16 MARCH 2026
In this Member News:
  • Checklist - child safety changes now in force
Checklist - child safety changes now in force
We recognise that there have been many changes across the past few months, and at times this may have felt overwhelming for you and your team.
Periods of change can be challenging, particularly when they affect the everyday work of caring for and educating young children. It can be helpful, however, to return to the purpose behind these reforms: strengthening the safety and wellbeing of children in education and care settings.

These reforms have been introduced in response to serious cases where children have been harmed, including situations where:
  • Individuals who pose a risk to children have deliberately sought employment in the sector to gain access to them.
  • Gaps in child safe practices or cultures have allowed harm or neglect to occur.
The impact of abuse in the early years can be significant and long lasting. A strong body of research shows that children who experience adverse childhood events are more likely to face ongoing health and psychosocial challenges throughout their lives (Source: https://www.acms.au/). The consequences of abuse in the early years can be profound and long-lasting.
We are working on a comprehensive checklist for members. In the meantime, here's an overview of what you should have completed since the 27 February reforms:

Overview checklist

1. Governance and paramount consideration Updated Child Safety Policy explicitly stating that children’s safety, rights and best interests are the paramount consideration Governance / risk management documents reflecting the paramount consideration duty Committee and staff meeting agendas and minutes noting awareness and oversight of 27 Feb 2026 reforms Staff acknowledgement forms confirming understanding of paramount consideration obligations Updates to policies and procedures Code of Conduct (reflecting new inappropriate conduct offence) Child Protection & Mandatory Reporting Procedures Incident, Injury, Trauma & Illness Procedure (aligned with earlier notification timeframes) Complaints Handling Policy Whistleblower / reportable conduct guidance (where applicable) Safe Use of Digital Technology & Devices Policy (national (non NSW)+ NSW specific) Recruitment, Screening & Employment Procedures 3. Workforce training evidence National Child Safety Training register (Geccko) Certificates or completion confirmations for foundation training Internal training tracker showing: staff volunteers students nominated supervisors persons in day-to-day charge Induction materials updated to include child safety reforms Supervision and performance review templates referencing child safety expectations 4. National Early Childhood Worker Register Confirmation records showing workforce uploaded to the National Early Childhood Worker Register Evidence of procedures to update the register within 14 days of changes Assigned responsibility statement (e.g. provider / HR / director) Periodic internal checks or audits of register accuracy Working With Children Checks (WWCC) WWCC register (current, verified, monitored) Evidence of “no card, no start” processes Procedures for responding to WWCC status changes Records of WWCC verification during recruitment 7. Preventing Inappropriate Conduct ☐ Behaviour expectations documented and communicated ☐ Staff training materials on professional boundaries ☐ Clear internal reporting and escalation flowchart ☐ Records of any misconduct responses (deidentified where appropriate) 8. Environment, Supervision & Premises Supervision risk assessments (including line of sight and blind spots) Confirmation that no ongoing waivers exist that compromise supervision Floor plans or supervision maps (where used) Daily supervision checks or reflective notes 9. Communication & Transparency Family communications about child safety reforms Parent handbook updates Evidence of displaying compliance or quality information (where required) Records of responding to regulatory requests or directions 10. Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) Alignment QIP updated to reflect strengthened QA2 (Children’s Health & Safety) QIP updated to reflect strengthened QA7 (Governance & Leadership) Clear links between: reforms actions taken evidence collected

Need more information? Don’t forget you can call CELA’s team of early learning specialists on 1800 157 818 or email [email protected].
We are developing a detailed, printable checklist for you that will be sent to members later this week.
Mandatory child safety training available now
Foundations of national child safety training is now available in Geccko.
Foundation child safety training is now mandatory for all people working or volunteering in an early childhood education and care (ECEC) service regulated under the National Quality Framework (NQF).
The following people must complete the training:
  • persons with management or control (if your service is community-managed, this means your committee members)
  • nominated supervisors
  • persons in day-to-day charge
  • Family Day Care Educators
  • other staff, volunteers and students.
Over 20,000 people completed this training within the first few days, reflecting a strong commitment across the sector to strengthening child safety.
There’s plenty of time to complete foundation training
All staff have until 27 August 2026 to complete it. You don’t need to complete it in one sitting – you can save your progress and return at any time.
Foundation training consists of 2 courses:
  • Understanding child safety.
  • Understanding and identifying child abuse and neglect.
You must finish both courses to complete foundation training. It is estimated to take approximately 2 hours to complete, although this will vary from learner to learner.
Register for Geccko to access the training and ensure your completion is tracked and reported correctly. Visit the Commonwealth Department of Education website for help setting up your account.
Providers: use the communication toolkit to tell your staff about the training.
Support available to complete the training
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved providers can access support to help staff complete training.
