Understanding Children LATEST STORIES
Workforce
Quality
Research
When did it start to go wrong?
Looking back at the changes in how we deliver early learning since the 1990's, I'm back tracking what sent us down the proverbial toilet. Trying to think objectively about it , it's evident to me that when the focus shifted to parents instead of children everything we did and how we did it changed. The more early learning became competition for warm bodies, the bigger the shift in who really mattered at kindy.
2025-12-18 08:00:46
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Workforce
Practice
Research
Let’s not lose the word 'Children'
Across the early childhood profession, our language is constantly evolving. We reflect deeply on the words we use; how they shape identity, how they frame relationships, and how they influence the way children experience their world. Yet one quiet shift has been occurring in our sector, almost unnoticed: the gradual move away from the word children.
2025-12-18 07:45:13
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Policy
Practice
Marketplace
Research
Stop scrolling – New videos upskilling parents
Parenting is the ultimate learn-on-the-job gig. That’s why Raising Children Network has launched a series of videos to give Australian parents and carers quick and entertaining ways to get trusted answers to common parenting questions.
2025-12-17 07:30:27
by Contributed Content
Economics
Policy
Quality
Provider
Research
Is your service ready? Key updates to Queensland kindergarten funding in 2026
Queensland’s Kindergarten Funding program continues to evolve as a key mechanism to expand access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). From 1 January 2026, updated funding category guidelines and funding essentials will take effect, building on the reforms introduced in 2025 and reinforcing the state’s commitment to free kindergarten for all Queensland families.
2025-12-17 07:00:15
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Practice
Research
Small ways to teach babies and toddlers body safety and consent in early learning
In early childhood education and care (ECEC), the concept of consent is often misunderstood as something too advanced for babies and toddlers. Yet, foundational learning around body safety, agency and respectful relationships begins in the earliest months of life, and early learning settings are uniquely placed to nurture it.
2025-12-15 08:00:40
by Fiona Alston
Load More
Popular
Workforce
Quality
Research
When did it start to go wrong?
2025-12-18 08:00:46
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Practice
Research
Small ways to teach babies and toddlers body safety and consent in early learning
2025-12-15 08:00:40
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Research
Food safety in early learning centres: Protecting children through better practices
2025-12-15 07:45:24
by Contributed Content
