Articles

Progressive mealtimes are a flexible, child-centred approach where children eat in small, staggered groups rather than all at once. This method is particularly effective in larger groups, as it reduces stress, supports autonomy, and creates calmer routines.

Art displays in early childhood settings are more than colourful walls, they are living stories of children’s growth, identity, and imagination. When thoughtfully curated, displays become powerful pedagogical tools that celebrate children’s voices, document their learning journeys, and invite families…

Portfolios in childcare are living records of children’s learning journeys. They capture growth, creativity, and identity while serving as evidence for compliance with the EYLF and NQS. More than folders of artwork, they are storytelling tools that celebrate belonging, being,…

Australia Day, observed on 26 January, is a day of celebration for some but a day of mourning for many First Nations peoples. As educators, we hold the responsibility to model respect, inclusion, and truth-telling. Reframing the day as Our…

Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage that often begins around 6–12 months of age. For educators, understanding and responding to this stage with empathy and practical strategies can make a significant difference in supporting both children and families.

The following article provides information on Expectations, Documentation Requirements, Tips and Hacks to help you navigate within the work environments as a first-time ECT graduate.

The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a national benchmark for the quality of education and care services and includes seven quality areas that are important to outcomes for children. In each quality area, there are two or three standards. These…

The start of a new year in the babies’ room is more than a calendar change; it’s a chance to reset, renew, and reimagine the environment where our youngest learners begin their journey. Creating a space that nurtures belonging, safety,…

The wellbeing of educators is not peripheral to quality practice—it is central. The health of those leading early childhood programs directly influences the emotional climate of classrooms, the strength of family partnerships, and the resilience of sector teams. When educators…

The parent area in an early childhood service is more than just a sign-in/sign-out point. It is the first and last space families encounter each day, shaping their impressions of the service and influencing how connected they feel to their…

From the moment babies begin to drop spoons from their highchair to the elaborate delivery services preschoolers invent with carts and clipboards, children are engaging in schematic play. These repeated patterns of exploration, transporting, locating, seriation, combining, collecting, enveloping, and…

In early childhood education, behaviour is often misinterpreted as something to be “managed” or “corrected.” But behaviour is not simply behavior; it is communication. Every cry, tantrum, refusal, or withdrawal is a message about what a child needs. When educators…