Educators, in the crucial early years, does your story of impact align with the National Core Story for Early Childhood Development ?
Introduction: A Turning Point for Early Childhood in Australia In all my years of teaching in early childhood education, there has never been more confidence in the direction our national frameworks are steering the sector, especially as the National Core Story begins to shine a light on the irreplaceable work of early childhood educators in […]
School Success Starts with Strong Early Experiences: How Playball Prepares Children for Primary School
Why Early Childhood Experiences Are Key for School Readiness The transition to school is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. True school readiness depends on building a strong foundation in early childhood, where children develop essential skills like forming friendships, trying new activities, building physical competence, enjoying independent play, developing resilience, […]
Early Learning News 2026: Australia Launches the Thriving Kids Initiative
As educators, we often witness moments that remind us why we do what we do — a child’s eyes lighting up when they master a new skill, the laughter that follows teamwork, the quiet confidence that grows when they realise, “I can do this.” These moments are not small. They are the building blocks of […]
Designing for Difference: How Playball Australia Champions Equity in Early Childhood Education
Playball Australia promotes equity in early childhood education by tailoring movement programs to each child’s unique abilities and learning journey. Designing for Difference: Building Equity Through Play In early childhood education, equity means more than giving every child the same tools—it’s about giving them what they truly need to thrive. At Playball Australia, this belief […]
Intentional learning through movement, sport and wellbeing: Enhancing Early Childhood Outcomes in Australia
Intentional play-based learning has emerged as a leading approach in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Australia, bridging the gap between structured pedagogy and child-led exploration. This method enables educators to design playful experiences that are not only engaging but also strategically aligned with developmental outcomes. Defining Intentional Play-Based Learning While traditional play allows […]
Early childhood teachers are not simply resigning from jobs—they are abandoning a calling, driven out by neglect
1. Why Early Childhood Educators Are Leaving the Profession The exodus of early childhood educators is driven by a combination of low wages, unsustainable workloads, lack of professional recognition, and insufficient support. Reversing this trend is vital: society must invest in the ECE workforce—not just for the wellbeing of teachers, but for the best start […]
Inclusion & Wellbeing Programs for Early Childhood Centres: Playball’s Framework-Aligned Programs
As the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) advances its Inclusive Practice Framework, early childhood centres across Australia are seeking proven ways to lead in inclusive education and child wellbeing. Playball stands at the forefront—delivering intentional, purposeful teaching practices that meet sector standards and support every child’s growth. Why Inclusive Practice Starts in the […]
This week is SCIENCE WEEK
Help children thrive with Playball & Science Week! Discover how science-backed movement builds wellbeing, resilience, and lifelong learning skills. Science Week celebrates the role of science in everyday wellbeing, and Playball delivers this “science in action” by helping children flourish—physically, emotionally, and cognitively—through purposeful play and movement. This synergy shows that wellbeing through movement is […]
Playball Not Playstation: Moving Kids from Screens to Skills
A landmark meta-analysis published in 2025 involving over 292,000 children worldwide confirmed a two-way link between increased screen time and socioemotional problems. Young children who spend more time on screens are more likely to develop emotional and behavioural challenges—including anxiety, depression, and difficulties in relationships—and children facing these issues are, in turn, more likely to […]
Be Part of the Movement: Why Teachers Are Creating Careers — and Lifestyles — that Serve Them
Are you an Australian early childhood teacher overwhelmed by stress in 2025? You’re not alone. Recent research shows that over 95% of teachers are experiencing high stress levels, with one-third of early childhood educators reporting extreme burnout—a human cost that can’t be ignored. From nonstop paperwork and compliance, to the increasing emotional demands of the […]