Articles

Family Day Care educators open their homes to children, balancing care, learning, and hygiene in a smaller, more personal environment than centres. With the release of the Biological Hazards Code of Practice in March 2026, childcare is formally recognised as…

Early childhood centres across Australia enforce strict no-phone and no-smartwatch policies to safeguard children. Educators are reminded daily that even the smallest device could compromise safety. Yet, many centres continue to post children’s faces on public social media platforms, often…

On 3 March 2026, Safe Work Australia released the Biological Hazards Code of Practice. For the first time, early childhood settings, is explicitly recognised as a workplace exposed to predictable biological hazards, things like bodily fluids, vomit, faecal matter, respiratory…

Gardening is more than a pastime; it’s a pedagogical tool that supports children’s development across multiple learning outcomes. For educators, introducing simple vegetables into the program provides opportunities for inquiry, sensory exploration, and healthy eating habits, while aligning with curriculum…

In OOSH services, educators are constantly looking for ways to balance energy, encourage wellbeing, and create calm transitions for children after a busy school day. Yoga in OOSH offers a simple, inclusive practice that combines movement, mindfulness, and fun. With…

Reward systems in OOSH settings can be a fun and engaging way to encourage positive behaviours, build community, and motivate children. Whether it’s a prize box filled with small treasures, a raffle system, or creative approaches like OOSH dollars, these…

In OOSH services, educators often support children with diverse abilities and needs. Some children may require additional accommodations, such as extra time to join activities, flexibility during group routines, or priority access to certain transitions. While these supports ensure equity,…

Toxic environments in early learning services can manifest as gossip, micromanagement, inconsistent policies, emotional invalidation, or even bullying. These psychosocial hazards are not just unpleasant—they’re legally and ethically significant under Work Health and Safety laws.

Capturing children’s voices is more than a compliance requirement; it’s about honouring their perspectives, embedding agency into curriculum, and strengthening partnerships with families. Here are practical strategies educators can use:

Teaching emotional attunement requires more than knowledge—it demands presence, practice, and a culture that values connection. This guide offers a layered approach to help educators grow their capacity to notice, interpret, and respond to emotional cues with care and confidence.

The concept of supervision zones is a practical strategy to enhance child safety and educator accountability where educators are assigned to actively supervise and engage with children.

When children dig, pour, smear, splash, squeeze, and explore, they’re not “making a mess.” They’re building the neural architecture that supports language, self-regulation, creativity, and problem‑solving. Sensory experiences are one of the most powerful, developmentally aligned ways children make sense…