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In this issue of Rattler, we spotlight Murray-Toola Damana, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preschool in Sydney's Mt Druitt, where Director Fran McCarthy and co-founder Karen Isaacs create an educational model that helps each child fulfill their dreaming. We delve into setting professional boundaries, the role of play schemas in child development, provide guidance on having supportive conversations about children's behavior from expert Michelle Cuthbertson plus more!

This issue of Rattler spotlights Armidale Community Preschool, where Director Sue Motley shares how they managed to stay open during Term 1 despite the entire team falling ill with COVID, while maintaining educator wellbeing and health. The issue also includes insights on maintaining clear and respectful communication during challenging times, the role of emotion coaching in fostering relationships by Michelle Cuthbertson, and a reflection on the role of play during the pandemic by Karla Wintle, plus more!

In this insightful and thought-provoking edition of Rattler, educator Rachel Ho reflects on how we communicate and interact with children to practice respect, while Dr. Debra Williams shares the second article in her series on critical reflection, focusing on the SCHEMED approach. Dr. Yeshe Colliver explores integrating a play-based approach to physical activity in ECEC settings, and writer Gemma Patience interviews psychologist Sarah-Jayne Duryea on the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation in the early years. The edition concludes with Adeline Teoh's article on 'sticky fingers,' addressing why young children take things that aren't theirs and what can be done about it. There's even more to read inside!

In this edition of Rattler, CELA early education specialist Karthika Viknarasah explores the benefits of drama for CALD children, and Dr. Debra Williams begins her three-part series on critical reflection. Megan O'Connell shares global early education and care research, while Dr. Yeshe Colliver presents a framework for understanding children's interests. Directors will find valuable insights in our article on succession planning. The edition concludes with Deborah Hoger's piece on the benefits of introducing Indigenous languages in early childhood and a report linking educator well-being, work environments, and quality.

This edition of Rattler begins with our Meet the Member feature, highlighting how confidence and critical reflection enabled Cooks Hill Preschool to achieve an exceeding rating in all 7 areas in their recent Assessment & Rating.