In June last year, CELA along with CCC and other key parties, applied to the Fair Work Commission for permission to negotiate under new multi-employer bargaining laws. Since then, CELA has been representing long day care providers in national negotiations and NSW preschools in state negotiations, ensuring that community-managed and small providers have a voice throughout this process.

Find out what's happened to date, and what the next steps are. 

At this time of year, many organisations are conducting their annual staff performance reviews. While the process can be daunting for service leaders, it presents a valuable opportunity to support the learning and growth of your team members. 

Here are some useful tips for preparing and conducting performance reviews. 

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is held annually on 4 August. 

This year's theme is Strong in Culture, Stronger Together. Proud Dunghutti woman Deborah Hoger shares her thoughts on the theme, and how you can highlight it amongst your community to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

CELA Early Education Specialist Jen Boddy and Dr Rachel Chapman explore the role of gendered dress-up play and how to navigate challenging situations such as family objections, cultural sensitivities, and balancing diverse perspectives in early childhood settings.

Educational Leader Rebecca Raymond explores the successful sustained partnership between Exceeding service Explore & Develop Breakfast Point and their local primary school, detailing collaborative approaches and practical strategies that have positively impacted children’s readiness for school.

In response to ongoing concerns, family day care providers in NSW may have received a reminder from the NSW Government highlighting the critical need for vigilance to prevent leaving children in cars or buses.

We share strategies for the implementation of safe transport.

Professional pay and conditions for NSW preschool educators and teachers is one step closer, following last Friday's application for multi-employer bargaining (MEB) by CELA and the IEU.

Find out why it matters and what's next in the process. 

This week the Australian Government Department of Education released the National Model Code for Taking Images or Videos of Children While Providing Early Childhood Education and Care (National Model Code) on behalf of all governments and ACECQA. 

We explain the background behind its development, why it’s important, and what it means for your service and team. 

Recent research conducted by Macquarie University and the University of Melbourne has further highlighted critical issues that must be addressed to mitigate the workforce crisis in the early childhood education and care sector.  

We highlight key findings from the research and detail CELA’s ongoing advocacy efforts to address these challenges, including the current status of the multi-employer bargaining process.