CELA publications inform and inspire the early childhood education and care sector

Forms

Service register

The service register records the information required by the Education and Care Service’s (Supply, Authorisation and Use of Devices) Order 2025 for service-supplied devices and the authorisation for possession or control of personal devices.

Updated: January 2026

Sample Required Policies

Governance and Management

Governance is the system or process by which organisations are directed, controlled and held accountable to ensure that the right decisions are made. Our education and care service recognises the importance of having a framework of rules, relationships, systems and processes within, and by which authority is exercised and controlled in the organisation. We view good governance and management as essential to our provision of quality education and care.

Updated: January 2026

Sample Required Policies

Determining the Responsible Person

The National Law requires that a responsible person must be present at all times a centre-based service is educating and caring for children.

Updated: January 2026

Forms

Service-Supplied Device Authorisation Form

The authorisation form for service-supplied devices is required under the Education and Care Services (Supply, Authorisation and Use of Devices) Order 2025 to ensure accountability and compliance with child safety regulations.

Updated: December 2025

Signs and posters

2026 printable calendars

Download and print this handy A3 sized calendar featuring school holidays. A separate calendar is available for each state and territory.

Developed: December 2025

Simple Guides

Approaching difficult conversations with colleagues and managers

In this Simple Guide, we will explore how to prepare for a difficult conversation, key communication skills to employ, how to structure the conversation, and case study examples to show how these skills can be used in familiar scenarios.

Reviewed: November 2025

Forms

Staff Record Responsible Person

Early childhood services need a responsible person record because legal requirements mandate that a person with the authority and responsibility for the service’s operations must have the experience, qualifications, and knowledge to fulfil this role. It is important that the approved provider records this information, with sufficient evidence, and keeps it on file to demonstrate compliance to the Regulatory Authority. This record supports service providers to meet this legal obligation.

Reviewed: November 2025

Member News Editions

Member news 15 Dec 2025

15 Dec 2025
In this edition: We are here for you, Fair Work Commission delivers children’s services award decision on gender undervaluation, Preschool Reform Agreement extended until end of 2027. Plus more!

Forms

Updated: December 2025

Sample Job Descriptions

In today's digitally connected world, the safe and responsible use of digital technologies in early childhood education and care is paramount. This policy outlines the service’s commitment to the safety and well-being of children by ensuring technology is used responsibly, effectively and safety in the early education and care service.

Updated: November 2025

Sample Required Policies

Safe and Responsible Use of Digital Devices (non NSW)

Updated: December 2025

Rattler

Issue 149 - Sep 25

Welcome to the September edition of Rattler. Within this edition, we provide insight into many of the issues, challenges and opportunities shaping early childhood education and care today.

Member News Editions

Member news 1 Dec 2025

1 Dec 2025
In this edition: Communicating with families about child safety, Congratulations to CELA member, Birrelee MACS, Words matter – how to talk about education and care, NSW Certified Child Protection Training plus more!

Sample Required Policies

Dealing with Infectious Diseases

The way that children interact with each other and with adults in education and care services means that diseases can quickly spread in a variety of ways. Whilst it is not possible to prevent the spread of all infections and diseases, minimising the risk can be enhanced by implementing appropriate measures.

Updated: September 2025

Forms

Medical Management Plan

Regulation 90(1)(i) requires parents to provide a medical management plan for their child if the child has a specific health care need, allergy or relevant medical condition.

Reviewed: September 2025

Forms

Medical Condition Register

This register supports services to summarise all children enrolled who have medical conditions or health care needs, their days of attendance, the completion of relevant plans and any upcoming review dates.

Reviewed: September 2025

Forms

End Of Day Security Checklist

Reviewed: September 2025

Forms

Infectious Disease Notification

Reviewed: September 2025

Forms

Authorisation Form for Excursions

Updated: June 2025

Sample Required Policies

Emergency Management

Emergency situations can arise in and around early childhood settings, and emergencies are just as prevalent in education and care environments as in other environments.

