Articles

Preparing children for the leap into formal schooling involves more than academic knowledge—it means supporting their holistic development across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. This checklist supports educators and families in identifying foundational skills and strengths, in alignment with…

Snakes are one of nature's most fascinating creatures, often misunderstood yet deeply woven into Australia’s unique biodiversity and Indigenous culture. By exploring native Australian snakes through play and learning, children can develop respect for wildlife, connect to Country, and expand…

Stories shape how children make sense of their world. When we tell stories through a trauma-informed lens, we offer safety, build resilience, and honour each child’s experience. The following article provides information on Core Principles, Why It Matters, In Practice, …

Setting children up for a confident and joyful start to school begins long before the first bell. This guide brings together evidence-informed strategies, play-based activities, and partnership ideas to help preschoolers develop the skills, independence, and emotional resilience they need…

This past week has challenged our sector—and stretched our hearts. But in the wake of uncertainty, we find courage. We come together. And we lead with purpose. This article is dedicated to helping educators process, reflect, and rise stronger.

When a qualification is cancelled by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), it sets off a chain of consequences for educators, employers, and the broader vocational education sector. Here's a breakdown of what happens. The following article provides information on …

As CCTV becomes a more common feature in Australian early learning centres, especially in response to safeguarding concerns, a critical question emerges: Are these systems truly protecting children—or exposing them to new risks?

As early childhood services increasingly consider CCTV to bolster child safety and meet compliance expectations, the discussion around surveillance is expanding beyond regulation into ethics, dignity, and children's rights. At the heart of this conversation lies one critical question: When…

In the heart of every early learning center, educators hold a uniquely powerful role—not just as teachers, but as advocates for children's safety and well-being. When unsafe, inappropriate, or unethical practices arise, educators are often the first to witness them.…

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…

The “under the roof” rule allows childcare centres to meet staffing ratios by counting all educators on-site, regardless of whether they are physically present in rooms with children. This means a centre may appear compliant on paper, even if individual…

An opt-in intimate care waiver is a formal consent form offered by some early childhood education and care (ECEC) services that allows families to choose whether male educators can perform intimate care tasks—such as nappy changes, toileting, or dressing—for their…