Early Childhood Education and Care Program

Early childhood education and care services operate within a robust regulatory environment designed to protect children, families, and the professionals who serve them. Every staff member — whether you work in a Long Day Care centre, Preschool or Kindergarten, Family Day Care scheme, or Outside School Hours Care service — has both a legal and ethical responsibility to speak up when something doesn't seem right. This course explains what whistleblowing means in an Australian ECEC context, what protections the law affords you, and how to make a disclosure confidently and correctly.

Drawing on the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (Cth), relevant state and territory whistleblower and child protection legislation, the Education and Care Services National Law, and the National Quality Standards, this module walks you through real-world scenarios you may encounter in your service. You will learn to distinguish between types of reportable concerns, understand your obligations as a mandatory reporter, and navigate internal and external reporting pathways without fear of retaliation.

The course is designed as an interactive, slide-based eLearning experience suitable for all ECEC staff regardless of role or experience level. Practical examples, short knowledge checks after each module, and a final assessment ensure you leave with the skills and confidence to act when it matters most — for the children in your care, for your colleagues, and for your own professional integrity.