Updated: October 2025

Thinking About

Preparing for an Emergency

This document provides a clear and practical guide for early childhood services on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Reviewed: October 2025

Sample Optional Policies

Hygiene and Infection Control

It is important that educators role-model and maintain positive health practices, and that children are appropriately supervised, assisted and encouraged in their daily health and hygiene routines. Education and care environments must be hygienically maintained to reduce the possible spread of infection and illnesses through the sound hygiene practices of staff and educators.

Updated: October 2025

Forms

Risk Assessment

This Risk Assessment template is designed to support your service to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and implement effective control measures to ensure a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors.

Updated: September 2025

Sample Optional Policies

Medication Administration

In accordance with the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulation 92, early childhood services must maintain medication records for each child receiving medication from the Service.

Updated: October 2025

Thinking About

Occupational Workplace Violence

This resource is designed to support educators and service leaders to identify situations that may place the children or staff of an education and care service at risk of workplace aggression or violence.

Reviewed: November 2023

Infographics

What should I do if a parent or carer puts staff and/or children at risk?

During an incident, CELA recommends taking these steps to ensure the safety of staff and/or children.

Reviewed: October 2025

Forms

Emergency Risk Assessment

For the purpose of preparing the emergency and evacuation proceedures, the approved provider of an education and care service must ensure that a risk assessment is conducted to identify the potential emergencies that are relevant to the service.

Reviewed: December 2024

Forms

Child Protection Report Forms - NSW

This Child Protection Report form supports educators and service leaders in recording observations and reporting suspicions and/or allegations of child abuse and neglect.

Updated: December 2025

Sample Optional Policies

Clothing and Footwear for children and educators

Children and educators need protective, comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear to explore their environments. Clothing and footwear must protect children from injury and sun exposure while promoting self-help abilities. Appropriate clothing and footwear will fit a child correctly and ensure comfort and adequate movement. Educators will also dress professionally, whilst ensuring they are preventing injury and sun exposure.

Reviewed: November 2025

Sample Required Policies

Providing a Child Safe Environment NSW

Developed: November 2025

Forms

Staff Record

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.

Reviewed: November 2025

Forms

Staff Record Nominated Supervisor

This record documents the individual's suitability, consent to be nominated, and compliance with legal requirements. It serves as a reference for both the service provider and the Regulatory Authority to confirm the supervisor’s qualifications, experience, and training, ensuring they are equipped to meet their responsibilities.

Reviewed: November 2025

Forms

Staff Record Educational Leader

Services need a staff record for the educational leader to comply with legislative requirements, ensure the role is formally appointed, and provide a record of the person's qualifications and experience. This record is critical for regulatory compliance, demonstrates the service is meeting its obligations and allows authorities to verify the service has a designated leader responsible for guiding the educational program.

Reviewed: November 2025

Forms

Responsible Person Record

Early childhood services need a responsible person sign-in sheet record to ensure legal compliance and child safety by clearly documenting who is in day-to-day charge and ensuring a qualified person is always present at the service while children are being educated and cared for. This form provides a clear record of accountability in verifying a responsible person.

Reviewed: October 2025

Sample Required Policies

Complaints Handling

This policy outlines how our service manages complaints in a fair, transparent and child-focused way. It ensures children, families and educators are supported to raise concerns safely.

Updated: November 2025

Member News Editions

This recorded webinar equips early childhood leaders and educators with practical skills and strategies to build strong, collaborative teams while leading confidently through change.

Explore ways to foster resilience, trust, and adaptability within your teams to support the successful implementation of new initiatives and drive continuous improvement across education and care settings.

Forms

Risk Benefit Assessment Tool Template

Do not proceed with the activity unless the results of the risk assessment determine the level of risk is minimial and/or there are adequate measures in place.

