Articles

In early childhood education, numbers matter. Ratios often dominate policy debates, but group size, the total number of children in a room, can be just as critical. As policymakers revisit standards, group size caps are emerging as a safeguard for…

In early childhood education, leadership is not just about titles; it’s about responsibility, trust, and the ability to step in when needed. One role that often sparks discussion is the Second-in-Charge (2IC). What does this position really mean, and how…

Early childhood education is a dynamic and deeply relational field. Educators are constantly navigating children’s diverse needs, family expectations, and systemic requirements. To sustain quality practice, reflection is essential. Reflection allows educators to pause, analyze experiences, and adapt their approaches…

Art in early childhood is far more than paint, paper, and glue it is a language of identity, exploration, and meaning‑making. When children create freely, they reveal how they see the world, how they solve problems, and how they express…

Children experience adult communication not just through words, but through tone, emotional energy, facial expression, and body language. Two interactions may be equally loud, yet feel completely different to a child. Understanding this distinction is essential for safeguarding, trauma‑informed practice,…

A: While stencils can sometimes support fine motor skills and tracing practice, the EYLF and NQS place a strong emphasis on child‑directed, open‑ended experiences that nurture creativity, agency, and authentic expression. This means the real issue isn’t whether stencils are…

A: The short answer: Yes, in most cases. While ACECQA requires practicums as part of qualifications, the rule that some hours must be completed outside the current workplace is usually enforced by training providers (TAFEs, RTOs, universities). This ensures diverse…

Morning group time sets the tone for the day in early childhood settings. For children aged 3–5, this is a golden opportunity to build belonging, strengthen language, nurture rhythm, and ease transitions into play and learning. A well‑designed group time…

The EYLF provides a foundation for quality early childhood education in Australia. At its heart are the five learning outcomes, which guide educators in supporting children’s holistic development. These outcomes—Identity, Community, Well-being, Learning, and Communication—are essential, but remembering them in…

Reflections are powerful tools for growth, learning, and connection. Whether used in education, professional practice, or personal journaling, a strong reflection goes beyond recounting events—it captures authentic experiences, explores emotions, and identifies lessons that shape future actions. This checklist is…

“Thank You for the Memories” is a beautifully crafted end‑of‑year portfolio template designed to help educators farewell each child with warmth, gratitude, and a lasting memento of their time in care. Simple yet deeply meaningful, this template captures the emotional…

Despite the overwhelming volume of documentation educators are expected to complete, the National Law and National Regulations do not require endless observations, daily learning stories, or long‑form essays about children’s learning. ACECQA’s own guidance for approved providers emphasises that documentation…