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Early Education

Edwin Croucher on his pre-school exchange visit to Japan.

Why I sent my son to a preschool in Japan

This Aussie family took their five-year-old on a student exchange with a difference – it gives preschoolers a taste of Japanese culture while parents are freed up to explore.

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Ben and Trudy Nankervis have owned GD Wholesale Fruit & Veg Suppliers for 19 years. GD Wholesale Fruit & Veg Suppliers would be demolished for a childcare centre under a developer's plan. Picture: Supplied

Early Education

Landmark fruit n’ veg to be torn down for childcare centre

Locals don’t want an 89-place childcare centre to replace a beloved grocery store – but the shop owners have a different view.

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NT Education Minister Jo Hersey announces the âSafe Start, Strong Futures' childcare plan at Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Stuart Park on December 1, 2025. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

LIST: NT childcare centres in government ‘crackdown’ revealed

An NT government ‘crackdown’ on childcare centres not meeting national safety standards could include fines and threats of prosecution. See which centres are on the list.

A preschool teacher sits on the floor of her classroom with a small group of students as she reads them a book. The children are each dressed casually and are focused on the story.

Early Education

Childcare group warns of 20pc fee increase as staff score pay rise

Families face a whopping rise in childcare fees unless the federal government fully funds its pay boost for early educators past a 2026 cut-off date.

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Daycare centres across Geelong are in limbo as a major childcare chain confronts its multimillion-dollar debts, leaving hundreds of families in the lurch.

Childcare safety crisis deepens as incidents surge

Serious incidents at South Australian childcare centres are continuing to rise, as children are reported missing, locked out or taken home by the wrong person.

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Early Education

Annika Dean and her son, Miles 2, at home using an ipad to play reading games. Research which finds many of the supposedly educational reading apps don't actually help kids learn to read. Picture: Brett Hartwig 27th November 2025

Formative or a flop? Best learn-to-read apps listed

New research shows many learn-to-read apps are not properly teaching children basic skills – but experts have named the best options. See the list.

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Angela Mollard , New Dinkus, Photo: Steven Chee/Stellar.

Yes, I’m judgmental about preschool beauty routines – and for good reason

Sitting next to a toddler wearing perfume on a plane reminded Angela Mollard of the dangers of ‘essential’ skincare and make-up products for babies and preschoolers.

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RCH has a kinder program. Hugo abed 4 in the Kinder space with his Dad Andrew DÃarcy. Picture by Wayne Taylor 30th October 2025

The hospital kinder bringing joy to Victoria’s sickest kids

Born with no immune system, four-year-old Hugo has spent three years of his life at hospital. But it’s the small room down the corridor of his ward that’s bringing immense joy to him and 280 other children each year.

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What toddlers should be taught about their bodies

It’s never too early to begin teaching children about body autonomy and consent, says this professor in criminology. But there’s one big thing many parents do wrong.

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UPDATEDSA Education

Paradise Primary School parent Richard Matthews was left alarmed at the communication from the Education Department about his son’s contact with the asbestos sand. Picture: Ben Clark

Dad’s alarm at school’s changing story on asbestos sand

A father has revealed parents have received conflicting information about the level of contact their children have had with asbestos sand as the number of schools affected hits 300+.

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South Australian schools affected by asbestos-linked play sand have more than doubled overnight, with closures across Australia and New Zealand.

Asbestos scare climbs to 300 schools

Schools affected by asbestos-linked play sand have more than doubled overnight, with closures across Australia and New Zealand.

Some of the common phrases that parenting 'experts' say mums and dads should never say to their kids.

Things the ‘experts’ reckon you should never say to your kids

Ever told your kids “be careful” or “let me help”? You’re failing at parenting – at least according to some progressive experts. Susie O’Brien says they’re dead wrong.

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22-month-old toddler Ebony Thompson passed away on September 2, 2023 following an incident at the Humpty Doo Community and Child Care Centre.

Whistleblower’s shocking childcare claims after Ebony tragedy

After the hanging death of little Ebony at her childcare centre, an insider warns authorities’ soft approach to safety standards has left parents in the dark and put kids at risk.

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Early Education

Guardian childcare Chef Wendy Perez-Borg is doing food differently for the centre. Reyansh, Molly, Ella, Samuel love the choices that have been prepared for them to eat. The chef at this centre won chef of the year for Victoria in Guardian's recent national competition. Picture: Tony Gough

Childcare goes gourmet: Fancy food wins over picky little eaters

Parents are stunned as their formerly fussy kids eagerly devour everything from fish masala to mushroom fettuccine at this childcare centre.

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/education/schools-hub/early-education