios must be upheld at all times, including during care tasks unless supervision is...
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