OOSH Educators Day 2026 shines a spotlight on the professionals behind school-age care

Every day, outside school hours (OOSH) educators create safe, engaging and inclusive environments where children can play, learn and build meaningful relationships. OOSH Educators Day 2026 is an opportunity to recognise the professionalism, dedication and lasting impact of the workforce supporting children before school, after school and during vacation care.

While much of the early childhood conversation focuses on long day care and preschool, outside school hours care (OSHC) educators play an equally important role in children's learning, wellbeing and development.

Working across before-school care, after-school care and vacation care programs, OOSH educators provide environments where children can explore their interests, develop independence, strengthen friendships and enjoy opportunities for play beyond the classroom.

Each year, the Network of Community Activities (NCA) coordinates OOSH Educators Day to celebrate the contribution these professionals make to children, families, schools and communities across Australia.

Services can find event information, celebration resources and ways to get involved on the OOSH Educators Day webpage.

OOSH educators support children during important parts of the day when relationships, belonging and wellbeing are at the forefront of children's experiences.

Their work extends well beyond supervision, creating opportunities for children to:

• build friendships and social confidence
• explore their interests through child-led play
• develop independence and decision-making skills
• participate in creative, recreational and wellbeing experiences
• feel safe, included and connected.

These experiences contribute to children's confidence, resilience and sense of belonging while complementing learning that takes place during the school day.

Established by the Network of Community Activities, OOSH Educators Day celebrates the professionalism and expertise of educators working in outside school hours care while raising awareness of the important role the sector plays in children's lives.

The annual event encourages families, schools and communities to acknowledge the contribution educators make every day and recognise the value of high-quality OSHC programs.

Recognition has become increasingly important as the sector continues to respond to workforce challenges while meeting growing demand for flexible, high-quality care for school-aged children.

Services are encouraged to recognise OOSH educators in ways that are meaningful to their teams and communities.

Ideas include:

• inviting children and families to share messages of appreciation
• creating displays celebrating educators' achievements and contributions
• acknowledging professional development milestones and years of service
• sharing stories about educators' impact through newsletters or social media
• hosting a morning tea or community celebration.

Simple gestures of appreciation can help strengthen workplace culture and highlight the important contribution educators make every day.

High-quality outside school hours care supports far more than children's supervision before and after school.

Educators foster environments where children can build relationships, strengthen social and emotional skills, explore new interests and develop confidence through play and recreation.

These experiences contribute to children's overall wellbeing while supporting families and strengthening connections between schools and their communities.

As the OSHC sector continues to grow, initiatives such as OOSH Educators Day provide an opportunity to recognise the professionalism, passion and commitment of a workforce that plays an essential role in children's lives.

More information, including celebration ideas and downloadable resources, is available on the Network of Community Activities' OOSH Educators Day page.