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Unfamiliar songs, quieter hearts: What a new study suggests about preschoolers’ physiological responses in music sessions
A preliminary study tracking preschoolers’ heart rate during weekly music classes has found a curious pattern: heart rates tended to be lower when the music was unfamiliar than during familiar songs or transition moments. The work is small and not yet in final published form, but it raises practical questions for early childhood programs about novelty, predictability and group regulation during musical experiences.
2026-01-14 07:56:33
by Fiona Alston
Practice
Quality
Research
Supporting families through separation anxiety: Guidance for educators
As the new year begins and families settle into routines, many early childhood services are welcoming new children, and with them, new emotions. Separation anxiety is a normal developmental experience, especially for infants, toddlers and preschoolers adjusting to a new environment. For some children, parting from their parent or carer can trigger tears, clinginess, or distress. For families, it can lead to guilt, worry and feelings of helplessness.
2026-01-14 07:14:49
by Fiona Alston
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Setting intentional goals for 2026: Supporting educators to grow, reflect and thrive
As the early childhood sector enters a year of significant reform and renewed professional expectations, setting clear, achievable goals has never been more important. Intentional goal setting not only supports professional growth and confidence but also enhances outcomes for children, strengthens compliance, and fosters a positive workplace culture.
2026-01-14 06:46:06
by Fiona Alston
Economics
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One in six Aussie children at risk of missing the basics for school: Through the Officeworks Back to School Appeal you can help change that
As early childhood children prepare to make the important transition into Prep or Grade 1 in 2026, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to start strong is more important than ever. Having access to the basics, from school supplies to uniforms, can significantly influence a child's sense of belonging and readiness to learn.
2026-01-13 08:30:29
by Fiona Alston
Policy
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What Australia can learn from the UK’s new inspection framework
As Australia prepares for wide-reaching changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF) in 2026, it is timely to examine how other countries are evolving their approaches to regulation and quality assurance in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Recent updates to the United Kingdom's (UK) Ofsted inspection framework offer key insights for Australian providers, policymakers and sector leaders as they navigate the next wave of reforms.
2026-01-13 07:30:03
by Fiona Alston
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Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
Policy
Practice
Provider
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What Australia can learn from the UK’s new inspection framework
2026-01-13 07:30:03
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Events News
Practice
Quality
Research
One in six Aussie children at risk of missing the basics for school: Through the Officeworks Back to School Appeal you can help change that
2026-01-13 08:30:29
by Fiona Alston
