Once you understand the different types of child care available, you need to decide which option is best for you and your family.

Many children experience anxiety when starting in care and there is plenty you can do to make the new arrangements less stressful.

Feeling guilty when you put your child into care is normal and signals the emotional attachment and responsibility you feel for your child.

Returning to work after a baby is a big step. To make the transition successful you'll need to take some time to ease everyone into the new arrangement.

In this interview with Dr Kate Highfield from Early Childhood Australia, parents will learn strategies for supporting preschoolers to transition to big school despite absences and disruption caused by COVID-19

New research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) has found that COVID-19 ‘had minimal impact’ on the way mums and dads shared child care responsibilities during the May/June lockdown.

COVID-19 has put early childhood educators under a lot of emotional and financial strain this year. There has been uncertainty around attendance, intense responsibilities around health and hygiene, and a rise in the level of support that many families need in these worrisome times.

Kindness makes people feel good and do good, and in the early learning environment, kindness is something that’s practised by children and actively promoted by educators.

Some families receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight, based on their activity level, but if your family is eligible for zero or 24 hours, then the ‘preschool exemption’ may be music to your ears.