Member Resources

Publications

Issue 141 - Dec 22

As 2022 draws to a close, we're thrilled to bring you our beautifully designed Rattler and Amplify! annual compendium. This year's compendium brings together some of the best Rattler and Amplify! stories from this year.

Publications

Issue 140 - Nov 22

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Rattler, which begins with a spotlight on CELA member The Point Preschool, defined by a supportive culture and creative approach, and share the story of how a "Spectacular Find" in a sandpit led to a STEM award.

Publications

Issue 138

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Rattler, which begins with a spotlight on CELA member Armidale Community Preschool, who started Term 1 with their entire team falling ill with COVID. Director Sue Motley shares how she was able to ensure that the preschool remained open, while keeping a focus on educator wellbeing and health.

Publications

Issue 137

As 2021 draws to a close, we're thrilled to bring you our Rattler and Amplify! annual compendium. This year's compendium brings together some of the best Rattler and Amplify! stories from this year.

Publications

Issue 136

This edition of Rattler begins with a moving story about CELA member St John’s Catholic Preschool and Long Daycare. Located in the Western Sydney suburb of Auburn, the service’s families were recently subjected to some of Australia’s harshest lockdown rules. Director Cindy Adams and her team have been working tirelessly during the lockdown to support the many CALD, refugee and asylum seeking families who attend. Find out what they’ve been doing to help and how your service may also be able to help by offering a space to a child of a family seeking asylum.

Publications

Issue 143 - Sep 23

Welcome to the September edition of Rattler. It’s been an incredibly busy but fruitful time for our CEO Michele Carnegie, who has represented CELA members at a multitude of significant meetings and round tables across Australia. Find out who's she's met with and what's been on the agenda in Michele's CEO intro.

Simple Guides

Children's rest and sleep documentation (3-5 years)

The Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations outline requirements to ensure all children are safe while enrolled in early education and care services. Sleep and rest time can be a time when children’s safety may be at risk.

This Simple Guide includes links to safe sleep and rest resources relating to the 3-5yr age group, and a template for pre-rest/sleep check.

Reviewed: March 2026

Member News Editions

Member news 6 Apr 2026

6 Apr 2026
In this edition: ELEVATE - Early Education Online Conference, CELA’s advocacy shapes major Senate Report,Update on who must undertake mandatory child safety training, Child Safety – clarification on use of smart watches (NSW), Build your team's skills with our latest webinars, plus more!

Forms

Staff Record for Educators

The purpose of the staff record is to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to support the delivery of high-quality education and care. It is essential for verifying staff qualifications, managing employee information, and demonstrating accountability, while helping to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children through proper staffing arrangements. These records are mandatory.

Updated: March 2026

Sample Required Policies

Participation of Volunteers & Students

Our service is committed to providing a safe environment for all children where their health, safety wellbeing is of paramount importance. In order to remain compliant with regulations and legislation and ensure this is preserved during the engagement of students from universities, TAFE, RTOs and schools and volunteers, the service will abide by the strategies and practices outlined in this policy.

Updated: March 2026

Sample Required Policies

Providing a Child Safe Environment (non NSW)

The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, endorsed by all Australian governments, operationalise laws and regulations pertaining to Child Safe Standards. These principles offer guidance on key actions and performance measures essential for the implementation of these standards in early education and care settings.

Updated: March 2026

Sample Required Policies

Water Safety

Our service has a responsibility to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of each child at all times. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 0-4 in Australia. While most drowning occurs in backyard swimming pools, it is important to be aware that children can drown in less than 6cm of water.

Updated: March 2026