Episode Highlights

The current Climate in Early Childhood Education

Hello, my lovely listeners 💛

After nearly 12 months away from the mic, I'm back, and I have a lot I want to share with you.

This episode is for every educator and service coordinator who has been watching the landscape shift and wondering: is this the end of family daycare? The short answer is no. But it IS a season of change, and the way you move through it will determine whether you're still standing on the other side.

In this episode I talk openly about what I'm seeing across the sector right now, more service closures than I've witnessed in 14 years, the financial pressures behind them, and why it's not a reflection on you or the work that you do.

I also share what I believe separates the services and educators who will survive this season from those who won't, and it might not be what you expect.

This is real talk, with love, for the profession I care deeply about.

What I Covered in This Episode:

• Why more services are closing in 2026 than ever before, and the real reason behind it
• Why service closure is not a reflection on you as an educator
• The nature metaphor that reframes everything: seasons, forests, and the in-breath and out-breath of industries
• What separates surviving services from thriving ones (hint: it's not size)
• The one word I hate since COVID, and why it's still the most important skill in business right now
• Why educator engagement and "skin in the game" matters more than ever
• How to evaluate a new service if you're forced to move
• The truth about professional development, and why going beyond first aid and child safe training is non-negotiable
• Why doing less for children actually makes you a better educator (and gets your time back)
• How I hit a wall this year and what I did to get my energy back

Key Takeaways

1. This contraction is a season, not an ending. Nature doesn't grow continuously,  neither do industries. After every winter comes spring.

2. The most adaptable services will survive, not the biggest. If a service can't pivot quickly when something isn't working, size won't save it.

3. Moving services is not failure. If your service has closed or you're considering a move, that decision is about financial viability, not about your value as an educator.

4. You must have skin in the game. Showing up to professional development days, signing petitions, engaging with your service community, these things matter more than ever right now.

5. Professional development is non-negotiable. If you haven't engaged beyond first aid and child safe training, your practice is stagnating. Podcasts, books, courses, conferences, keep new ideas coming in.

6. Do less for the children so they do more for themselves. Stop directing every moment. One intentional activity, then let them play. You get your time back, and they develop independence.

7. Know your numbers. Is your business serving your life, or is your life serving your business? Own every part of it, including the parts that aren't fun.

Why This Matters:

The children in our care depend on us, not just to educate them, but to protect them. That means doing the uncomfortable work. That means choosing action over avoidance. And that means understanding the real risks, not the sanitised version.

We cannot be passive observers. We must be the professionals who advocate fiercely for child safety and the integrity of our sector.

 What’s Coming Up:

• Dream Lead Play Conference- Sept 26
The Dream Lead Play Conference is back for 2026, in Sydney!  Tickets out soon!

Links Mentioned:

•ABCs to FDC — download from the website to get clear on what you need to start doing and stop doing in your service. Downlaod at bigheartededucation.com

A Few Final Thoughts:

"The educators who will still be here in 10 years won't be the most experienced. They won't be the busiest. They'll be the most reflective, the most adaptable, and the most willing to learn."

"After every winter comes spring. Our sector isn't disappearing, it's evolving."

"Is your business serving your life, or is your life serving your business?"

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

Message me or share your reflections. I’d love to hear what you’re thinking.

Thanks for holding this space with me today. Let’s be the educators who lead with courage, integrity, and heart.

If you have ideas for future podcast episodes or topics you'd like explored, feel free to reach out via DM or email. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—here’s to a big-hearted and intentional 2025! 💜 Big Love, V xxx