The idea of $10‑a‑day childcare sounds appealing, especially for families struggling with the cost of living. But a new report commissioned by the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) warns that the funding model behind this proposal could have serious consequences for…
At the centre of this case is an incident captured on CCTV at an early learning service in Bathurst, where 18‑year‑old educator Hayley Kelleher grabbed and dragged a three‑year‑old boy by the arm during rest time. The child was not…
The Fair Work Commission has introduced important changes to how cooks are classified and paid under the Children’s Services Award 2010. These changes recognise that many cooks in early childhood settings perform responsibilities that go beyond food preparation and contribute…
Over the next five years, educators across the sector will see steady, structured wage increases designed to lift pay to the new benchmark rates for each qualification level. These increases begin with a 5% rise in March 2026, followed by…
On 10 December 2025, the Fair Work Commission issued a major determination affecting the Children’s Services Award 2010 (MA000120). These changes form part of the Gender-Based Undervaluation Priority Review, recognising long‑standing inequities in early childhood. The updated award will come…
Regulatory authorities across Australia have identified staffing as a priority area, with a strong focus on ensuring educators hold valid, authentic qualifications. Unfortunately, fraudulent certificates continue to circulate, and some are sophisticated enough to fool even experienced leaders. This article…
***WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT*** Victorian detectives have laid 83 additional charges against former Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, expanding the total number of alleged offences to 156. The new charges stem from the identification of four additional alleged victims, alongside…
In April 2025, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) issued a provisional decision recommending staged award increases to address the undervaluation of early childhood educators; however, a final ruling has not yet been handed down.
Recent commentary has highlighted a striking statistic: 90% of new childcare providers in Australia are run for profit. This raises a fundamental question is this really how we want to run education in Australia? Early childhood education and care is…
The Australian Government is rolling out unannounced spot checks across Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services nationwide. This follows a successful pilot in October–November 2025. The program is designed to strengthen compliance, lift standards, and give families confidence that…
Early childhood teachers across Victoria are sounding the alarm over new childcare reforms, warning that the changes are piling administrative burdens onto staff and eroding the joy of teaching.
An early learning centre in Mandurah, Western Australia, has been left devastated after an alleged arson attack caused extensive damage estimated at $500,000.
Opening Soon: Professional Development Subsidy – National Child Safety Training +
The Professional Development Subsidy – National Child Safety Training will be open for applications on 28 April 2026, giving providers the opportunity to strengthen staff skills…Read More
The Professional Development Subsidy – National Child Safety Training will be open for applications on 28 April 2026, giving providers the opportunity to strengthen staff skills… Read More
