In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand broadcasts live from the ECA Regional, Rural & Remote Forum to tackle the most pressing legal and industrial shifts hitting the ECEC sector. We are joined by Leanne Cruden, a seasoned industrial relations lawyer leading the charge on gender-based undervaluation proceedings for the Australian Industry Group. Victor Lin, a senior solicitor and employment law expert from the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries also joins the conversation. Together, they pull back the curtain on the complex intersection of fair pay, legislative reform, and the future of the ECEC workforce, providing much-needed clarity for providers navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

The discussion dives deep into the updates surrounding the Children’s Services Award 2010, specifically focusing on the Fair Work Commission’s review of gender-based undervaluation and the rollout of the Worker Retention Payment. Leanne explains the practical mechanics of these payments and how they aim to stabilise the ECEC sector, while Victor provides a vital update on the latest changes to the National Employment Standards (NES). Whether you are an employer seeking to remain compliant or an educator curious about how these landmark proceedings impact your professional value, this episode serves as an essential guide to the industrial evolution of early childhood education in Australia.

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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, we head to the seaside to explore the 2026 CBCA Notable picture book, Castle Crashing. Join host Linda Harrison and award-winning author Andrea Rowe as they dive into the relatable world of Bonnie, a young girl whose beach day takes a turn when her friends’ creative visions collide with her own.

Beneath the beautiful, salt-sprayed illustrations by Hannah Sommerville lies an exploration of early childhood milestones, from the tricky negotiation of sharing and turn-taking to the "boiling over" of big emotions. Andrea shares how the natural environment acts as a 'third teacher', offering children the sensory space they need to breathe and reset.

This episode is packed with practical, nature-based play ideas designed for early childhood educators and parents. We discuss how to use bird’s-eye and worm’s-eye perspectives in the sandpit to build spatial reasoning, and how small-world play can help children physically re-map the story's narrative sequence. Whether you are looking for tips on conducting interactive read-alouds or want to learn ways to develop a young child's visual literacy skills, this conversation offers a wealth of insights.

Find out more:

www. andrearowe.com.au

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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with Andrew Paterson, CEO of Family Day Care Australia (FDCA). With over a decade of leadership at the national peak body, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the unique strengths of the family day care (FDC) model and how it serves as a high-quality pillar of the early childhood sector. We dive into FDCA’s pivotal role as a fierce advocate for quality across the sector, discussing how they represent members in national forum to shape policy and elevate the professional identity of home-based educators across the country.

The conversation examines why both families and educators are increasingly drawn to the intimacy of the FDC environment. Andrew highlights how the model fosters the deep, consistent bonds that are crucial for early development, offering a "village" approach. For professionals, Andrew explains how this path is one of the most empowering in the industry, allowing educators to run their own businesses and reclaim their pedagogical autonomy.

Whether you’re a parent seeking a natural learning environment or an educator ready to lead your own micro-community, this episode offers essential insights and practical advice on how to find a local FDC educator or kickstart your own career through the FDCA locator.

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Welcome to a special edition of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we launch an exciting 10-part mini-series Road Safety in Early Education. Recorded in partnership with Kids and Traffic, the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program at Macquarie University, this series is designed to empower educators with evidence-based strategies for keeping our littlest learners safe.

In this premiere episode, host Linda Harrison is joined by expert road safety education consultants Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn. We explore why educators are a trusted source for families and how to effectively weave road safety messages into the daily fabric of your early years setting.

We break down the core Kids and Traffic philosophy, focusing on the developmental realities of why children are at risk around traffic. You’ll also be introduced to the three pillars of road safety messages - pedestrian, passenger, and safe play. Join us as we set the stage for a journey through the EYLF V2.0, numeracy, music, and excursions... all through the lens of quality road safety education.

Find out more:
https://kidsandtraffic.mq.edu.au/

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In this episode, we sit down with pedagogical leader Kelly Goodsir to explore the transformative power of intentional inquiry and deep listening in early learning. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly discusses how to reimagine educational leadership, moving away from "habitual" responses toward a relational, purposeful practice. She shares strategies for navigating team tensions and holding space for generative dialogue, ensuring that every decision honours the voices of both children and educators.

Drawing on concepts like Adam Grant’s 'rethinking cycle', Kelly offers practical advice on building a culture of curiosity. She emphasizes the importance of being "awake" to the present moment to ensure leadership remains grounded in meaning rather than just compliance. This conversation is an inspiring call to action for leaders to lead from the inside out, transforming everyday moments into profound learning opportunities.

Find out more:
www.kglearning.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/kellygoodsirconsultancy
https://www.instagram.com/kglearningece/

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In this episode, host Simone Brand explores National Quality Standard 3.2 - Use of the Physical Environment. We dive into:
- Element 3.2.1 and the importance of creating a sense of belonging through responsive, inclusive pedagogy.
- Element 3.2.2 by exploring how carefully selected open-ended resources and natural materials can support play-based learning.
- Element 3.2.3 and ways services can embed sustainability as a core pedagogical value.

To help your team move toward an Exceeding rating, Simone shares critical reflection questions focused on cultural inclusion, healthy risk-taking, and environmental stewardship. We also announce our brand-new professional development course, 'The Regenerative Classroom: Empowering Young Changemakers for a Sustainable Future,' designed to help you map your practice to the EYLF V2.0. Tune in to discover how to intentionally scaffold children’s discovery of the world within a space that feels safe, secure, and deeply respectful of every child.

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In this episode, we are joined by a powerhouse duo from the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) - Chairperson Kate Mount and General Manager Cara Mearns. With over six decades of combined experience, Kate and Cara explore the profound impact of the Reggio Emilia Approach in Australian early childhood settings.

We dive into the heart of Loris Malaguzzi’s 'Hundred Languages of Children', discussing how this central concept challenges educators to look beyond traditional schooling and make children’s limitless thinking visible through multimodal learning and a range of creative media.

The conversation also addresses the vital importance of professional nourishment for educators facing workforce shortages and burnout. Kate and Cara emphasize that valuing our workforce through reflection and democratic practice is essential for fostering safe, high-quality environments where children’s voices are truly heard.

This inspiring episode is a call to collective action, reminding us that a child’s potential is best realised when families, educators, and communities work together with courage and purpose. As our guests aptly ask - "If not now, when?"

Find out more:
https://reggioaustralia.org.au/
Instagram: reggioaustralia
Facebook: reggioaustralia
LinkedIn: Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange

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Connect with Us:

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Join hosts Linda Harrison and Lindsay Laing as they explore the vital role of Risky Play in early childhood settings! Find out why risky play is important for building a young child's resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills. This episode equips educators to understand the 6 types of Risky Play in early education.

You'll take away an innovative play provocation idea with using tools at a Woodworking and Whittling Station. Discover how to safely set up an inviting outdoor workshop using natural materials and real tools to teach responsibility, persistence, and focus. This episode will empower you to become a brave facilitator of healthy risk-taking for preschoolers in your early learning environment!

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Connect with Us:

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