What years of comprehensive reference checking have taught us about identifying exceptional educators
Reference checks should not be treated as the final tick-box in early childhood recruitment. Done properly, they reveal patterns that help services make safer, more confident appointments.
Permanent vs casual childcare recruitment: Which approach creates stronger teams in 2026?
Explore the difference between permanent and casual childcare recruitment in 2026, including workforce stability, educator retention, staffing costs, and long-term team performance in early childhood services.
What experienced early childhood leaders really want
Experienced early childhood leaders are placing increasing value on structure, support and sustainability when considering new roles. This article explores how these factors are shaping leadership decisions across the sector and what services can do to attract high-quality leaders.
Why your shortlist might already be wrong in early childhood recruitment
A shortlist creates a sense of progress in shortlist recruitment in early childhood. The role has been advertised, applications have been reviewed, and a group of candidates has been selected for interview. At this point, most early childhood services feel they are moving forward with clarity. Attention naturally shifts to comparison — who presents best, […]
Momentum is not a hiring strategy in early childhood services
In early childhood services, recruitment rarely happens in ideal conditions, and momentum in recruitment in early childhood services often becomes the default response. A team member leaves unexpectedly. Ratios tighten. Rooms are at risk of closing. The immediate priority becomes filling the role — quickly. In these moments, momentum builds. Applications are reviewed, interviews are […]
Educator turnover in early childhood education: why services keep rehiring the same problem
Educator turnover in early childhood education is often treated as a shortage problem. New national research shows it is actually driven by misalignment in hiring, conditions, and leadership.
Sessional Kindergarten vs Long Day Care: Which Is Better for Early Childhood Educators?
When comparing sessional kindergarten vs long day care, many early childhood educators are trying to determine which setting best suits their career, lifestyle and long-term goals. Choosing between a sessional kindergarten and a long day care (LDC) setting is one of the most defining career decisions for an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) or educator. Both […]
What you cannot ask in an interview (and what to ask instead)
A practical guide for early childhood employers in Australia Hiring in early childhood education is already complex — but asking the wrong question can quietly expose your service to legal risk, reputational damage, and poor hiring decisions. Knowing what you cannot ask in an early childhood interview is essential for compliant and effective hiring in […]
Red flags when hiring early childhood educators
Hiring the right early childhood educator or leader requires more than reviewing qualifications. This guide outlines key red flags and what they may indicate in practice, team fit, and long-term performance.
Why Busy Childcare Centres are outsourcing recruitment in 2026
Busy childcare centres in Melbourne are increasingly outsourcing recruitment in 2026. This article explores the key drivers behind this shift, from time constraints to workforce complexity and rising expectations.