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, […]
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 […]
Equal Footing: Why Gender Diversity Matters at Playball
As national conversations spotlight the crisis of confidence around male educators, Playball offers a clear, values-led response: we lead with care and capability, not fear. Our gender-inclusive approach helps foster: • Stronger emotional wellbeing for children • Greater acceptance and empathy • A more balanced, respectful view of educators and role models • Healthy identity development and self-confidence • A […]
Rethinking “School Ready”: Why Whole-Child Development Is the New Essential
The earlier we invest in whole-child development, the better our outcomes — the time has come to change our perspective on what “school ready” really means. Because transitioning to big school is no longer just about knowing letters and numbers. Children are expected to sit still, follow routines, work in groups, and manage their […]