Category: Uncategorized
The latest wage increase in early childhood education and care (ECEC) marks a significant victory for the education sector and for us. The Australian government is realising the vital role that ECEC workers play in preparing children for school with a $3.6 billion investment. This national wage increase is expected to be phased in over 2 years and includes a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, and a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.
At eduKare, we’ve always led the way by paying our educators above-award wages, and now the industry is catching up. However, our commitment remains strong, we believe ECEC educators deserve compensation that truly reflects their invaluable role in society, and we want you to be part of this journey.
With increased funding, we’re able to make a bigger impact:
– Hire more educators and ensure they’re well-compensated.
– Open more centres, expand our offerings, and enrol more children.
– Continue supporting the children and families who need us most.
– Invest in the development of our educators and leaders, and provide educational support to our centres.
– Advocate for universal, high-quality ECEC access for all Australian families.
Why choose eduKare to start your career in early education?
We’re looking for people who believe in the transformative power of early learning!
Fair Pay: We offer the highest wages in the sector, and we’re about to raise them even further. At eduKare we pay you what you deserve!
Respect: Experience a workplace where you’re valued and respected every day.
Career Progression: We invest in your professional growth because we want to see you succeed.
Impact: Be part of shaping an exciting new era in the ECEC sector.

Together, We Can Make a Difference!
Explore a career that truly makes an impact. Send us your resume and join our talent community today.
Not ready yet? No problem. Visit our careers page to learn more about the benefits of working with us.
1. Indoor Fort Building
On those chilly days when it’s best to stay indoors, unleash your creativity with indoor fort building. Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to construct cosy forts or elaborate castles. Add fairy lights or lanterns for a magical touch and enjoy storytelling or reading books inside your cosy hideaway.
2. Baking Together
Warm up the kitchen and bond over baking delicious winter treats like cookies, muffins, or bread. Let your child help measure ingredients, mix the batter, and decorate the finished goodies. Baking not only teaches valuable skills but also creates cherished memories, and the bonus is enjoying the tasty results together!
3. Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts
Take advantage of crisp winter days for refreshing nature walks in local parks or nature reserves. Bundle up in layers, bring along binoculars or a magnifying glass, and embark on a winter scavenger hunt. Look for animal tracks, pinecones, frost-covered leaves, or winter birds, making observations and discovering the beauty of the season.
4. Arts and Crafts
Unleash your inner artists with winter-themed arts and crafts projects. Create paper snowflakes, paint winter landscapes, or make handmade holiday decorations together. Set up a craft station with supplies like coloured paper, markers, glue, and glitter, letting your imaginations run wild as you create beautiful winter masterpieces.
Embrace Winter Together
Winter offers a magical backdrop for bonding with your child and creating cherished memories. Whether you’re frolicking in the cold, snuggled up indoors, or getting creative with crafts, these activities are sure to bring warmth and joy to your winter days. Embrace the season’s unique offerings and enjoy every moment of togetherness with your little one!

What are your favourite winter activities to enjoy with your child? Share your experiences and spread the winter cheer!
Warm regards,
eduKare
1. Promotes Social and Emotional Development
Early learning environments provide opportunities for children to interact with peers and educators, fostering essential social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. Through group activities, playtime, and structured learning experiences, children learn to navigate emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop self-confidence.
2. Enhances Cognitive Skills
During the early years, children’s brains are rapidly developing. Early learning education stimulates cognitive growth through age-appropriate activities that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Exposure to language, literacy, and numeracy concepts lays a strong foundation for future academic success.
3. Encourages Language and Communication Skills
Early learning programs focus on language-rich environments where children are exposed to vocabulary, storytelling, and communication skills. Engaging in conversations, listening to stories, and participating in group discussions help children develop language fluency, verbal expression, and early literacy skills.
4. Supports Physical Development
Physical play is integral to early learning education, promoting gross and fine motor skills development. Activities such as outdoor play, dance, and manipulative games improve coordination, strength, and spatial awareness. Physical fitness contributes to overall health and well-being in children.
5. Cultivates Curiosity and Love for Learning
Early learning environments encourage exploration and discovery, nurturing children’s innate curiosity about the world. Through hands-on activities, sensory experiences, and guided exploration of topics like nature, science, and art, children develop a lifelong love for learning and an eagerness to explore new ideas.
6. Prepares for School Readiness
Participation in early learning programs prepares children for the structured routines and academic expectations of formal schooling. They learn essential skills such as following instructions, completing tasks independently, and adapting to new environments. Early exposure to educational settings builds confidence and reduces anxiety about starting school.
7. Fosters Parental Involvement and Support
Early learning programs emphasise collaboration between educators and parents or caregivers. Family involvement strengthens the learning experience by reinforcing skills taught in the classroom, extending learning opportunities at home, and promoting continuity between school and family environments.

