Amplify! Blog

Critical reflection is more than looking back. It is a collaborative, equity-focused process that helps educators challenge assumptions, listen deeply to children and families, and make informed changes that strengthen practice.

Meg Anastasi unpacks what critical reflection means in the context of everyday practice and shares practical questions and models to guide your thinking, exploring real examples, from navigating complex play to reimagining end of year celebrations through children’s agency and wellbeing.

Educators know that play is the ‘work of childhood’ and the foundation of learning. But how do you protect this vital experience when faced with documentation demands and safety anxieties?

Educational Leader Kate Montiglio explores the notion of custodianship and why it is so important that unstructured, imaginative, and exploratory play is protected and celebrated.

Qualified and capable educators are essential for providing quality early childhood education and care. But verifying the qualifications of potential and current team members can be tricky. 

We provide an essential guide for directors and staff who need to navigate international credentials and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) qualifications. 

What does it truly mean to create culturally responsive professional development that strengthens and sustains First Nations educators?

CELA’s Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker shares her perspective on why these opportunities are essential for identity, connection, and practice across our sector, and the types of learning that can really benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early education professionals.

Gabby Millgate is best known for delivering one of Australian cinema's most famous lines in Muriel's Wedding, but her latest role is arguably even more transformative. Discover how a life-changing encounter in the Pilbara led her to become the Nature Pedagogy Leader at CELA member Woden Valley ELC, empowering children and educators to get their hands dirty, while continuing the climate conversation. 

CELA CEO Michele Carnegie appeared before the NSW Legislative Council inquiry into the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector to call for urgent and effective reforms. 

Find out what CELA is recommending to government and how these reforms could help create a safer, stronger ECEC sector.

At HazelGrove Early Education, a children’s committee is giving young learners a powerful platform to lead, question, and create change.

Through child-led projects on safety, fairness, and inclusion, these young advocates are proving that leadership and empathy can start early—and inspire an entire community.

The way we talk about food can have a powerful influence on how children develop their relationship with healthy eating. This can be challenging for educators, especially when views on what’s ‘healthy’ differ.

Nutritionist and early childhood educator Fern Rodrigues shares her thoughts on this topic, suggesting that an evidence-based approach is essential.

Imagine living in a town where three or more families compete for a single early learning place. For many in regional, rural and remote Australia, this is everyday life.

This article explores new research revealing how living in these “childcare deserts” affects parents’ income, careers, mental health and overall wellbeing.

From little things, big things grow. At City of Canterbury Bankstown’s Hurlstone Park Children’s Centre, a child's comforter sparked a joyful, child-led investigation that culminated in the creation of a life-sized elephant made entirely from recycled boxes.

Discover how a small spark of curiosity led to a creative engineering feat with real-world impact.