By Fern Rodrigues 16 Oct, 2025

Food language: Shaping healthy eating habits with young children

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.

By Margaret Michelle and Marg 10 Oct, 2025

New research explores the health impacts for families in childcare deserts

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.

By CELA 9 Oct, 2025

How curiosity and investigations sparked an elephant-sized adventure

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.

By Lisa Walker 1 Oct, 2025

How to be a true ally to First Nations educators, children and families

In early education and care spaces, genuine allies help create environments where First Nations educators, families and children feel safe, valued and respected.

In this article, CELA Cultural Consultant Lisa Walker reflects on what true allyship looks like, how it differs from surface gestures, and the vital role leaders play in fostering it.

By CELA 24 Sep, 2025

Kindness from the ground up at Salamander Early Education

Salamander Early Education is proving that investing in staff wellbeing isn’t just an ‘add-on’—it builds stronger pedagogy, deeper community connections, and happy, resilient learners.

In this article we highlight Salamander’s Waraa Project, which is testament to the fact that when educators shine, children thrive. 

By CELA 18 Sep, 2025

Using AI responsibly and ethically in ECEC

With new requirements under the National Quality Framework and growing concerns about child safety, it has never been more important for services to consider how they use AI.

This article explores how educators and leaders can harness AI ethically and responsibly - supporting efficiency and creativity while keeping the safety and rights of children, families and staff at the centre.

By CELA 11 Sep, 2025

How to act swiftly and fairly when a misconduct case arises

Services need to act quickly and justly when a misconduct case arises. Child safety must always come first and leaders have a responsibility to uphold procedural fairness for employees.

In this article, we unpack legal and HR frameworks to help leaders act decisively and lawfully.

By Deborah Hoger 5 Sep, 2025

Exploring Aboriginal music in the classroom

Looking for ways to bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures into your classroom in a meaningful way?

First Nations early education resource specialist Deborah Hoger explores how music can connect children with culture, history and identity. From clapsticks and yidaki to contemporary artists like Mitch Tambo and Troy Cassar-Daley, Deborah shares practical ideas and resources to help educators embed music into everyday learning.

By Aline Majado 1 Sep, 2025

How ECEC leaders can build a safe reporting culture

This article explores how leaders can foster a child-safe culture in early childhood education and care by making reporting concerns a normal and supported practice.

It outlines why leadership is critical in overcoming barriers to reporting and offers practical strategies to build a workplace where children’s safety is always prioritised.

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