Forms

Record of service compliance

Forms

Enrolment Form

eBooks

Behaviour and co-regulation eBook

This resource aims to provide early educators with a wide range of articles, tips and tools to help them support children's behaviour and co-regulation.

The pdf includes a range of articles, tools, tips sheets and infograhpics in one handy eBook.

Forms

Pre-rest / sleep check (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 form template can be used for making pre-rest/sleep checks for 3-5 year olds.

Thinking About

Accessing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources in an Ethical Way

We have provided some guidelines to help you foster a workplace environment that truly respects and understands the First Nations cultures and practices of employees.

Forms

Rattler

Issue 148 - Apr 25

Welcome to the April edition of Rattler. This edition exemplifies the quality practice that CELA strives for, with the theme of children’s rights threaded throughout the articles.

Forms

Handover booklet: For admin staff

Forms

Employer risk management questionnaire

This risk management questionnaire was developed by CELA partner Guild Insurance as part of a suite of resources designed to support services with workplace health and safety.

The survey is designed to help services identify and mitigate risks to employees.

Sample Required Policies

Preschool-based Fee Policy

The Education and Care Services National Regulations require approved providers to ensure their services have policies and procedures in place for the payment of fees and the provision of a statement of fees charged by the service.

Sample Optional Policies

Safe Storage of Dangerous Goods

By maximising awareness of the potential hazards of dangerous goods and chemicals, we reduce the risk of harm to educators, students, volunteers, children, and families. Ensuring that dangerous goods and products are safely stored and their use is minimised in all areas of our education and care service is crucial for maintaining a secure, safe and healthy environment.

Sample Optional Policies

Sustainability

As an education and care community, we can encourage and increase awareness of environmental responsibilities and implement practices that contribute to a sustainable future. Children can be supported to become environmentally responsible and show respect for the environment.

Sample Optional Policies

Harassment Free Workplace

The service is committed to providing a safe, flexible, and respectful environment for staff, children, and families, free from all forms of discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment.

Sample Optional Policies

Keeping Pets and Animals

Many children enjoy caring for a pet, but this may not always be possible in the home environment. Keeping a pet in your service provides access and opportunity for children and families to explore, interact with, learn from and observe animals. Learning to respect and care for a pet is a valuable experience, and with careful planning, policies, and procedures in place, pets can enrich your curriculum.

Sample Optional Policies

The Indoor and Outdoor Environment

The physical environment can contribute to children’s wellbeing, happiness, creativity and independence. High quality, natural and inclusive environments contribute to children’s learning and experiences.

Sample Optional Policies

Family Participation and Communication

“Families are the primary influence in their children’s lives and also have strong beliefs and values regarding the education and care of their children, and the experiences in which their children should be able to participate. Effective relationships between educators and families are fundamental to the quality of education and care that children receive.” Adapted from the Guide to the National Quality Framework, ACECQA (2020)

Sample Optional Policies

Environment Statement

This statement has been developed to provide an overview of the areas of the environment covered by the environment policy. The promotion of healthy, sustainable environments where educators, children and families learn and share ideas about creating an environmentally friendly education and care service are a priority within our service.

Sample Optional Policies

Dental Health

Good oral health is vital for overall health and wellbeing. Early childhood is the optimal time for children to develop lifelong habits which will contribute to their health as adults. A child’s baby teeth play a crucial role in eating and speech development. They help shape the jaw and face and preserve space for adult teeth to emerge.

Sample Optional Policies

Cleaning and Maintaining the Environment

Children have the right to an education in an environment which provides for their health and safety. Good cleaning and maintenance of the environment ensures that illness and injuries are avoided.

Sample Optional Policies

Nappy Change, Bathing and Toileting

Supporting children’s hygiene through toileting, nappy changes and bathing is important for children’s health and development.

Sample Optional Policies

Medication and Health Statement

This statement has been developed to provide an overview of the areas of medication and health covered by policies developed and maintained by the education and care service. Maintaining a healthy, safe and inclusive environment for educators, children and families, is paramount for high quality education and care.

