Early Childhood Education & Child Care News
Monday, December 15
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Caring for children after community tragedy

As the community comes to terms with the recent tragic events at Bondi Beach, our thoughts are with everyone affected, including those in the local area and across Australia who may be experiencing grief, fear or uncertainty.

2025-12-15 08:28:17

by Fiona Alston

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Allied health professionals and early childhood program providers invited to join Preschool Boost directory

Professionals and providers working in allied health and early childhood development are being invited to register their interest for inclusion on the Preschool Boost menu, a centralised online directory that connects early learning services with quality, evidence-informed programs that support young children and their families.

2025-12-15 07:45:57

by Fiona Alston

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Small ways to teach babies and toddlers body safety and consent in early learning

In early childhood education and care (ECEC), the concept of consent is often misunderstood as something too advanced for babies and toddlers. Yet, foundational learning around body safety, agency and respectful relationships begins in the earliest months of life, and early learning settings are uniquely placed to nurture it.

2025-12-15 08:00:40

by Fiona Alston

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Food safety in early learning centres: Protecting children through better practices 

In early learning centres, keeping children safe goes beyond supervision and creating nurturing learning environments. One of the most important ways children in care are protected happens in the kitchen and at mealtimes. Food safety in early childhood education and care settings is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a vital part of safeguarding the health of some of the most vulnerable members of the community, specifically children, who are considered a vulnerable population in the context of food safety. 

2025-12-15 07:45:24

by Contributed Content

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Bringing calm, connection and confidence to summer OSHC

Each summer brings renewed energy for Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), and with it, a shift in pace, rhythms and challenges. The new‑season holiday program can introduce longer days, merged groups, unfamiliar children, and increased intensity. Without intentional planning and care, these shifts may affect the wellbeing of both children and educators. 

2025-12-15 08:00:41

by Fiona Alston

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2025 Reimagine Australia Awards celebrate leadership in inclusive early childhood education

The 2025 Reimagine Australia Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in supporting children and families across the nation. The Inclusion Award recognises individuals or organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, accessibility and equitable participation for all children and families.

2025-12-15 07:30:19

by Fiona Alston

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Mandatory national child safety training goes live in February 2026: Register now via Geccko

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers and professionals across Australia are being urged to register for Geccko, ahead of the mandatory national child safety training rollout commencing 27 February 2026.

2025-12-12 08:01:48

by Fiona Alston

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Community-led early learning service opens in Alice Springs to support First Nations children

A new early childhood education and care service has opened in Alice Springs, increasing access to high-quality, culturally responsive education for local First Nations families.

2025-12-12 07:34:17

by Fiona Alston

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Hospital Kindy expands to regional Queensland, bringing early learning to young patients

2025-12-12 07:20:08

by Fiona Alston

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Children’s Services Award changes finalised to address gender-based undervaluation

2025-12-12 06:58:10

by Fiona Alston

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Fair Work Commission confirms forced resignation grounds in case involving early learning provider

2025-12-08 07:30:23

by Fiona Alston

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How one teacher is using Little J & Big Cuz to build empathy, understanding and confidence in First Nations learning

2025-12-08 07:15:19

by Fiona Alston

Upcoming Events

February 16, 2026

STEM Mathematics Workshop

February 17, 2026

STEM Hour: Drawing as a Tool for Children’s Early STEM Thinking

March 3, 2026

Responding to the 2024 Australian Early Development Census – building effective connections and partnerships

March 3, 2026

Online Workshop: Inquiry-Based STEM Projects Through Educator Experiences

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Doing work that matters: Two decades in early childhood education and care

2025-06-24 09:30:07

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Building harmony: How Hey Dee Ho strengthens early learning through music, connection and curriculum integration

2025-06-24 09:15:31

by Fiona Alston

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Educator wellbeing on the agenda at Workforce and Wellbeing Forum as Anthony Semann prepares to host panel of sector experts

2025-06-17 20:00:27

by Jason Roberts

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How Xap became more than just a tech partner for One Tree Community Services

2025-06-10 09:30:17

by Fiona Alston

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From conflict to connection: New program helps Aussie families master screens safely 

2025-12-12 07:30:49

by Fiona Alston

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Preparing children for school: How Weplay supports readiness through hands-on skill development

2025-12-09 11:05:21

by Fiona Alston

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Reflecting on 2025: Growth, innovation and community for Xplor Education childcare software

2025-12-09 07:30:45

by Fiona Alston

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The $150,000 risk to running your childcare centre: Why "spreadsheet compliance" won't survive the new NSW blitz

2025-12-02 07:00:30

by Fiona Alston

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It’s the people – full stop. Why early learning reforms must start with educators

Real reform in early learning has always hinged on one truth: if you get the people right, everything else follows. 

2025-12-05 05:28:48

by Fiona Alston

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Navigating organisational change: Redundancies and responsibility

As pressures mount across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) landscape, reports of redundancies are beginning to circulate within the sector. Growing tension is being felt by providers as they grapple with rising costs, changing policy expectations and evolving family needs.

2025-12-04 07:45:40

by Fiona Alston

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Professional bravery in ECEC: How reading the nervous system prevents behaviour escalation

Across early childhood settings, educators are reporting a rise in big emotions, sensory-based distress, and behaviour that seems to escalate faster than it once did. The increase is not due to a lack of skill within the workforce. It reflects the growing complexity of children’s developmental and sensory needs, combined with the heightened expectations placed on educators. In these moments, one skill consistently protects safety, reduces escalation, and strengthens relationships. Professional bravery.

2025-12-02 07:30:47

by Fiona Alston

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Why sustainability isn’t ‘one more thing’ on your to-do list

Are you an early childhood educator or leader who wants to make a difference but feels overwhelmed by the thought of adding sustainability to your full plate? You’re not alone. The good news is that sustainability doesn’t have to mean more work.

2025-11-28 07:30:04

by Fiona Alston

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