Amplify! Blog

Looking for a fresh take on fundraising in 2024? Say goodbye to raffles and bake sales with these six exciting ideas!

How would you feel if you received an assessment and rating (A&R) notice shortly after taking on a new role as director and right after the Christmas break? That’s what happened to director of Elizabeth Street Preschool Danielle Shepherd at the start of 2023.  

Danielle shares her experience in supporting her team for the assessment, detailing the self-assessment process and offering tips for others about to undergo A&R. You will also find tips from CELA A&R expert Kerrie Maguire at the end of the article. 

Children's services in New South Wales that include meal provision as part of their activities now have an extended deadline, until December 2024, to meet the new food safety standards. These standards, outlined in Standard 3.2.2A of the Food Standards Code, initially had a compliance deadline of December 2023. This extension is a result of advocacy by CELA.

Find out what the change means for your service in our summary. 

Early Childhood Teacher and NDIS Disability Support Worker Catherine Underwood co-facilitates playgroups for Nature Explorers, a nature based program that is run out of Pottsville Community Preschool.

In this article she provides a beautiful reflection on the power of documentation in protecting and advocating for the value of children's play, and the value of outdoor education on mind, body and sustainability. 

"You learn a lot when you're barefoot. The first thing is every step you take is different."

Michael Franti

There’s increasing momentum around the topic of supporting children to be barefoot outside. More than just a personal preference, there are some interesting perspectives and research studies that advocate for a barefoot approach.  

We explore the different facets of the barefoot conversation with Paediatric Occupational Therapist Dr Nicole Grant, ECEC Director Niki Moodie and Outdoor Educator Libby Bridge. 

Group times are a hotly contested topic in the early childhood sector. Some people love them, others hate them, and both sides have deep pedagogical thinking supporting them.

ECT and CELA trainer Meg Anastasi shares five thoughtful and reflective ways to support children during group time. 

ECT and CELA trainer Dr. Debra Williams has become the first Early Childhood Teacher to achieve Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation in NSW. 

Dr Williams shares what the accreditation is, why it's important, and what you will learn if you decide to go through the process. 

Findings from the Australian Maltreatment Study, released earlier this year, reveal that childhood trauma is a prevailing concern in Australia, affecting over 62% of children and young people. Trauma during childhood can have profound and lasting effects on cognitive, social, and emotional development.

High-quality early years education plays a crucial role in identifying issues early and ensuring appropriate assessment and support for affected children and families. Find out how The Alannah & Madeline Foundation's Trauma Consultancy Service (TraCS) program and their recently launched Trauma-informed Practice Guide (TIO Practice Guide), are transforming the way educators approach teaching and caregiving.

Children experience many transitions in their early years. Orientations are vital for children and families, but they don’t always get the consideration they deserve. Here, three early childhood professionals share their tips for success. 

Thank you to Meg Anastsi (ECT), Catherine Lee (Director at The Point Preschool) and Lorriene Bullivant (Director at Euroka Children’s Centre) for their valuable insights.