Sample Job Descriptions

Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)

The Early Childhood Teacher provides active leadership to Educators and Room Leaders in the development, implementation and evaluation of a child-focused education and care curriculum ensuring the curriculum is consistent with the service philosophy and according to the requirements of the National Quality Framework.
The Early Childhood Teacher contributes to the management of and supports the professional learning of staff.

Sample Job Descriptions

Educator (Diploma)

Service educators are responsible for providing education and care for children enrolled at the service, consistent with our philosophy and curriculum, and according to the requirements of the National Quality Framework.
Educators work in collaboration with other educators, room leaders and the Nominated Supervisor.

Sample Job Descriptions

Educator (Certificate III)

Service Educators are responsible for providing education and care for children enrolled at the service, consistent with our philosophy and curriculum, and according to the requirements of the National Quality Framework.
Educators work in collaboration with other educators, room leaders, the Educational Leader, the Nominated Supervisor and Approved Provider.

Signs and posters

Professional and ethical frameworks

This poster makes visible key frameworks and legislation that guide educators in professional and ethical practice.

Rattler

Issue 147 - Dec 24

As 2024 draws to a close, we're thrilled to let you know that our Rattler and Amplify! annual compendium is here. This year's compendium brings together some of the best Rattler and Amplify! stories from this year in one big bundle.

Rattler

Issue 146 - Sep 24

Welcome to the September edition of Rattler. Inside you'll find insightful articles covering a wide range of topics to spark reflection and discussion in your service.

Rattler

Issue 145 - Apr 24

Welcome to the April edition of Rattler. Inside you'll find insightful articles covering a wide range of topics to spark reflection and discussion in your service.

Sample Required Policies

Transportation of Children

Our education and care service is committed to providing transportation that is carefully planned to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children at all times.

Forms

Team Meeting Minutes template

The meeting minutes should be circulated to all team members after the meeting. This gives team members an opportunity to recap or catch up on the minutes and actions as well as be able to clarify any follow up questions.

Forms

Team Meeting Agenda template

The agenda should be prepared in advance of the meeting and circulated to all team members so that they know what will be discussed and have time to prepare.

eBooks

Inclusion ebook

This resource includes a wide range of articles, tips and tools to support early educators with implementing inclusive practice.

Practice Tools

Self-reflection on cultural inclusion for First Nations children

This is a simple resource to kickstart your own individual cultural learning journey and a friendly reminder that things are not as easy for a lot of First Nations Peoples across our continent.

Practice Tools

Respectfully connect with your local First Nations community

CELA Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker shares why it's important to consciously consider how you engage with First Nations Peoples, including steps to take and things to consider on your journey.

Practice Tools

Cultural Safety and Equity: Practice prompts

This resource provides educators and educators practice prompts to identify cultural responsive practices in the service context and reflect on how the service setting creates an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Practice Tools

Creating safe spaces for children

Every child has a right to be protected and feel safe in their early learning environments. Through reflecting on your environments, educators can thoughtfully create spaces that offer children ample opportunities to fulfil a sense of safety and security. This resource provides educators with prompts to reflect on different aspects of the environment that promote a sense of safety for children.

Practice Tools

Child Safe Principles Task Cards

These task cards encourage educators, teams and service leaders to reflect on how the Child Safe Principles are evidenced throughout service practice.

Practice Tools

Critical reflection worksheets

This tool can help guide discussion, promote deeper thinking, and ensure the documentation of the critical reflection. You may choose to focus on only one theory, trying to ‘master’ it as a service, or you may use each of them for different reflections, aiming to find the one best suited to your service.

Practice Tools

Visual communication tool task cards

Embedding the learning environment with visual communication is an essential practice to support the full participation and meaningful engagement of each child.

Webinars

Essential Insights webinar: Cultivating Cultural Safety and Equity

This 30 minute webinar explores strategies to reflect on how your service makes families, children and educators alike feel safe to express their cultural background, beliefs, and values.

