It’s the halfway point of the year, and Jackie, Tiana, and Cass are hitting pause to reflect, reassess, and realign. In this honest and lighthearted chat, the trio revisit their 2025 goals, celebrate the wins, laugh at the lessons, and share what’s shifting as they move into the second half of the year. Whether you’re ticking boxes or just treading water, this episode is your reminder that growth looks different for everyone—and that the check-in matters just as much as the check-off.

In this special NAIDOC Week edition of TEE, we’re joined by Belinda from Freshwater Education – a passionate advocate for empowering early childhood educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives with confidence, authenticity, and heart. 

Together, we explore what it means to move beyond tokenism, the significance of this year’s NAIDOC theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, and how educators can honour First Nations culture in everyday practice – not just during NAIDOC Week, but all year round.

In this powerful episode, Jackie, Cass & Tiana explore what it means to truly safeguard children in early education. We unpack your role as a Mandatory Reporter in NSW, how to recognise red flags, and what the 2025 NQF changes mean for child-safe practice.

We also share practical steps, support contacts, and expert insights to help educators take confident, informed action.

🔔 Content warning: This episode discusses child abuse and may be distressing for some listeners.

Support & Reporting (NSW):

📞 Child Protection Helpline – 132 111

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14

📞 NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511

🔗 reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au

👩‍🏫 Follow child safety advocate Kristi McVee:

Instagram: @‌kristimcvee

Facebook: Kristi McVee – Child Safety Advocate

TikTok: @‌tiktokcop81

Website: cape-au.com/links

In this candid and comedic episode of The Educators Edit, the team reunites to unpack the myths and misinformation still lurking in the Early Childhood Education industry. From laminated learning and sleep myths to toxic productivity and generic stereotypes, no piece of “ECE propaganda” is safe. With real talk, laughs, and a few confessions, this episode reminds educators to question the status quo - and maybe skip the overpriced matcha.

In our second chat with the incredible Dr Red Ruby Scarlet, we take a deep dive into the EYLF – and who better to guide us than one of its very own co-authors? Listen now and "eduCATe" yourself on the framework that guides everything we do.

In this episode, we dive into all things sensory — from how to create meaningful sensory experiences in your early learning environment to managing the inevitable mess! We kick things off with a fun "What's in the Box?" challenge, exploring taste, sound, and touch in the most unpredictable ways. Then we get real about the joys and chaos of sensory play in early childhood settings: what works, what flops, and how to plan effectively. Plus, we chat about identifying sensory preferences and aversions in children, how to support overwhelmed educators, and the importance of collaborating with families to create sensory-friendly classrooms. Whether you're new to sensory play or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode has you covered. 

In this episode, Tiana, Cass, and Jackie – chat about how AI is evolving in the early childhood education space. They take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the tech they used back in the day and compare it to the smart tools we’re seeing pop up in centres today. It’s a lighthearted yet insightful convo about how far we’ve come, and how embracing change can actually make our jobs easier, not harder. And who knows what’s next for AI in our sector?

In this episode, we hand the mic to one of our very own — Emily! From her very first day in early childhood to where she is now, Emily shares the real, raw, and rewarding moments of her journey in the sector. We talk challenges, changes, her absolute favourite parts of the job, and what she hopes the future of early education looks like. It’s part check-in, part celebration, and all heart.

🎙 Community Page Confessions
 In this episode, we kick things off with a DM from one of our amazing listeners asking, "How can we shout out and appreciate educators throughout the year?" From affirmation envelopes to face masks in the staffroom, and even vending machines full of Red Bulls — we share all the real-life ideas happening in centres to boost morale and build community.

Then it’s on to our favourite segment – Community Page Confessions!
We dive into:
🚪 How to step into an Assistant Director role
📚 Must-have 3–5 room resources (edible slime, anyone?)
🦎 And a wild "rent-a-pet" program that we’re officially obsessed with.

This episode is packed with laughs, lived experience, and supportive advice from educators who get it.

Get ready for an episode bursting with energy, creativity, and a little bit of theatre! This week on The Educator’s Edit, we chat with the one and only Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet about the magic of creativity in early childhood education. From embracing the arts in your teaching to finding confidence in your professional identity, Red shares her wisdom with a signature splash of flair. Whether you’re an educator looking for inspiration or just love a good, colourful conversation, this episode is sure to leave you feeling empowered and excited about the work we do!