Understanding Children LATEST STORIES
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AI “slop” is flooding children's feeds: What it means for early learning settings
Low-effort, AI-generated videos are increasingly targeting the youngest viewers on YouTube and YouTube Kids. For early childhood education and care services, the issue raises practical questions about digital media, family partnerships and children’s wellbeing.
2026-01-29 05:40:22
by Fiona Alston
Workforce
Research
Quality
Practice
What is ARACY and how can The Nest support early childhood services
The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) has shaped the national conversation on child and youth wellbeing for more than two decades. Its flagship Nest Wellbeing Framework is increasingly used by organisations to align strategy, measure outcomes and strengthen collaboration.
2026-01-28 08:00:55
by Fiona Alston
Workforce
Quality
Practice
Research
Policy
Ratios versus environments: Why ECEC quality reform must treat staffing and space as one system
Educator-to-child ratios are one of the most visible signals of quality in early childhood education and care (ECEC). They set expectations for supervision, safety and responsiveness. They also shape what educators can realistically deliver across a long day: sustained interactions, intentional teaching, inclusion, documentation and partnerships with families.
2026-01-28 07:30:13
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Research
Active zones and mini-retreats: Designing preschools that support neurodivergent children
Inclusive preschool and long day care environments play a central role in children’s engagement, wellbeing and smooth transitions into school. Emerging research suggests that when environments are designed to reduce sensory stress and increase children’s choice, participation improves, not only for neurodivergent children, but for every child.
2026-01-27 08:15:49
by Fiona Alston
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Provider
Workforce
Naming private body parts isn’t optional: Why accurate language belongs in personal safety education
Teaching children the correct anatomical names for their private body parts can feel confronting for some adults. Yet evidence and child protection experts continue to point to the same conclusion: accurate language supports children’s safety, health and autonomy and reduces the secrecy and shame that can prevent children from speaking up.
2026-01-23 08:06:52
by Fiona Alston
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Ratios versus environments: Why ECEC quality reform must treat staffing and space as one system
2026-01-28 07:30:13
by Fiona Alston
Policy
Provider
Quality
Research
Workforce
Victorian Parliament releases key paper on child safety and reform in ECEC
2026-01-23 09:52:28
by Fiona Alston
Workforce
Practice
Quality
Research
Australia Day Honours 2026: Two early childhood leaders recognised nationally
2026-01-27 07:00:00
by Fiona Alston
