Community Early Learning Australia

We love sharing stories of educator creativity, collaboration and innovation in action.

At Engadine Preschool, ECT Jessica McLean and educator Tahne Mobbs transformed a ‘pie-in-the-sky’ idea into a published sustainability storybook created alongside children and launched in partnership with Keep Australia Beautiful NSW. Together, they guided children through a meaningful project exploring waterways, marine life and environmental responsibility through storytelling, creativity and inquiry.

What began as a Quality Improvement Plan idea soon evolved into *The Journey of Lily’s Lost Plate*; a powerful example of what can happen when educators are trusted to follow their passions, collaborate with children and bring ambitious ideas to life.

Got a story to share? Send a short overview to [email protected]

Read the full story here https://zurl.co/b0k9D

Dear members: Rattler issue 151 is now available in the member hub and member resource library.

In this edition, we bring together a diverse range of voices and perspectives that celebrate the depth and complexity of early childhood education and care today.

From research and advocacy to lived practice, each article invites us to consider how our decisions, relationships and environments shape outcomes for children, families and the workforce.

Drummond Park Preschool Director Natalie Rich shares how the EYLF principles of being, belonging and becoming can support not only children’s learning, but also the induction, growth and wellbeing of educators and leaders. Drawing on both research and lived experience, Natalie explores how intentional support, relational leadership and professional connection can strengthen team culture and help educators thrive over time.

We invite you to spend time with this edition of Rattler and hope the stories and ideas within prompt reflection, spark conversation, and support you in your ongoing commitment to quality, inclusive and child-centred practice.

As always, we welcome your feedback and questions, contact us on 1800 157 818 [email protected]

Head to the member hub to download a copy.

Explore just some of CELA's live webinar professional development sessions coming up next week.

➡️ The Director’s Toolkit: The Team: Staff Relationships
🕒 Tue, 9 Jun : 10am - 12pm
🔗 https://zurl.co/06KwL

➡️ Neuroinclusive Environments
🕒 Wed, 10 Jun : 10am - 12pm
🔗 https://zurl.co/rKxys

➡️ Literacy in the Early Years
🕒 Thu, 11 Jun : 10am - 12.30pm
🔗 https://zurl.co/KNugy

➡️ Collaborative Leadership & Teamwork
🕒 Fri, 12 Jun : 10am - 12pm
🔗 https://zurl.co/9XhNK

📨Dear members,

Don't forget to check your inbox or the member hub for our latest Member News bulletin featuring a range of important updates and information.

Remember, our early education specialists are available to support you on 1800 157 818.

Coercive control can shape a child’s world in ways that are subtle but deeply impactful. As educators, you are often among the first to notice when something doesn’t seem right.

Our new FREE self-paced training supports you to recognise these less visible patterns, respond appropriately, and continue the important work you already do to keep children safe.

If this topic connects to your own experience, please know support is available. You can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit https://zurl.co/0kKsm.

Learn more: https://zurl.co/Aglpn

Today, on Mabo Day, we recognise Eddie Koiki Mabo, a Mer Island man, and his journey to overturn terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no one’, leading to the landmark High Court decision that changed the course of Australian history.

This year’s Reconciliation Week theme of 'All In' reminds us at CELA that national reconciliation is more than a week, it is a 365 day a year commitment to reflect on our own reconciliation journey and the responsibility we carry as a peak body, training organisation and advocate within the early education and care sector.

Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, we continue to listen, learn, and take practical steps to strengthen our relationships beyond transactional to relational with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, embed respect for culture and Country in our work, and support early education services to do the same.

Mabo Day reminds us that reconciliation is not symbolic. It is grounded in truth-telling, justice, recognition and ongoing action.

The final day of National Reconciliation Week every year is one of the most significant in Australia.

Mabo Day, celebrated annually on 3 June, commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful advocacy to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’.

Following the High Court’s Mabo decision, Australia’s Federal Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993 which established a legal framework for native title claims throughout Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

and Mabo Day are a reminder to be ‘All In’ to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to commit ourselves to reconciliation and the fight for First Nations justice in Australia.

🎞️ To learn more about Mabo and the High Court case, check out ‘Judgment: Cases That Changed Australia’ on ABC iview: https://ab.co/4uGzxcT

When babies feel safe and connected, they are free to explore, communicate and navigate the world around them.

In this article, we look at how educators at Adamstown Community Early Learning and Preschool slow the pace of the day and place relationships at the centre of practice with infants.

https://zurl.co/rSOxA

The power of ‘being with’: Building relationships, trust and care with babies When babies feel safe and connected, they are free to explore, communicate and navigate the world around them.In this article, we look at how educators at Adamstown Community Early Learning and Preschool slow the pace of the day and place relationships at the centre of practice with infants. @

This week the Fair Work Commission handed down a 4.75% increase to award wages as part of its annual minimum wage decision.

For all employees paid on awards, this increase is payable from the first full pay period on or after the 1st of July 2026.

For employees covered by the Children’s Services Award this increase is on top of the additional 5% gender undervaluation increase applicable from 30 June.

The Commission has also awarded additional increases to employees employed at the lowest classifications levels of Awards. This is part of a staged process to remove the two lowest pay rates in Awards, which have not maintained reasonable value over time.

For employees covered by the Children’s Services Award, this will impact levels 1 and 2.

The CELA Workplace Relations Team will be providing written wage rate sheets to reflect these changes in the coming days.

We will also be holding webinars to assist with understanding and implementing these changes. CELA members can stay up to date through our member news and member hub, where you will find links to the webinars.

Our July-December live webinar calendar is now open for bookings.

Explore popular topics such as:

💡 Getting started with AI
💡 The Law and the Regs for Nominated Supervisors
💡 Paramountcy of Children in Everyday Practice
💡 Supporting Confident and Capable Babies and Toddlers
💡 Revisiting the Planning Cycle

+ dozens more

Explore the calendar today: https://zurl.co/CbugJ

Young children are constantly learning about their bodies, relationships and personal boundaries through play, observation and everyday interactions. The way adults respond to children’s questions and behaviours can shape whether children feel safe, confident and able to speak openly.

Using clear, correct language for body parts, modelling respectful interactions and teaching children that they can say “no” to unwanted touch all help build a strong foundation for consent, body safety and healthy relationships. Calm, matter-of-fact responses also reduce shame and help children understand that curiosity about bodies is a normal part of development.

Everyday moments such as asking before giving a hug, respecting another child’s boundaries or redirecting behaviour gently can become powerful opportunities for learning, trust and connection.

Thank you to The Children and Young People Sexual Safety (CYPSS) Unit from Sydney Children’s Hospital Network for sharing their thoughts on this important topic in a recent article for our Amplify! newsletter.

Gain more insights on important ECEC related topics by signing up to receive our weekly Amplify! email: https://zurl.co/HdXAe