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As one in five First Nations children face undiagnosed hearing loss in the years before starting school, Hearing Australia urges early hearing checks
As thousands of Australian families prepare for their child’s first year of school, Hearing Australia data shows that one in five First Nations children aged 0-6 experience undiagnosed hearing loss1, a hidden barrier which can impact listening, language, learning, and social skills. Hearing Australia is urging parents, carers, educators and local health services to prioritise hearing checks early in the school year to give every child the best possible start.
2026-01-21 08:00:16
by Contributed Content
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NSW Child Safe Self-Assessment: Practical tool supports services to strengthen child safety planning
Early childhood education and care services in New South Wales are being encouraged to explore the Child Safe Self-Assessment, an online tool designed to support organisations in implementing the NSW Child Safe Standards and strengthening their internal culture of child safety.
2026-01-20 07:45:27
by Fiona Alston
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When heat shapes learning before school: What a major cross-national study means for ECEC practice
Heat management in early childhood services is usually framed as a health and safety issue, sun protection, hydration, rest, and reducing the risk of heat illness. New research suggests it may also be a learning and development issue, with unusually high temperatures linked to lower rates of being “developmentally on track” for some foundational skills in the preschool years.
2026-01-15 08:30:08
by Fiona Alston
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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
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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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NSW Child Safe Self-Assessment: Practical tool supports services to strengthen child safety planning
2026-01-20 07:45:27
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Research
New research explores metabolic pathways in autism development
2026-01-08 06:30:05
by Fiona Alston
Research
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When heat shapes learning before school: What a major cross-national study means for ECEC practice
2026-01-15 08:30:08
by Fiona Alston
