Childcare leader fosters a dedication to reconciliation within the next generation 

In recognition of NAIDOC Week 2025, one of Queensland’s leading early childhood education  providers is leading by example, with all company services embedding an understanding of reconciliation within the next generation of Australians. 

Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS) has long prioritised their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP)  across all 24 of its Southeast Queensland centres, integrating Indigenous culture and history into learning programs and curriculum. 

QCCS General Manager Laura Faalili said recognising the importance of reconciliation in practice was integral to shaping a deep understanding of First Nations people’s culture, traditions and history  within children and families of our services. 

“At QCCS, we’ve been careful to ensure that reconciliation is woven into our daily and weekly  routines, including a daily Acknowledgement of Country with the children, sharing Dreamtime stories,  and exploring Indigenous perspectives through art and music,” Ms Faalili said. 

“Recently, children of The Woods Early Education Centre at Ashgrove created a ‘Sea of Hearts’ artwork as part of our National Reconciliation Week activities. These messages of reconciliation  created a visual representation of a commitment to unity and understanding which we found sparked  many conversations among the children and their educators.” 

Throughout NAIDOC Week, QCCS educators will be wearing ‘Yarn’ shirts to encourage conversations  around the ‘Sea of Hearts’ initiative. 

Though NAIDOC Week marks an important moment to reflect upon action towards reconciliation,  QCCS is committed towards working year-round to embed reconciliation into the routines and  rituals across our centres, helping children to understand the richness of First Nations cultures.  

For QCCS, reconciliation in practice also includes storytelling using books by First Nations authors,  and incorporating language, songs and cultural resources into classroom planning, as well as building  relationships with First Nations people in local communities. 

The year-round integration of the RAPs into centre activities is designed to foster natural interest,  respect and appreciation of cultures from across Australia. 

“These activities and learning opportunities don’t just happen during National Reconciliation Week  and NAIDOC Week. We actively work to ensure our RAP and vision of embedding cultures into our  curriculum is not just a statement, but a living practice,” Ms Faalili said. 

“By focussing on respectful and age-appropriate learning, we can shape an appreciation and  understanding of the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture within the next generation.” 

To find out more about QCCS values and commitment to inspired learning and development, visit the QCCS website.