OPINION ARTICLES

Provider

Quality

Research

Playgroups recognised as vital early supports for families and communities

Playgroup Australia has welcomed the Federal Government's growing focus on foundational supports, including Minister Mark Butler's statement on the future of the NDIS, the rollout of the Thriving Kids program, and reforms proposed by the Productivity Commission.

2025-09-01 07:33:51

by Fiona Alston

Workforce

Quality

Research

Practice

Attuned and responsive practice: How the ECMS Birth to Three project is shaping futures

Since May 2023, ECMS has been engaged in a bold, ongoing project to reimagine our approach to learning and development for children aged from birth to three. It’s a space that is under recognised and under-resourced in the broader policy landscape. But evidence tells us that learning starts from day one, and that the quality of interactions in these first three years has lifelong impact.

2025-08-29 06:45:45

by Fiona Alston

Quality

Practice

Provider

Research

The power of sustained shared thinking in building self esteem as a learner

Sustained Shared Thinking is commonly used in classrooms, but it can also be implemented at home to promote connection, curiosity, and a love of learning through investigation. By working on projects together you can find new ways to connect with your child and gain an understanding of their unique approach to learning so you can support and advocate for them as they grow.

2025-08-25 08:35:20

by Fiona Alston

Policy

Provider

Quality

ECA welcomes the Victorian Government’s child safety review

Wednesday 20 August the Victorian Government released The Rapid Child Safety Review (the Review) led by Mr Jay Weatherill AO and Ms Pam White PSM, in response to devastating reports of alleged child sexual abuse in some Victorian early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

2025-08-22 10:05:13

by Fiona Alston

Quality

Practice

Provider

Workforce

A moment of calm in crisis: What Queensland’s childcare staff taught us about trust, safety and professionalism

The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector has faced intense public scrutiny in recent months. Headlines have too often focused on compliance breaches, investigations, or enforcement actions. For many, these stories risk overshadowing the daily reality of what educators actually do, creating safe, nurturing, and learning-rich environments for children.

2025-08-21 11:48:35

by Fiona Alston

OPINION ARTICLES

Playgroups recognised as vital early supports for families and communities

Attuned and responsive practice: How the ECMS Birth to Three project is shaping futures

The power of sustained shared thinking in building self esteem as a learner

ECA welcomes the Victorian Government’s child safety review

A moment of calm in crisis: What Queensland’s childcare staff taught us about trust, safety and professionalism

Popular

Department expands compliance action register: 13 more services added

$189m reform package to strengthen safety and trust in early learning

Resilient children, connected brains: Professional learning that makes a difference