You can claim one type of support for the same hours of mandatory training. This means you cannot claim both CCS for a service closure and the professional development subsidy for individual staff to complete the training.
Some jurisdictions may also offer training support. Contact your regulatory authority for more information.
If you have further questions or sector feedback on the materials, please contact [email protected].
CELA's relentless advocacy maintains momentum for fair wages in NSW community preschools
In an unprecedented public decision, the independent workplace umpire has told the NSW Government that community preschools cannot pay for their urgent wage shortfall by themselves, instead, they must receive additional funding from the NSW Government or increase fees for parents. The NSW Government was then grilled over the details of Fair Work Commission recommendations as part of recent Budget Estimates hearings.
CELA's advocacy has been instrumental in creating momentum for NSW community preschools' wage claim, in the Fair Work Commission and in NSW Parliament, on behalf of 104 member providers.
All parties will now return to the Fair Work Commission on 23 March 2026, and we expect to see a response from the NSW Government. In the lead-up to this hearing, CELA continues to advocate intensively to Minister Car and across NSW Parliament to highlight the urgency of solving community preschool funding.
The context
CELA is representing community preschools in multi-employer bargaining currently underway with providers, unions and the NSW Government, leveraging our successful advocacy in securing the federally funded 15% wage increase for the long day care sector. This is the next step in delivering professional wages for our whole sector, building on the 15% federally funded increase secured for early educators and teachers in long day care services.
The viability of community managed preschools is under threat due to two shortfalls in NSW Government Start Strong wages funding:
Community preschool educators and teachers are paid on average 25% less for educators and teachers compared to their colleagues in NSW public preschools, long day care and schools.
The mandatory Gender Undervaluation wage increase for Children's Services Award employees corrects historic gender-based undervaluation of their work. NSW Start Strong funding does not account for this 10% mandatory increase which impacts 70% of NSW community preschool staff. Preschool teachers are not covered by this mandatory decision. However, if services do not address the effect of this increase by 30 June, two year diploma qualified room leaders will be paid more than four year degree qualified teachers.
Without an urgent NSW Government commitment to fund this wage gap, services will be obligated to pass on these costs via significant increases to parents' fees.
CELA's effective advocacy on behalf of community preschool members
We understand the importance and urgency of solving the critical workforce challenges faced by NSW community preschools without raising families' fees. We understand the significant impact that this is having on you, your staff and your families.
CELA has been tirelessly advocating to deliver government funded professional wages for NSW community preschools. This is a continuation of our long term advocacy campaign for governments to fund a professionally paid and respected early education and care workforce across all sectors.
Over the past 18 months, we have been actively negotiating, lobbying and representing community preschool members including:
Direct detailed negotiations with the NSW Government through supported bargaining in the Fair Work Commission, and delivering highly influential evidence that led to the unprecedented public Fair Work Commission recommendation.
Multiple representations to the NSW Minister for Education, presenting detailed member case studies on the critical funding and workforce issues faced by community preschools.
Actively defending community preschools against false claims made by the NSW Government on cash reserves and their capacity to pay for increased wages, including sharing our Fact Check Brief to every member of NSW Parliament and the media.
Direct lobbying of NSW Parliamentarians outlining the impact of community preschool funding shortfalls on children and families in their electorates.
Presenting our 2,000 signature parents' petition to NSW Parliamentarians, asking for pay equity for NSW community preschool educators and teachers.
Activating members of NSW Parliament to speak out about the critical funding issues facing NSW community preschools over a dozen times in Question Time, and in over 20 statements to Parliament, as well as intensive questioning in budget estimates.
Supporting our members to invite NSW Parliamentarians to visit their services and hear directly about the impact of low wages.
Briefing local media to highlight the impact of low wages on community preschools in our members' communities.
Providing in depth evidence on the impact of low community preschool wages in the Fair Work Commission's Gender Undervaluation Review.
We are determined to see a positive result that solves critical workforce shortages. This is the foundation for delivering high quality universal preschools across NSW.
Education and care worker register
The new national register for early childhood education and care (ECEC) workers is now active within the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA IT System).
Approved providers must now enter who is working in their services and keep it up to date.
Find out more about what must be recorded by clicking below.
Find out more
Join CELA as an early education specialist
6-month contract | Full time (38 hours per week) | Potential for extension
Amy is heading off on maternity leave and we are looking for an amazing sector specialist to cover this role.
Apply by Friday, 3 April.

In this varied and rewarding role, you will: 
  • Support compliance and quality improvement through CELA’s consultancy services and regulatory guidance 
  • Contribute to the development and review of CELA’s learning and development materials 
  • Deliver expert advice on service delivery and management for CELA members 
  • Collaborate proactively with colleagues to respond to emerging sector needs 
  • Proactively and collaboratively engage in early education government policy interpretation to enable informed expert advice
ELEVATE - Early Education Online Conference
Voices, Rights and Relationships:
Children at the Heart of Practice
Children come first. Always.
