Educator Resources & Tools

Supporting children’s emotional well-being is essential in early childhood education. Teaching relaxation techniques helps children manage stress hormones, build self-regulation skills, and create a sense of calm in the learning environment. Incorporating sensory play, mindful breathing, and calming art activities can be an effective way to promote relaxation. At ABC School Supplies, we offer a range of resources to support these practices in your early learning setting.

The Australian Government's recent overhaul of the childcare subsidy system marks a significant shift in early childhood education. Aimed at improving accessibility and affordability for families, one of the key changes includes removing the activity test, ensuring that all children can access at least three days of subsidised childcare per week. This transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for childcare centres as they navigate new regulations and work to communicate these changes effectively to families.

The removal of the activity test means that families, regardless of their working hours or educational commitments, will now receive guaranteed subsidies for three days of childcare. This initiative is designed to foster early learning engagement,

Incorporating Indigenous perspectives in early childhood education for Australian people is a vital step towards fostering cultural understanding, respect, and inclusion from a young age. By embedding Indigenous knowledge, stories, and practices into learning environments, educators can help children develop a deep appreciation for Australia’s rich First Nations cultures. The article Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives: A Guide for Early Childcare Services provides valuable insights for integrating these perspectives in meaningful and respectful ways.

Embedding Aboriginal

Play is an essential part of early childhood development, providing children with a natural and engaging way to build social and emotional skills. Through play, children develop resilience, learn to navigate relationships and gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) highlights the importance of play in fostering emotional intelligence and social competence. Play-based learning is central to the EYLF, as it allows children to explore emotions, build relationships, and develop self-regulation skills in a supportive environment.

This aligns most closely with

• Outcome 1: Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity
• Outcome 3: Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing

These outcomes emphasise the role of play in helping children develop the ability to express emotions, form positive relationships, regulate their behaviour, and show empathy—all of which are key aspects of emotional intelligence

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) v2.0 is a cornerstone for early childhood education in Australia, guiding educators to create enriching, inclusive environments that nurture children’s development. At its heart lies the principle of belonging – a fundamental concept that shapes children’s sense of identity, connection, and emotional wellbeing. This article explores the significance of belonging in the EYLF, why it matters, and practical strategies for fostering a strong sense of belonging in early childhood settings.

Belonging is the foundation of children’s confidence, learning, and overall wellbeing. When children feel they belong, they develop strong relationships, a sense of identity, and the security to explore and engage in their environment.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a foundational tool for early childhood educators across Australia. It provides guidance on best practices, learning outcomes, and a child-centred approach to development.

The EYLF is designed to make the most of the impressionable early childhood years, which have been proven to be a vital period for learning and development.

The Early Years Learning Framework is a national Australian curriculum framework that guides the education of children from birth to five years old. Its goal is to ensure high-quality early childhood experiences that promote children’s development and create a strong foundation for their future learning.

Created and implemented by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2009, the