Early childhood
Staff shortages threaten Andrews’ $9bn preschool overhaul
Workforce issues could hamper the state government from getting its early learning reforms off the ground.
- by Cara Waters, Adam Carey, Matilda Finn and Marta Pascual Juanola
Latest
Teacher shortages could undermine plan for extra year of education
The NSW government’s universal pre-kindergarten reforms were met with praise from the early childhood sector, but experts warned more educators were needed.
- by Daniella White
Kindergarten to get a $9b overhaul, with more places and longer hours
The Andrews government has promised a multibillion-dollar reshaping of preschool and childcare in Victoria.
- by Annika Smethurst
Opinion
Parenting
Why don’t you just chill, Mum? (Apparently this is not jumper weather)
Yes, it’s winter, but my son is dressed for the tropics.
- by Meena Evers
Opinion
Parenting
I stand with Kate Middleton (pre-schoolers are not meant to be tamed) and with Prince Louis (pageants are boring)
The backlash against the Duchess of Cambridge over her four-year-old son’s behaviour at the Queen’s Platinum Pageant is absurd.
- by Kerri Sackville
‘Naady’unya Budyari’ as preschools reclaim Aboriginal languages
“Good to see you” is how preschool students are greeted in Dharug at Riverstone Public School, one of 16 public preschools in NSW teaching First Nations languages to its students.
- by Daniella White
Aboriginal child care centre faces funding uncertainty
Despite a decade of positive outcomes, the community-controlled centre’s board says it remains under-funded.
- by Jack Latimore
Demand for specialist preschools after surge in autism diagnoses
The surge in children being diagnosed with autism at age three or four is fuelling demand for specialist programs in preschools.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
COVID-19 disruptions hampered development of Australian children
A new report shows COVID-19 lockdowns and disruptions have hindered the development of preschool-aged children across the country.
- by Nicole Precel
COVID-19 disruptions hold back preschool-aged students’ development
The percentage of children whose learning was on track across five key areas has declined for the first time in 13 years.
- by Daniella White
Exclusive
Childcare
Treat child wellbeing like women’s safety: call for cabinet to make kids a priority
Australia’s Children’s Commissioner wants the federal government to show leadership in elevating child wellbeing as a policy priority.
- by Katina Curtis