FEBRUARY 2026
February 2026 – Early Childhood Programming Overview
February is a time to support children’s wellbeing, kindness, and connection as relationships continue to develop at the start of the year. Events such as Read Aloud Day, World Hijab Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, Lunar New Year, and Healthy Lunch Box Week provide meaningful opportunities to explore inclusion, culture, healthy choices, and care for others. Programming during February should emphasise emotional well-being, social skills, language development, and respect for diversity through play-based, child-centred experiences. Educators can use these events to encourage empathy, communication, curiosity, and a sense of belonging, in alignment with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)and the National Quality Framework.
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February 2026 – Weekly Programming Plan
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Early Childhood Education & Care (Ages 0–6)
Week 1: 1–7 February
Focus: Language, Inclusion, Belonging
(Read Aloud Day, World Hijab Day, cultural awareness)
EYLF Outcomes
- Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
NQS Quality Areas
- QA1 – Educational Program and Practice (1.1.1, 1.2.1)
- QA5 – Relationships with Children (5.1.1)
- QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities (6.1.2)
Activity 1 – “Sharing Stories”
- 0–2 years: Explore board books with repetitive language and pictures during one-on-one or small-group reading times.
- 3–6 years: Read stories about different cultures and discuss similarities and differences, supporting inclusion and respect.
Activity 2 – “Dress-Up & Role Play”
- 0–2 years: Explore fabrics and scarves of different textures for sensory play.
- 3–6 years: Use dress-up clothes to encourage imaginative play and expression of identity.
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Week 2: 8–14 February
Focus: Health, Relationships, Play
(Healthy Lunch Box Week, Valentine’s Day)
EYLF Outcomes
- Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
NQS Quality Areas
- QA1 – Educational Program and Practice (1.2.2)
- QA3 – Physical Environment (3.2.1)
- QA5 – Relationships with Children (5.2.1)
Activity 1 – “Healthy Lunch Box Play”
- 0–2 years: Sort and explore pretend food items using baskets and containers.
- 3–6 years: Create a healthy lunchbox collage using pictures of nutritious foods.
Activity 2 – “Kindness Hearts”
- 0–2 years: Finger-paint heart shapes using safe, washable paints.
- 3–6 years: Create kindness cards or drawings for friends, linking to Valentine’s Day and caring for others.
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Week 3: 15–21 February
Focus: Kindness, Culture, Emotional Well-being
(Random Acts of Kindness Day, Lunar New Year)
EYLF Outcomes
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
NQS Quality Areas
- QA1 – Educational Program and Practice (1.1.2)
- QA5 – Relationships with Children (5.1.1)
- QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships (6.2.1)
Activity 1 – “Acts of Kindness”
- 0–2 years: Practice gentle interactions such as passing toys and smiling during play.
- 3–6 years: Brainstorm and role-play simple acts of kindness, such as helping a friend or sharing.
Activity 2 – “Lunar New Year Celebration”
- 0–2 years: Explore red and gold sensory materials, music, and movement.
- 3–6 years: Create lanterns or dragon art while learning about Lunar New Year traditions.
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Week 4: 22–28 February
Focus: Environment, Community, Sustainability
(Clean Up Australia events, Polar Bear Day)
EYLF Outcomes
- Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
NQS Quality Areas
- QA1 – Educational Program and Practice (1.2.1)
- QA3 – Physical Environment (3.2.1, 3.2.3)
- QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships (6.1.2)
Activity 1 – “Caring for Our World”
- 0–2 years: Collect leaves and natural items during outdoor play.
- 3–6 years: Participate in a simple clean-up activity, sorting items into recycling and rubbish bins.
Activity 2 – “Animal Awareness”
- 0–2 years: Look at animal pictures and make animal sounds during group time.
- 3–6 years: Learn about polar bears and animals’ habitats through books and creative art.
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📋 Weekly Programming Table – February 2026
