Amplify! Blog

NAIDOC Week 2024 will be celebrated between 7-14 July 2024 with a theme of "Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud."

Proud Gangalidda woman and cultural educator Hayley Goodrick unpacks this year's NAIDOC Week theme and offers ideas for how you can create learning experiences to keep the fire burning in your service. 

Too often, meetings can be overwhelming and filled with information, leaving little opportunity for individual sharing.

At Ambrose Early Years and Education, a ritual of sharing 'glows' and 'grows' in meetings facilitates the sharing of successes and challenges, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and psychological safety.

Find out how this ritual supports inquiry and collaborative leadership in this reflection written by Senior Manager of Early Years Education Jo Tapley.

Find out what this week's minimum wage decision means for your service. 

Last year, CELA joined early education employers and unions to lodge the first ever application for a national multi-employer agreement in the Fair Work Commission, with an aim of negotiating better pay and conditions for early childhood educators and teachers.  

Find out what multi-employer bargaining is, and how it relates to the Award wage. 

Principle 1 of the National Child Safety Principles is “Child safety and well-being is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.” 

Embedding child safety within organisations is crucial, particularly in the early education and care sector. While many organisations have implemented important initiatives, some may feel unsure of where to begin, or what to do next. This article offers practical steps for both leaders and educators, with guidance around how to initiate the right conversations and where to seek further information.

For 150 years, CELA member The Infants' Home has been a cornerstone of support for women, children and families. Read about its remarkable history, pioneering programs, and impactful initiatives like the "Each Family, Every Future" fundraising campaign.

Join us in celebrating an incredible milestone for this community-managed ECEC service that has positively influenced the lives of thousands.

Last week Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that the Federal Budget includes a multi-billion dollar provision towards wage increases for early childhood educators. 

We share memorable quotes and photos from our post-budget breakfast with Minister Anne Aly, how long day care services can register for more information on benefiting from funding for wage increases, plus an overview of other ECEC-related budget measures. 

Who would have thought that playing with loose parts could lead to a group of preschool children winning an art prize? 

Coonamble Children's Services Room Leader Jennifer Hertel shares the inspiring journey that began with an interest in vehicles and evolved into a creative exploration of recycled materials. This adventure culminated in their project, "Recycled Rainbows," winning a prize at the Coonamble Waste 2 Art 2024 competition. Jen's story showcases the power of creativity and community engagement in early childhood education.

Ahead of tonight’s budget, the Treasurer has confirmed that the Federal Budget will include a multi-billion dollar provision towards wage increases for early childhood educators.

Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) and Community Child Care Association (CCC), the peak bodies who are negotiating this historic deal on behalf of small and community early education providers, have welcomed the Treasurer’s announcement.

Find out more, and register your expression of interest to be involved. 

The National Reconciliation Week 2024 theme Now More Than Ever reminds us that, no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue. 

Deborah Hoger, a proud Dunghutti woman and  early years Indigenous educational resources specialist, shares her thoughts on the theme, along with ideas for how educators can celebrate with children and engage their team during the week of 27 May - 3 June.