This article highlights CELA’s advocacy at both state and federal levels relating to child safety changes, and details the practical support available to help members implement these urgent changes with confidence.

Committees are vital to ensuring an early learning service stays accountable and reflects the needs of its community. And yet, their role can often be misunderstood. This article provides a strategic look at how to leverage a strong committee for good governance and to ensure it is a genuine reflection of the families and children it serves. 

The Fair Work Commission has backed CELA’s evidence that an urgent NSW Government funding increase is required to solve the significant gap in community preschool wages. The recommendation follows evidence presented by CELA during supported bargaining proceedings for a new multi-employer agreement.

This article outlines what the Commission found, why it matters for community services, and what happens next.

Inclusive support often begins in early childhood education long before a diagnosis or funding pathway is in place. With Thriving Kids rolling out from October 2026, this article outlines what the program means for services and shares practical, strengths based tips to help educators create neuro-affirming environments, partner with families, and build inclusive practice now.

The topic of observations is a familiar one in the early childhood sector, especially as educators juggle increasing work pressures and ongoing conversations about documentation and paperwork.

This article steps into that discussion to clarify what the framework actually requires and to refocus attention on the purpose and value of documentation, rather than the pressure of meeting a number.