The Sector

Developed in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, the program offers educators, teachers and service leaders access to flexible, evidence-informed learning designed to strengthen professional practice, leadership capability and quality outcomes across the sector. The initiative forms part of the NSW Government's ongoing investment in building a skilled, confident and sustainable ECEC workforce.

Developed by the Queensland Government, QELP provides educators, teachers, students and approved providers with easier access to financial support, qualification pathways and professional development initiatives designed to strengthen the state's early childhood workforce. The program forms part of Queensland's broader commitment to attracting, developing and retaining a skilled and sustainable ECEC workforce while improving outcomes for children and families.

The regulatory action follows the cancellation of the provider's registration in 2025 and forms part of ASQA's ongoing work to protect the integrity of Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system. While qualifications have not yet been cancelled, individuals who receive a Notice of Intent have an opportunity to respond before ASQA makes a final decision.

The WEF analysis, AI may decimate entry-level jobs, and how AI is reshaping the global labour market, particularly for workers entering the workforce. According to the report, employers are increasingly automating repetitive tasks, raising concerns about the future of traditional entry-level roles and the career pathways they provide.

The program provides targeted support to eligible services through practical coaching, mentoring and evidence-informed guidance, helping approved providers and service leaders strengthen systems, improve practice and build confidence ahead of future Assessment and Rating. The Quality Support Program recognises that every service is different, with its own strengths, challenges and priorities.

The Change2Teaching program, delivered in partnership with Tasmania’s Department for Education, Children and Young People, will support participants to complete a two-year Master of Teaching while working in Tasmanian government schools. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s teaching workforce, support regional communities and remove financial barriers that can prevent people from moving into education.

Held annually on 4 August, Children's Day is one of Australia's most significant national celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Since 1988, the day has recognised children's strength, resilience and cultural identity while celebrating the important role that families, communities and Elders play in raising children who are safe, connected and proud of who they are.

Within early childhood education and care (ECEC) and outside school hours care (OSHC), supervision is frequently described through the language of risk management. Educators position themselves strategically, maintain line of sight and respond to potential hazards to keep children safe. These responsibilities remain fundamental.

Child safety remains a central focus of reforms to the National Quality Framework (NQF), with governments across Australia continuing to strengthen legislative requirements, regulatory oversight and expectations of approved providers. To support the sector through these ongoing changes, ACECQA has refreshed its child safety information and brought together a range of guidance materials and practical resources in a dedicated online hub.

Australia's early childhood education and care sector has entered a new phase of regulatory enforcement, with Minister for Education Jason Clare signalling that services which fail to meet child safety standards should expect to lose Commonwealth funding.