Webinars

Essential Insights webinar: Creating a Child Safe Service

This 'Essential Insights' webinar will provide strategies to reflect on and improve current practices to creating child safe environments in accordance with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Webinars

Essential Insights webinar: Inclusion Using Visual Cues

This video explores how to effectively incorporate visual cues into your routines, discuss various types of cues you can use, and share practical tips to make them work for you.

Sample Required Policies

Sun Protection

We are committed to providing an environment that ensures all children and staff are protected from ultraviolet (UV) radiation during all outdoor activities.

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.

Sample Required Policies

Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness

The National Regulations require an accurate Incident, injury, trauma and illness record to be kept and stored confidentially until the child is 25 years old. Under the national legislation, an education and care service must record details in the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Report.

Sample Required Policies

Fees - Child Care Subsidy Services

Our service has a commitment to ensuring our fees are as affordable as possible and that all families have access to any subsidies that are available to reduce these fees. The setting and payment of fees takes into account all requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations, Australian Tax Office, Privacy Act and the guidelines contained within the Child Care Provider Handbook. All records held at the service will be maintained in accordance with the service Confidentiality and Privacy Policy.

Practice Tools

Communicating Roles and Responsibilities: Risk management tool

It is vital that everyone understands their responsibilities in ensuring compliance and managing risk. This communication tool can be used to identify who is responsible for each operational requirement at your service.

Webinars

Creating an Inspiring Art Space

This webinar aims to help learners reflect and explore the benefits of providing art spaces that are autonomous, creative and inspiring.

Thinking About

The Educational Leader

This document provides questions, ideas and strategies to think through with regard to the Educational Leader.

Simple Guides

Creating a Professional Development Plan

This simple guide provides a step by step approach to preparing an effective professional development plan for your team or yourself.

Simple Guides

Compliance

All centre-based and family day care services must be compliant to a number of laws and regulations that govern their operations. This resource aims to simplify what services need to know about compliance.

Simple Guides

Assessment and Ratings

This simple guide is designed to increase understanding of the Assessment and Rating process under the National Quality Framework for long day care services, family day care services, outside school hours care services and preschools.

Team Resource Kit

Educational Leader's bundle

Avoid workplace injuries when changing a child's nappy

This poster, created by CELA partner Guild Insurance, is part of a series designed to demonstrate ways for early education and care professionals to avoid workplace injuries.

Suggested Questions for Reviewing Your QIP

Thinking About

Inclusive Celebrations

You will be challenged to reflect on how you are approaching celebrations at your service and explore the value of adding celebrations to the curriculum.

Webinars

Enriching block play in the outdoors

Webinars

Deconstructing Constructions

Added: December 2021
Duration: 10 minutes

Webinars

Time Management

In this short webinar, members will look at ways of using time more effectively and what could be causing procrastination during the workday. Join us in looking at different strategies that could be implemented to instil a more organised approach to the ever-increasing tasks that have to be completed within an EC service

Added: May 2022
Duration: 24 minutes

Signs and posters

Provider Information

These are sample forms only. Community Early Learning Australia considers these forms to satisfy what is required under the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 and has taken all care in compiling this information.

Practice Tools

Learning through play poster

Broadside - May/June 2016

Should Alarm Bells Be Ringing?, Election Update 2016, IPSP–ISS Changes: Not with a whimper, but a bang!, ACFCs secure funding, Evidence to base education policy on, Support for Mobile Services, CCCCNSW and ELLA EC Co-Designing the Future of Professional Learning...

Broadside

Broadside - Nov/Dec 2015 ACT

Too many places, The right skills, The impact of No Jab No Play, Will we meet the goal?, Hey Minister, what’s the deal?, Looking back: So long, 2015, Giving children a voice, Calling all children’s advocates, Book in to PD in the new year, SNAICC Videos

Rattler

Member Resources