Early Years Edit - April 2026

In this edition:

• Packed with Goodness
• Playgroup WA, Inclusive Play Everyday
•   2026 Profile of Children and Young People in WA
• Needle free influenza vaccine
•   Introducing the Smiling Starts characters
•   Premier’s Reading Challenge
• Kidsafe WA Supports Families with Child Car Restraints
• Grants to build or expand ECEC services

Packed with Goodness

Packed with Goodness is a FREE 60-minute parent nutrition session, delivered by qualified nutritionists. Perfect for families transitioning to Kindy, the session includes simple and practical ways to pack a healthy lunchbox, how to read food labels, fun ways to encourage kids to eat more veggies and lots more. Book on the Crunch&Sip website.

Playgroup WA, Inclusive Play Everyday

Playgroup WA has launched its Inclusive Play, Everyday initiative, supporting playgroups across the State to better welcome children and families of all abilities. Funded by the Australian Government, the project offers freely available online practical resources and training modules for committee members. Shaped by family feedback, it aims to build confident, inclusive communities where every family feels safe, supported, and a true sense of belonging.

2026 Profile of Children and Young People in WA

The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Dr Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, has released the 2026 Profile of Children and Young People in WA. The report includes data on population changes, health, education and care, and highlights key areas of concern for children and young people across the State. It also includes preliminary findings from the Speaking Out Survey conducted with children and young people in 2025.

Needle free influenza vaccine

Flumist, the needle free vaccine program, is now available free of charge for children aged two years to under 12 years across WA. The program is delivered through community health clinics, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, and participating pharmacies. The nasal spray vaccine provides protection against influenza A and B that is equivalent to traditional injectable influenza vaccines. Read more about the vaccine on The Kids Research Institute website and Healthy WA influenza page.

Introducing the Smiling Starts characters

Smiling Starts is creating a colourful little world with brand-new cartoon characters who are bright, friendly and full of personality - but they’re missing their names! Smiling Starts would love help choosing their names. Parents and carers can ask children to vote for their favourites names or suggest new ideas in this short survey. It only takes a moment and will help create characters that add to the adventure and excitement of the program.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge launched on 23 March, encouraging students to read regularly to help improve their literacy skills and to foster an enjoyment of reading. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 can discover the joy of reading and log their progress for a chance to win weekly prizes until 12 June 2026. Sign up on the Premier’s Reading Challenge website.

Kidsafe WA Supports Families with Child Car Restraints

Kidsafe WA have recently released A Parent’s Guide to Child Car Restraints to help families choose, install, and use child car restraints correctly. Choosing and Using Child Car Restraints is a free webinar that will be held on the 8 May 2026 providing practical, evidence-based information for parents and caregivers on finding the right car seat and how to use it correctly.

Grants to build or expand ECEC services

Grant applications are open for small not-for-profit organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation (ACCOs) to build or expand early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in areas of need. Learn more on the Australian Government Department of Education website.

A Little More...

"It Makes You Feel Like Not Sending Your Kids to School”: Aboriginal Parents’ Experiences of the Transition to School, a recently published study available on the University of WA website.
What trauma-transformative practice is and why it changes everything is a webinar recording from the Australian Childhood Foundation.
Interim Findings | Listening to Mindsets: Cultural Mindsets of Early Childhood in Australia - FrameWorks Institute.

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Early Years Edit Archive

Visit Early Years Edit to find previous versions of the newsletter and Connecting Early Years Networks for more information about Early Years Networks.