Since you asked…

Community Child Care Association’s blog for early childhood educators

Distressed educator holding their face in their hands and covering their eyes

Question: My director has asked me to take over the staff meetings. As a new educational leader, I’ve never done this before and I'm feeling stressed out. Any advice?

Answer: Share your concerns with your director and ask if you can run part of the staff meeting initially until you build your confidence and skills as a leader.

Placing an expectation on ourselves to know everything straight away and get it perfect the first time creates a lot…

Two school aged children running and laughing in a school yard

Question: In the afternoons at OSHC, the room always feels much louder than it should. Can you suggest some strategies to help with the noise?

Answer: Managing noise in OSHC can be difficult, especially after school when children need an outlet for their energy. Strategies to improve the environment could make a real difference.

Try these strategies:

Establish a clear routine.
Use wind-down periods after active…

A child in bed with their soft toy and getting their temperature checked orally and with an adult's hand checking the child's forehead

Question: Can a doctor’s clearance certificate override our policies? Some parents bring their child back with a doctor’s clearance certificate, even though symptoms persist.

Answer: You know the children at your service well, and you know how they usually respond and play. Use your best judgement and service policy.

Look at the symptoms of the child together rather than each symptom individually.

Even if a doctor has…

School aged child wearing a backpack, walking to school with an adult

Question: What do your transitions from before school care to school look like in the mornings?

Answer: Bright vests, transport logs, strong teacher relationships and wet weather plans!

At Indigo North Health Rutherglen OSHC, we have children from three local primary schools and one kindergarten.…

Two educators having a conversation together

Question: How can I go about finding a mentor for a director who is feeling alone in their role, with no one higher up to offer support, guidance or to bounce ideas off?

Answer: To feel more supported, connect with networks, restructure your team to build staff capacity and seek advice and resources from experienced professionals through Community Child Care Association

As a director, I often felt alone in leading my service. To change that and help myself feel more supported, I…

Educator assisting children with organising crayons for a drawing activity

Question: How can we collaborate with families to set realistic goals for children?

Answer: Through clear communication with families, educators can align learning strategies with children’s interests, abilities and expectations, ensuring all parties are working towards shared and achievable outcomes that support each child’s overall development

Working together with families is a key part of our approved learning frameworks and practices as educators. It’s…

A child lying down on a blanket with eyes open, looking away from the camera

Question: Do all children need to have a rest time?

Answer: The simple answer is no, but you must meet each child’s daily need for sleep, rest and relaxation while respecting the wishes of their family

Quality Area 6 (specifically Element 6.1.2) says that families should be involved in making decisions for their…

School-aged children wearing red baseball caps, celebrating with hands up in the air

Question: How can my service build a strong relationship with my community?

Answer: Using reflective practice, following and extending children’s ideas, and learning and implementing key intentional teaching activities will naturally connect you with your broader community

Here are some tips and ideas:

Get out and about – organise regular excursion programs for all your age…