Countdown begins for OOSH Educators' Day 2026: valuing OOSH educators every day

The countdown has officially begun for OOSH Educators' Day     2026, with services across Australia preparing to celebrate the   people at the heart of Outside School Hours Services on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

The countdown has officially begun for OOSH Educators' Day 2026, with services across Australia preparing to celebrate the people at the heart of Outside School Hours Services on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

With just over one week to go,excitement is building across the sector as educators, children, families and communities prepare to recognise the extraordinary contribution of the professionals who care for, inspire and support more than half a million Australian children every day.

This year's theme, "Valuing OOSH Educators Every Day," acknowledges the year-round dedication of educators who provide far more than before and after school care. They create environments where children build friendships, develop confidence, explore new interests, strengthen resilience and learn life skills that often cannot be taught within the traditional school day.

Today, more than 5,000 OOSH services operate across Australia, making the sector one of the fastest growing parts of early childhood education and care and representing around 25 percent of the education and care workforce. These services provide the essential wrap-around care that enables hundreds of thousands of parents and carers to participate in the workforce while ensuring children have safe, engaging and enriching play environments outside school hours.

What began as a small grassroots initiative in New South Wales has grown into a nationally recognised celebration of the OOSH/OSHC profession.

Originally established by the Network of Community Activities and inspired by passionate educators including Roz White from Wilberforce Out of School Hours Care, OOSH Educators' Day has become an opportunity for the entire nation to recognise the educators who make such a significant difference in children's lives.

Pauline O'Kane, CEO of the Network of Community Activities (peak body for NSW OOSH services), said the growth of OOSH Educators' Day reflects the increasing recognition of a profession that has long worked quietly behind the scenes.

"When we first launched this initiative as a local grassroots movement in NSW, our goal was simple, to ensure OOSH educators received the recognition they deserved."

"To see it grow into a national celebration is incredibly rewarding and a testament to the essential role OOSH educators play in supporting children, families and communities across Australia."

"School hours simply do not align with the realities of modern family life. Without OOSH educators, thousands of parents would not be able to participate in the workforce. They are an essential part of Australia's education and care system."

"For many children, OOSH is where they discover new interests, develop confidence, build friendships, practise leadership, solve problems and learn important life skills through play. These are experiences that complement what happens in school and help children thrive."

"Our educators are far more than supervisors. They are mentors, advocates, role models and trusted adults who create places where children feel safe, valued and able to be themselves."

"This year's theme reminds us that while we celebrate OOSH educators on one special day, they deserve to be valued every day of the year."

Roz White, founder of OOSH Educators' Day, said seeing the celebration grow from a conversation among educators into a nationwide event has been deeply rewarding.

"To see a small movement that started as a conversation with a group of OOSH educators, and one person's determination to bring it to life, grow into a national celebration is incredibly moving."

"The goal was always to shine a light on the incredible work happening across our sector every single day and to recognise educators whose contributions don't always receive the recognition they deserve."

"This year's theme is a beautiful reminder that our educators aren't just valued on one day, they're valued every day for the difference they make in the lives of children, families and communities."

"As the founder of OOSH Educators' Day, I couldn't be prouder to see how this celebration has grown. It belongs to every educator who has embraced it, shared it and helped it become what it is today. My passion for our sector has never wavered, and my hope is that this day reminds every OOSH educator just how respected, appreciated and valued they are, not only today, but every day."

While buildings, equipment and programs all contribute to quality services, it is the educators who bring them to life. Every morning, afternoon and school holiday, OOSH professionals create welcoming environments where children can play, learn, belong and flourish.

In the lead-up to 29 July, services across Australia are being encouraged to celebrate by hosting appreciation events, sharing educator stories, inviting families and schools to acknowledge their educators, and encouraging children to express their thanks through artwork, letters and creative activities.

As Australia prepares to celebrate OOSH Educators' Day 2026, the message is simple:

When we value OOSH educators, we value children, families, communities and the essential role these professionals play in helping Australia work.

Further information, campaign resources and promotional materials will be released over the coming weeks as the sector counts down to this important national celebration.