World Mental Health Day, on October 10th, provides an opportunity to nurture emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empathy in early childhood settings. For children, mental health isn’t about diagnoses, it’s about feeling safe, seen, and supported. The following article provides information on Why It Matters in Early Childhood, Activities for Young Children and more. 

International Music Day is on the 01st October. This day offers a powerful reminder that music is more than melody—it’s a language of connection, culture, and emotional expression. In early childhood settings, music becomes a bridge between generations, a tool for self-regulation, and a canvas for authentic child voice. Whether through spontaneous rhythm play, family-shared songs, or gentle lullabies, children experience music as a way to explore identity, build relationships, and express feelings beyond words.

As part of its commitment to expanding access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC), the NSW Department of Education is offering targeted support to providers through the Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT)—a $20 million program designed to help services test and trial new operating models. To help applicants navigate the competitive grant process, the department is hosting grant-writing workshops on the 25th of September, delivered online via MS Teams.

In a powerful step toward inclusive and culturally responsive education, early childhood educators across New South Wales are invited to a fee-free face-to-face workshop* with Jessica Staines, founder of Koori Curriculum, on Saturday, 1 November, at TAFE NSW Kingswood.

Developed by the NSW Department of Education Early Childhood, a free webinar for Family Day Care services has been developed to explore the Transition to School Digital Statement platform.

Bravehearts Day, held annually on 12 September, is a national child protection awareness initiative focused on preventing child sexual assault and promoting safe relationships. For early childhood educators, this day offers a chance to gently introduce foundational safety concepts through emotionally intelligent, developmentally appropriate practice.

The NSW Office of the Children's Guardian has developed a SAFE Series Protective Behaviors Program, which helps early childhood educators teach protective behaviours to children in their care. After the session, your service will receive 2 sets of SAFE Series books featuring our loveable SAFE Series stars Sam, Andy, Fiona, and Eve to help adults start conversations with young children about personal safety.

EPEC Education has developed a free webinar on strategies for safe hiring in the early childhood and care sectors. Join Dr. Mary Anne Hall in conversation with Annie Smeaton, Partner at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, as they share practical strategies for recruiting safely, addressing staff-related concerns, and making decisions that balance your duty of care with your legal obligations.

Early Childhood Australia has developed a free online course that introduces early childhood professionals to the concept of child-safe organisations and the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. It highlights everyone’s role in creating safe environments where children’s rights are respected, risks are reduced, and harm is identified and responded to appropriately. Suitable for all staff in education and care settings.

The ECEC Professional Learning Program will be conducting a free online webinar on "Building A Positive Workplace Culture," presented by Karthiga Viknarasah, on Thursday, 11 September 2025.