By age five, around 300,000 children are starting school, but more than one in five children are not as prepared as their peers, says Megan O’Connell, Honorary Senior Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education and Director of Megan O’Connell Consulting in presenting her analysis of the recently released 2018 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data. The information shared below with The Sector outlines Ms O’Connell’s interpretations and perspectives.

With a wide range of options for studying Certificate III in Children’s Services, or Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, some emerging professionals are seeking to gain their qualification online, and completing their practicum placement in as short a time as possible. In this opinion piece, Andrea Isitt, Company Director of First Door Training and Development, explores the implications of limiting the amount of time spent gaining practical experience in early childhood education and care (ECEC)

Defamation in the workplace is more often than not associated with disgruntled employees making adverse or negative remarks about their employer (or former employer). This has become a major cause for concern for employers particularly with the advent of social media and online reviews.

How can sensory processing help us understand children’s behaviour? Take a look around the room at your service. Can you identify a child that bites and kicks other children for no reason? Do you know a child who travels from one activity to another, spinning as they go? You’re not alone. This article will explain how sensory processing can help you understand and respond to children’s behaviour.

What’s the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word “ritual?” Sitting at the same place at the table for Christmas dinner every year? Something you see happening in a place of worship? Always ending off a call to a loved one with the same phrase?