Enrolling your child in an early learning education program provides a myriad of benefits that contribute to their holistic development. From social-emotional growth to cognitive enhancement and school readiness, early learning lays the groundwork for future success in academics and life. By investing in early education, you empower your child with the skills, confidence, and love for learning that will shape their journey towards a bright and fulfilling future.
At eduKare we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Join us in embracing the transformative power of early learning education!
For more information on our programs and how we support early childhood development, visit www.edukare.com.au/education/
Let’s embark on this educational journey together!
eduKare
Understanding Flu Season
Flu season typically peaks in winter and early spring, with influenza viruses spreading easily among children in childcare settings. It’s essential to take proactive measures to minimise the spread and protect your child’s health.
1. Promote Good Hygiene Practices
Teaching your child good hygiene habits is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage regular hand-washing with soap and water, especially before meals, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol content. At eduKare, we strongly encourage children to develop good hygiene habits to protect our little ones and minimise the spread of illness throughout the childcare.
2. Ensure Up-to-Date Immunisations
Immunisations are crucial for protecting your child against serious illnesses, including influenza. Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date as recommended by healthcare professionals. Influenza vaccination is particularly important for children, as it reduces the risk of flu-related complications and hospitalisations.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration
A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps strengthen your child’s immune system. Provide plenty of fluids throughout the day, such as water and Hydralyte to keep your child hydrated and support their overall health.
4. Encourage Sufficient Rest
Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. Ensure your child gets enough rest each night, as lack of sleep can make them more susceptible to illness. Establish a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and helps your child unwind before sleep.
5. Stay Informed and Take Action
Stay informed about flu outbreaks particularly in the community and childcare centres. If your child exhibits flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, keep them home from childcare to prevent spreading the illness to others. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on managing flu symptoms and when to seek medical attention.
6. Promote a Clean Environment
The team at eduKare regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys to reduce the spread of germs. This is extremely important during flu seasons as toys and equipment is frequently shared between children. It is also important to establish a clean environment at home to prevent the chances of germs spreading to your children. Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

As childcare providers, the health and safety of our little ones remains our highest priority and we are committed to creating a safe environment for everyone. By following these tips and working together as a community, we can minimise the impact of the 2024 flu season and promote the well-being of our little ones. Let’s prioritise preventive measures, good hygiene practices, and healthy habits to keep our children happy, healthy, and thriving throughout flu season and beyond.
Warm regards,
eduKare
Why Reading Matters
It is well known that children who read for pleasure not only perform better in subjects across the curriculum but also develop stronger emotional intelligence and empathy. In a study conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), it was found that students who read for enjoyment are more likely to excel in academic assessments compared to their peers who read less frequently.
4 Ways to Nurture a Love for Reading
1. Create a Reading-Friendly Environment
By designing inviting reading corners in your home with a selection of books that match their interest and level, children will feel inclined to spend more time in a dedicated space. Ensure these spaces are cosy with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a variety of age-appropriate books. It has been proven that children are more likely to engage with books when they are readily accessible and displayed in an appealing manner.
2. Lead by Example
Children often mimic the behaviours they observe. At eduKare, our childcare providers model a love for reading by incorporating storytelling into daily routines. Whether it’s during circle time or before a nap, taking the time to read aloud exposes children to new vocabulary and storytelling techniques. This is why we also encourage parents to take the lead and reinforce reading habits at home. Share reading lists, recommend age-appropriate books, and host family reading events or book clubs.
3. Reward Reading
Rewards serve as positive reinforcement, reinforcing the behaviour of reading. When children receive praise, stickers, tokens, or other rewards for reading, they are more likely to continue reading in the future. This reinforcement helps to establish reading as a positive and enjoyable activity in their minds. Especially for reluctant readers, rewards can initially spark interest and motivate them to engage with books. Over time, as they develop a habit of reading and experience the intrinsic rewards of learning new things and exploring new worlds through books, they may rely less on external rewards and more on their internal motivation.
4. Make Reading Interactive and Fun
Engage children with interactive reading activities such as storytelling with props, puppet shows based on books, or themed dress-up days related to favourite storybook characters. Incorporating technology judiciously, such as interactive e-books or audiobooks, can also cater to varying learning preferences and enhance engagement. A popular interactive method used by parents is the creation of an at home book club which encourages children to share their thoughts and opinions of the book, forcing them to actively recall the context of the book. There are also an abundance of online book clubs which can expose the children to a variety of new books which might spark their interest.

Fostering a love for reading in childcare centres goes beyond preparing children for academic success, it cultivates a lifelong passion for learning and imagination. By creating a nurturing environment, leading by example, rewarding and making reading interactive and enjoyable, parents can empower children to become confident readers and learners. Let’s continue to prioritise reading as a cornerstone of early childhood education, setting the stage for brighter futures filled with curiosity, creativity, and boundless possibilities. Together, we can sow the seeds of literacy and watch them flourish in the hearts and minds of our youngest learners.
Remember, the journey towards a love for reading begins with the turn of a page.