Articles

Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD) is celebrated on June 6, 2026. It was created by the Association for Butterflies to raise awareness about butterflies as pollinators, their habitats, and conservation needs. For early childhood educators, BEAD is a chance…

Sustainability isn’t just about recycling; it’s about helping children understand their role as caretakers of the planet. In OOSH settings, educators have a unique opportunity to weave eco-friendly practices into everyday routines, turning play and learning into powerful lessons about…

Rainy days don’t have to dampen the fun in OOSH! When outdoor play isn’t possible, educators can turn indoor time into an opportunity for creativity, movement, and laughter. Wet weather games are more than just "fillers"; they help children release…

The Zones of Regulation are a self-regulation framework that helps children identify and manage their emotions, energy, and attention. In OOSH settings, where children transition between school, home, and care environments, this tool can be especially powerful for fostering independence,…

At present, “under the roof” ratios are not yet formally abolished in law, but Education Ministers announced in February 2026 that they intend to remove this practice. ACECQA has flagged that ratios will soon be required per room, with educators…

Educational leaders play a crucial role in their early childhood service by ensuring that the educational program aligns with best practices and supports the holistic development of children. As per the Children's Services Award, educational leaders are given a yearly…

On July 15, educators are once again being called to walk off the job, demanding a 15% wage increase. It’s a familiar rallying cry, one we’ve heard in previous years, with little lasting change. Yet while wages matter, the government…

Negotiation is not just about money; it’s about recognition. As an ECT, you bring expertise, leadership, and stability to services. By approaching wage discussions with confidence and professionalism, you can ensure their contributions are valued and sustained.

The following activity ideas are mapped to each event, offering educators practical ways to embed experiences that connect with the EYLF outcomes. With five suggestions per event, educators can select and adapt activities to suit their group’s interests, environment, and…

Risky play in OOSH services is encouraged as a way to build children’s confidence, resilience, and risk-assessment skills, but it must be balanced with structured risk management and compliance practices.

In Out of School Hours care, educators manage large groups of children in dynamic environments where safety, belonging, and engagement must coexist. One of the most essential, yet often contested, practices is the roll call and headcount. This article explores…

For OOSH (Out of School Hours) children, Reconciliation Week topics should focus on identity, respect, caring for Country, storytelling, friendship, and truth-telling. These themes help children understand Australia’s shared history and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in age‑appropriate…