Understanding Children LATEST STORIES
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New research finds 1 in 28 Australian children may have FASD
A new national study suggests that one in 28 Australian children may be living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, with major implications for early learning services, educator practice and support pathways.
2025-06-05 13:26:23
by Isabella Southwell
Practice
Quality
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Movement and the mind: exploring executive function in the early years
Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that support attention, memory and self-regulation. This article outlines how physical activity in early learning settings may contribute to the development of these skills and examines how such approaches align with Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework (NQF).
2025-06-04 12:31:57
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Practice
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ECEC in Focus: Kids on Gallaghers Child Care Centre
Kids on Gallaghers Child Care Centre has been recognised by the Victorian Government’s Achievement Program for its whole-service approach to health and wellbeing. Since joining the Achievement Program in 2023, the centre has completed all health areas of the free initiative.
2025-06-04 10:50:23
by Fiona Alston
Practice
Provider
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Early learning centres bring hands-on learning to life thanks to Healthy Harold’s Garden Grants
Little learners and educators from MercyCare Early Learning Lansdale in WA are reaping the rewards of their green thumbs, after winning a school garden grant from Life Ed, its iconic mascot Healthy Harold, and Bakers Delight’s and their Healthy Solutions range.
2025-06-02 11:30:45
by Contributed Content
Quality
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Supporting children’s agency through respectful care: What the Pikler approach offers ECEC settings
Recent media coverage has reignited public discussion about seeking consent from babies and preschoolers during routine care moments. While this may seem new to some, for many early childhood educators, the idea is deeply rooted in pedagogical approaches like the Emmi Pikler philosophy, an approach that centres on trust, connection and children’s right to agency.
2025-06-02 09:08:39
by Fiona Alston
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Supporting children’s agency through respectful care: What the Pikler approach offers ECEC settings
2025-06-02 09:08:39
by Fiona Alston
Practice
Provider
Quality
Research
Early learning centres bring hands-on learning to life thanks to Healthy Harold’s Garden Grants
2025-06-02 11:30:45
by Contributed Content
Practice
Quality
Research
Movement and the mind: exploring executive function in the early years
2025-06-04 12:31:57
by Fiona Alston