CELA's Elevate live online conference is designed to strengthen practice, deepen thinking and place children’s rights, voices and relationships at the centre of everything we do.
Across five powerful presentations, leading thinkers and practitioners will explore what it truly means to uphold the paramountcy of children in early education settings. Together, we will examine how decisions are made, whose voices are heard, how culture shapes safety and belonging, and how inclusive, relational practice transforms outcomes for children.
This is more than a conference. It is a collective commitment to ensuring every child is safe, seen, heard and valued.
Event details:
When
Thurs, 30 April: 9.15am-4pm (AEST)
or view a recording at a time that suits you or your team.
Where
Online - Live streaming
Tickets
Single or service tickets
Who to contact regarding child safety concerns
Quality & safety concerns
If you have concerns about quality and safety or a serious incident related to an early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider or service, contact your state or territory regulatory authority.
Child protection concerns
If you are concerned about a child’s safety or suspect a child is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, contact your state or territory child protection agency.
National Office for Child Safety activity book
The National Office for Child Safety has published an activity booklet to help adults recognise everyday opportunities to have open conversations with children and young people about staying safe from child sexual abuse. Ongoing, age-appropriate conversations help children and young people understand that they can talk to you and that you will listen, no matter what.
Access the activity booklet here
Harmony week 2026
Harmony Week takes place from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March 2026, providing an opportunity for communities across Australia to celebrate the diversity that shapes our nation and the shared values that bring us together.
The week is a reminder of the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
In a message for Harmony Week, the Governor-General of Australia reflected on how diversity continues to shape the country we share. Speaking from Admiralty House in Sydney on Cammeraygal land, the Governor-General noted that the 65,000-year history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples forms the foundation of Australia’s diversity, which continues to grow as communities from around the world contribute their cultures, traditions and stories.
Harmony Week also coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on Saturday 21 March. While the week celebrates cultural diversity, this day reminds us of the ongoing responsibility to challenge racism wherever it occurs and to actively foster respectful, inclusive communities.
For early education and care services, Harmony Week can be a valuable opportunity to explore culture, language and belonging with children and families, while continuing to foster environments where every child feels safe, respected and valued.
CELA resources relating to Harmony Week
NEW CELA member resource
Paramount consideration of children poster
This printable A3 poster highlights what it means to create a child-first culture in early education services, where the safety, rights and best interests of children are the paramount consideration.
The poster can support teams to reflect on how policies, actions and conversations can be shaped to ensure children are placed first.
Have your say on the updates to Early Childhood Education and Care qualifications
HumanAbility is seeking feedback as part of its review and updating of the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care training package qualifications.
HumanAbility’s consultation process for the review is open now and closes on 31 March.
You can view the draft units and qualification structures, and find out more about how to contribute to the consultation by clicking the button.
Gender Undervaluation decision and new pay rates
The worker retention payment has been designed to absorb increases to the Children’s Service’s Award 2010 from the Fair Work Commission’s gender-based undervaluation proceedings, up to the program’s limit of 15%.
This means:
Eligible workers will continue to get the same minimum hourly rate under the worker retention payment.
The standard payment calculation method for calculating remains unchanged.
Providers are not expected to pay more overall, as the worker retention payment will absorb the wage increase.
The worker retention payment continues to ensure eligible workers receive the same total uplift.
Example: If the award increases by 5% on 1 March 2026, the provider needs to pay 10% above the award. The standard payment calculation is still intended to fund the full 15% uplift on the pre-1 March 2026 award.
If the standard payment calculation does not provide sufficient funding to meet this commitment, providers may request a funding review.
Where can I find the new pay scale?
The updated pay rates under the Award can be found here (click Pay Guides, 1 March).
Need help? Call CELA’s industrial relations team on 1300 346 818 or email [email protected]
If you need help applying the worker retention payment after 1 March 2026, free support is available.
Information on minimum rates under the WRP can be found here
Read this Factsheet or or attend tomorrow’s Gender Undervaluation webinar:
Tuesday 17 March 5:30pm
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural information - updated
CELA's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Information page has just been updated with new links curated by CELA's Cultural Advisor, Lisa Walker.
Explore resources such as the Djalgala's Cultural Inclusivity Guide and Racism No Way's posters, plus read the Productivity Commission report on Closing the Gap.
Important dates to acknowledge in March:
⏰ 19 March is Closing the Gap day
⏰ 21 March is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Best Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Anaphylaxis ECEC
The Best Practice Guidelines aim to provide best-practice guidance and support through the provision of sample documents and templates, to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis in ECEC services while supporting children to participate in the full range of activities.
The Best Practice Guidelines have been developed to provide guidance and support to early education and care services across all states and territories of Australia.
