Illness is an inevitable part of childhood, but it can also be one of the most stressful parts of the early learning journey for families.

This episode will provide you with practical, reassuring information about navigating childhood illness during the early learning years, helping families understand what's common, what to look out for, how to make those difficult "are they well enough to go today?" decisions, and how parents and educators can work together when children are unwell.

The conversation isn't intended to make you fearful about illness or starting early learning. It's about giving you the knowledge and confidence to feel more prepared when sickness inevitably happens.

Penny Blunden:

💙 Families: APP + course💙 Organisations: Consultancy + Partnerships💙 ECEC: Illness PD

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www.sickhappenseducation.com.au

Safe, Confident Kids: Body Safety in the Early Years. How do we teach young children about their bodies, boundaries and safety without frightening them? Olivia is joined by -: Victoria Barendsen, Registered Psychologist and Founder of The Safe Kids Project if you’d like some practical support to continue the conversation around safeguarding, Goodstart’s protective strategies program, Feel Safe, Be Safe, is designed to help you embed protective strategies into everyday practice. The program includes a practical guide, a resource kit with tools and learning experiences, and a fact sheet for families.

You can find out more and request a copy of the Feel Safe, Be Safe resources via https://www.goodstart.org.au/safeguarding-children/feel-safe-be-safe-protective-strategies

Thanks for listening to What I Wish I Knew… The Early Learning Guide. For more episodes, resources and information, head to https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/

Olivia Scott (Centre Director) and Emma Rattenbury (Educator of 20years) give you a sneak peak at what it's REALLY like when you leave your children at a QUALITY Early Learning service.

Emma Rattenbury is an early childhood expert who provides insights into tricky behavior in childcare. She breaks down why these moments happen, what they mean developmentally, and how parents can work with educators to support kids through big emotions without shame, guilt, or fear. Rattenbury's work focuses on understanding children's behavior and advocating for inclusion that is practical, evidence-informed, and grounded in children's lived experience.

In this episode we hope to give parents an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what happens inside a quality early learning centre and reassure them that learning extends far beyond play.

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