This series was originally released in 2018 and 2019 for subscribers on our Patreon page. The episodes are now available freely for all, but have not been edited.

This episode of our Patreon-exclusive podcast series Exploring the NQS discusses Element 1.1.2 of the National Quality Standard, "Child-centred".

Element description: Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program.  

This series was originally released in 2018 and 2019 for subscribers on our Patreon page. The episodes are now available freely for all, but have not been edited.

The first episode of our Patreon-exclusive podcast series Exploring the NQS discusses Element 1.1.1 of the National Quality Standard, "Approved learning framework".

Element description: Curriculum decision-making contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators.  

The Federal Government has just released its Budget for 2021 and 2022, which - after sustained advocacy from a variety of people and organisations - includes increases in spending in many areas - including early education. But while billions of dollars are in the Budget papers, what is the devil in the detail? Joining us to break down Child Care Subsidy changes, universal preschool funding agreements and more red tape smashing, is the official fourth member of the podcast Karl Hessian!

We also have an announcement about the show before the main discussion.

Find the full show notes at earlyeducationshow.com.

There have been a spate of media articles recently concerning child sexual abuse linked to educators working in the early education sector. This episode, Lisa talks with Deanne Carson, a leading Australian sexuality educator, researcher, speaker, author and Founder and CEO of Body Safety Australia, on how educators and leaders can better ensure their spaces are safe for children.

WARNING: Contains discussions of sexual abuse and child harm. If you require assistance or would like to talk to a trained professional about the issues discussed in this episode please call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Find the full show notes at earlyeducationshow.com. 

Minister for Early Education in the Victorian Government, Ingrid Stitt MP, has been raising the alarm about continued uncertainty with the National Partnership on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education. Lisa chats with her about why this funding is so important, why the uncertainty creates so many challenges, and the reforms that the Victorian Government are putting in place with early education.

Find the full show notes at earlyeducationshow.com.

Under the National Quality Framework, professionals and services need to report a range of serious incidents to their regulatory authorities. But why don't we talk more about how services approach reporting and reporting behaviours with their teams? Leanne sits down with Big Fat Smile CEO Jenni Hutchins to discuss why a positive culture of reporting is so important.

Find the full show notes at earlyeducationshow.com. 

In 2019, the second review of the National Quality Framework officially commenced. The Review aims to identify aspects of the NQF that could be improved or updated, and to incorporate new thinking about the regulation of early education. Earlier this year, the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement was released, which identifies options for changes to the NQF and what they might mean. There’s nothing we love more than a consultation process, so we spend this episode talking about the NQF Review in general, and a few things from the Regulation Impact Statement specifically.

Find the full show notes at earlyeducationshow.com.

We're back for another year of banter about all things early education in Australia! In our first episode of 2021, we let everyone know what we did on our summer holidays and reflect on the experiences of women that have been dominating the media so far this year.

We then spend the second half of the episode discussing what about the sector makes us optimistic in 2021.

2020. We’re so glad you’re nearly over. Join us for our fifth annual end of year special episode, taking a look back at the year that was, looking ahead to 2021 and answering some listener questions.

We’ll back back for more episodes in 2021!

The regular ACCS Trends in Community Children’s Services Survey sheds a light on trends in the quality of early education, accessibility and affordability, educator and teacher conditions and entitlements, and the overall impact of policy initiatives such as the NQF and the child care subsidy. It’s a wealth of data and analysis on how the Australian system of early education works - or doesn’t work - for children, educators, families and the community.

To discuss the latest Survey Report released in November, we’re joined by Daniela Kavoukas and Nikki Graham from Community Child Care Association in Victoria.

Find the full shownotes at earlyeducationshow.com.