Early learning educators make a lasting difference to children's health
On Early Learning Educators Day, we salute you! Every day, early learning educators help shape children's futures by creating opportunities for movement, exploration, play and joy.
Early learning educators have an extraordinary influence on young children's wellbeing, learning, and development. Getting it right early changes everything.
Play Active's research, conducted in partnership with The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia, the early learning, play and government sectors (and many other partners!) highlights just how important educators are in supporting active, healthy childhoods.
The people who make active play happen
Early childhood education and care settings are one of the most influential environments for children's physical activity outside the home, giving educators a unique opportunity to positively impact children's health and development.
Play Active began with a challenge: many young children were not getting enough energetic play, and only 16% of services had physical activity reflected in their policies.
Educators were passionate about supporting children's physical activity but often lacked policies, practical guidance and resources to make active play a consistent priority.
When educators are supported, children benefit
Over more than a decade of research and consultation, Play Active worked alongside the early learning sector to create an evidence-based physical activity policy aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards. We support services to meet and exceed National Quality Standards, in particular Quality Area 2.1: ‘Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted.
The results tell an encouraging story.
- 100% of intervention services adopted the Play Active policy.
- Services increased their uptake of physical activity-supportive practices.
- 83% of educators reported being satisfied or very satisfied with Play Active.
- Educators demonstrated high awareness of the recommendations designed to support children's movement and energetic play.
These findings reinforce something the sector has always know; when educators are given practical tools, professional learning, and organisational support, they embrace opportunities to improve outcomes for children.
The impact goes far beyond physical activity
Active play supports physical health, but its benefits extend much further. Through movement and energetic play, children develop confidence, resilience, social skills, coordination, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong enjoyment of being active.
At Play Active, our research consistently points to one conclusion - educators are vital.
They are trusted professionals who play a critical role in shaping healthy habits during some of the most important years of a child's life. Every invitation to run, jump, climb, dance, balance, explore and play contributes to children's development in meaningful ways.
To all educators - Thank you for the difference you make every day.
Professional Development Opportunity
If you have not yet experienced the FREE Play Active professional development, now is the perfect time to try it. It takes just 20 minutes to complete, and your certificate remains valid for two years.