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Speaking Up From The Inside: Why Educators Must Report Unsafe and Unethical Practices

Speaking Up From The Inside: Why Educators Must Report Unsafe and Unethical Practices

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.…
Unqualified and Unprepared: What Needs to Change

Unqualified and Unprepared: What Needs to Change

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…
Opinion: Should the “Under the Roof” Staffing Loophole Be Closed?

Opinion: Should the “Under the Roof” Staffing Loophole Be Closed?

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…
Opinion: Are Opt-In Intimate Care Waivers a Form of Discrimination Against Male Educators?

Opinion: Are Opt-In Intimate Care Waivers a Form of Discrimination Against Male Educators?

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…
We Care We Speak We Protect - A Practical Advocacy Guide for Early Childhood Educators

We Care We Speak We Protect - A Practical Advocacy Guide for Early Childhood Educators

In early childhood education, advocacy is not just about policy—it’s about protection. It’s about standing up for safe supervision, ethical staffing, and professional respect. When educators are unsupported, children are at risk. When educators are silenced, quality suffers. That’s why…
Four Eyes Policy

Four Eyes Policy

The Four Eyes Policy—also known as the Four Eyes Principle or Two-Person Rule—is a safeguarding and accountability measure that requires two adults to be present or able to observe during certain activities involving children. In childcare, especially in high-risk contexts…
Lulu Says Yes, Lulu Says No - Free Children's Story On Teaching Consent in Early Childhood

Lulu Says Yes, Lulu Says No - Free Children's Story On Teaching Consent in Early Childhood

In a world where children are constantly learning how to navigate relationships, boundaries, and emotions, Lulu Says Yes, Lulu Says No is a free children's story to introduce the concept of consent. Through the eyes of Lulu the Ladybug, children…
NAIDOC Week Celebration Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers

NAIDOC Week Celebration Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers

NAIDOC Week is a powerful opportunity to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in ways that are respectful, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful. The following article provides a list of celebration ideas tailored for early childhood…
Keeping Children Safe: Practical Solutions in Light of the Melbourne Abuse Case

Keeping Children Safe: Practical Solutions in Light of the Melbourne Abuse Case

The recent tragedy is a stark reminder that compliance alone is not enough. Despite holding a valid Working with Children Check, the alleged offender was able to exploit systemic gaps. It calls for a renewed commitment to proactive safeguarding, transparent…
Letter To Families That Acknowledges Their Concerns and Your Services Commitment To Children's Safety

Letter To Families That Acknowledges Their Concerns and Your Services Commitment To Children's Safety

In light of the recent events, it's important for services to reassure families that this incident should not deter them from sending their child to care and from trusting in early childhood education. The following is a compassionate and professionally…
Rebuilding Trust: Importance Of Reassuring Parents On Their Child's Safety

Rebuilding Trust: Importance Of Reassuring Parents On Their Child's Safety

In the wake of disturbing child abuse allegations at a Melbourne early learning centre, families across the country have been left shaken. These events cast long shadows—not just over the centre involved but over the broader early childhood education community.…
Protecting Children: A “Look-For” Guide for Recognising Grooming and Supporting Early Intervention in ECE

Protecting Children: A “Look-For” Guide for Recognising Grooming and Supporting Early Intervention in ECE

In light of ongoing reforms to Working with Children Check legislation across Australia, especially following serious child safety breaches, early childhood education (ECE) centres are called to rethink how safeguarding is embedded into everyday practice.
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