YES, programming, documentation, observation, assessment, reflection, and so much more, are part of our professional obligations as educators. It is the area that many find the most challenging, that causes them the biggest stress and anxiety, that sadly often causes conscientious educators to leave the profession.

With the increasing popularity in Australia of the American product Elf on the Shelf (EOTS), The Sector has prepared the following reflection which offers some perspective on the tradition in line with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the National Quality Standard (NQS) and the National Quality Framework (NQF), and its appropriateness for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) space.

Burnout is rife in the early childhood sector, with educators saying burnout, administrative overload and overwork are the reason they want to leave early. Alarmingly, up to 73% of educators say they wish to leave the sector in the next 5 years. Our educators are swimming against a fast-moving tide.