Access the guidelines.
Supporting speech development and communication
This video from the Western NSW Local Health District provides a helpful overview of how families can support their child’s speech and communication development at home.
Additional resources to support parents and caregivers in nurturing children’s speech and communication including factsheets in multiple languages are also available.
Free webinar from the Centre for Community Child Health
Join panellists from the Centre for Community Child Health to explore the following:
  • What the AEDC tells us about trends in children’s development.
  • The National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention.
  • Perspectives of families of children with disability.
  • How a local community is supporting children’s development.
Early and timely developmental support helps children to thrive. This webinar will focus on how responding to children’s needs can give them a strong start, and supporting children with developmental concerns, delay or disability.
Date: Tuesday 24 March
Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm AEDT
Cost: Free
Parent Pathways Program
Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary service for eligible parents and carers of children under six. Participants are guided by a mentor who provides tailored and flexible support to help them reach their personal, study or work goals.
Who is Parent Pathways for?
  • Those with a child aged under the age of 6yrs old
  • Are not in paid employment
  • Live in an area where there is a Parent Pathways provider
Parents or carers must also be receiving one of these payments:
  • Parenting Payment
  • Carer Payment
  • Special Benefit
Parents or carers may be eligible if they are not getting a Centrelink payment, and are either:
  • Under 22 years old
  • An early school leaver (parents who don't have a year 12 qualification)
  • A First Nations parent or carer
Services on offer include:
Language or literacy programs
Child care assistance
Financial help
Referral to local services, such as family and domestic violence support, community groups and local charities
Support to gain qualifications
Career guidance to join or re-join the workforce
For more information, including how to find a provider in your local area, visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
News for NSW Members
News for VIC Members
Provisionally Registered Teacher grants open now
More funding is now available for new Provisionally Registered Teacher Grants.
Moving from provisional to full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is an important step in a teacher’s career and demonstrates their proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
The Provisionally Registered Teacher (PRT) Grants Program helps approved providers support provisionally registered early childhood teachers delivering a funded kindergarten program through this process.
Applications close 27 March 2026.
Best Start Best Life webinar
The Best Start, Best Life Evening Leadership Series supports Victoria’s early childhood service and organisational leaders as they implement the Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms.
The next event, Best Start, Best Life: Maintaining quality through change, will take place on Thursday 26 March 2026 and will be a live streamed webinar.
The event will focus on how leaders can support and strengthen quality practice during reform. It will include a panel conversation with practical insights and reflections to support leaders.
Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Format: live online
Cost: free
Toy library grant now open
The Victorian Government is investing $1.9 million over 4 years (2023 to 2027) to establish 8 new toy libraries and support existing toy libraries with grants of up to $10,000.
The initiative will make toy libraries accessible to more families across Victoria. It will also help families to save money by promoting sustainability and establishing new toy libraries in areas that need it the most.
Not-for-profit community organisations, ACCOs and councils are eligible to apply.
The grant is open now, and closes on 31 March.
News for SA Members
Listening to communities in regional SA
CELA is currently on the ground in regional South Australia, analysing the need and type of early education and care that families are seeking.
We are consulting with families, educators, community workers, and local industry to understand how early education is accessed and identify where gaps exist. Commissioned by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains, together with RDA Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, our community consultations build on robust data in a demographic study, also carried out by CELA. A final report, to be delivered in April, will paint a full picture of local needs and recommend practical solutions for the future.
The work is particularly timely as South Australia prepares for the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool by the Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD). This follows on from the state’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care and endeavours to significantly reduce the rate of SA children who are developmentally vulnerable when they start school.
6 Ways CELA can support you
Training
High-quality, affordable, and evidence-based training tailored for the sector
Support
Direct phone and email support to guide you through any challenge
Sector news
Up-to-date sector news and insights through Member News, Amplify!, and Rattler
Connect
A platform for you to share your stories and connect with others
Consultancy
Expert consultancy services to help shape and strengthen your service
Advocacy
Powerful advocacy to amplify your voice in government and drive meaningful change
And we do all of this without government funding!
Every training session you book, every consultancy engagement, and every membership renewal helps us continue supporting you and the broader sector. We exist to support you and we wouldn’t be here without you.
Want to find out more about how
we can help you? Get in touch!
Call us on 1800 157 818 or email [email protected]
Workforce:
CELA jobs board
We have nearly 100 job postings on the CELA job board. Take a look - and don't forget that you can post to the board if you have vacancies.
In case you missed it -
last week's news
If you missed our last member news edition, you can now catch up by visiting our website member hub or via the link below.
Get in touch
1800 157 818 or [email protected]
cela.org.au  |  [email protected]  |1800 157 818  |  RTO Code: 90842 
Community Early Learning Australia, 200 George St, Sydney NSW 2000