TAFE NSW Early Childhood & Education Support CHEC & Grafton

For the fourth year in a row, our TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour Early Childhood Education and Care and CPALES teams were proud to host 13 students and their professor from Sapporo Kokusai University in Japan. Over five inspiring days, our guests explored Australia’s Early Childhood Education system while building their English skills and sharing their own cultural perspectives.

From hands-on learning at Wawaa Guul Bush Kindy and discussions about nature play and child development, to comparing Workplace Health and Safety practices in Early Childhood Education environments, the week was full of meaningful conversations and shared learning.

Some special highlights included reading stories bilingually with children during our CHEC Playsession, singing frog songs in both English and Japanese, and designing engaging play environments together. Visits to Kulai Preschool and Brayside Preschool also gave our visitors a wonderful glimpse into the strong community connections and child-focused learning that make our local Early Childhood services so special.

This cultural exchange continues to be a highlight for our entire team. Moments like these celebrate curiosity, collaboration, and the shared commitment to high quality Early Childhood Education across cultures. 💛

Great news - our Semester 1 2026 CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is now open for enrolment!

There are fee exemptions currently available, but please note that these are limited in numbers.

If you would like to enrol into your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and take advantage of the current fee exemptions, please be sure to enrol promptly. Once the maximum number of fee exemptions have been utilised, standard course fees will be in place.

You can enrol using the relevant link below:

Coffs Harbour Education Campus: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course-areas/education-and-training/courses/diploma-of-early-childhood-education-and-care--CHC50125-01/offerings/CHC50125-01V01-26CHE-020

Grafton Campus: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course-areas/education-and-training/courses/diploma-of-early-childhood-education-and-care--CHC50125-01/offerings/CHC50125-01V01-26GRA-020

Our Grafton campus is looking for a Teacher of Early Childhood Education and Care.

This is a Paid to Learn position where you can use your industry experience to become a qualified teacher at TAFE NSW.

While this is an identified position, we warmly welcome all candidates who meet the selection criteria to apply.

https://www.seek.com.au/job/87249119?ref=search-standalone&type=standard&origin=jobTitle =509ada26f4b6beed10e163c3c58740be7181af68

R U OK?

Yesterday we took a moment to share a relaxed lunch together. Everyone brought a plate to share, the food was absolutely delicious, and the games added plenty of fun and laughter.

More importantly, what was created was a chilled and welcoming space where students could mingle, chat and simply enjoy being together. Sometimes the best part of these days is the genuine connections made.

A small reminder: you don’t need a special day to check in with someone. A simple “R U OK?” can make all the difference. 💛

A day late BUT Today we celebrate the heart and soul of learning — our incredible Early Childhood Educators!

Your dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Every story read, every question answered, every moment of care and encouragement — it all matters deeply.
• Thank you for the vital role you play in shaping the future.
• Thank you for inspiring curiosity, confidence, and kindness.
• And thank you for being the guiding light in the early years of so many children's lives.

I want to make special mention of Firth, Chloe, Sally and Jo. You make a difference — and today, we celebrate YOU!