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 in months—sometimes with no genuine workplace experience and questionable oversight.

The Australian Skills Quality Authority, in collaboration with HumanAbility and sector partners, has released updated guidance to strengthen how early childhood education and care students are assessed during workplace placements. This article unpacks the key elements of the guidance, highlights unacceptable practices, and offers best-practice recommendations for registered training organisations and ECEC services.

In New South Wales, a disturbing trend is emerging: early childhood education students are paying thousands of dollars for contract cheating services—outsourcing assignments to third parties, often via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp. Some are reportedly using these fraudulent qualifications to fast-track visa approvals and bypass the very training meant to prepare them to support, nurture, and educate our youngest citizens.

Thousands of educators entered the field armed with certificates but short on competence. Driven by profit motives and migration incentives, several education providers offered one-year diplomas with minimal oversight and limited practical learning. This is not just a compliance issue—it’s a moral imperative. The following article provides strategies on how the sector can rebuild quality and credibility.

In a sweeping move to restore integrity to Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has revoked an estimated 10,700 that were linked to early childhood education and care in late 2024. Providers like Luvium Pty Ltd and Gills College were found to have issued credentials without proper training or assessment.

Australia’s early childhood education sector is facing a crisis of confidence, with a growing number of insiders warning that fast-tracked qualification courses are putting children at serious risk. A recent investigation by ABC’s Adele Ferguson and Chris Gillett has exposed a troubling trend: education providers, driven by profit and immigration incentives, are flooding the sector with underprepared graduates—many of whom lack the skills, understanding, and commitment necessary to ensure children’s safety and well-being.

Here are some effective study planning techniques and tools to support students in staying organized and productive. This article provides information on Study Planning Techniques, Study Planning Tools, How To Manage Multiple Modules In A Cluster, Week By Week Study Plan, Daily Study Schedule Example, Weekly Study Breakdown Example, Study Tips While At Work and more. 

A: A jotting observation is a concise and informal way to document significant events, behaviors, or interactions. These observations are typically brief, focusing on specific moments rather than a sequence of events. They provide a snapshot of a child's interests, development, or skills and can be recorded in various formats, such as notebooks or post-it notes.

There are a significant number of educators undertaking study to gain formal qualifications. There is also a need for educators in the early childhood workforce, who are undertaking study, to feel supported to strive to achieve their career goals and remain in the workforce. Leading Learning Circles for Educators Engaged in Study is designed to assist pedagogical leaders in supporting educators in their service who are undertaking study. The following article provides information on What Is Leading Learning Circles for Educators Engaged in Study, How Does This Helps Educators Who Are Studying, How To Get Started, Roadmap To Get Started, Reflective Questions, Examples Of Connecting Theory To Practice and Leading Learning Circles for Educators Engaged in Study Resource. 

Attachment theory is a key concept in developmental psychology that examines the importance of early relationships between children and their Educators.The following article provides information on What Is Attachment Theory, Key Aspects of Attachment Theory, Significance of Strong, Secure Attachments, Practical Strategies For Attachment Theory, How Lack Of Attachment Can Impact On Development and more.