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OOSH Educators Day: Valuing the Educators Who Help Children Belong, Play and Thrive
- Shane Warren
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
29th July 2026
On OOSH Educators Day, the Australian Association of Mental Health Practitioners (AAMHP) recognises and celebrates the vital contribution of Outside School Hours Care educators across Australia.
OOSH Educators Day 2026 is being celebrated on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, with this year’s theme, “Valuing OOSH Educators Every Day,” highlighting the year-round contribution of educators who support children before school, after school and during vacation care. The day was established by the Network of Community Activities and has grown into a national celebration of the OOSH and OSHC workforce.
OOSH educators do far more than supervise children between school and home. They create safe, inclusive and engaging environments where children can build friendships, develop confidence, explore their interests, practise decision-making, strengthen resilience and experience the kind of play and connection that supports healthy social and emotional development.
AAMHP Chair Shane Warren said:
“OOSH educators are often part of the quiet architecture of a child’s wellbeing. They are there at the beginning and end of long school days, helping children transition, regulate, connect and belong. Their work may happen outside classroom hours, but its impact sits right at the heart of childhood development.” [Shane Warren]
Across Australia, Outside School Hours Care provides care for children outside normal school and preschool hours, including before school, after school, pupil-free days and school holiday periods. These services play an essential role in supporting children, families, schools and working parents. Their contribution to community is one of those quiet acheivements that help make economies function.
AAMHP recognises that the best OOSH environments are built through relationships. When educators have the time, training and support to know children well, they are better placed to notice changes, respond to needs, support emotional regulation and create environments where children feel safe, valued and included. ACECQA highlights that active supervision is closely connected to educators being attuned to children’s interests, habits and personalities, and that great services make space for these relationships as part of both safety and professional practice.
AAMHP Secretary Susan Sandy said:
“Children need trusted adults in many parts of their lives. OOSH educators often provide that steady, relational presence outside the formal classroom. They help children feel seen, supported and included, while also giving families confidence that their children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.” [Susan Sandy]
As demand for flexible, high-quality care continues to grow, OOSH educators deserve genuine recognition as skilled professionals whose work contributes to children’s wellbeing, family stability and community life. Their role sits at the intersection of care, education, play, inclusion and early support.
On OOSH Educators Day, AAMHP encourages families, schools and communities to acknowledge the educators who support children every day. A message of thanks, a shared story, a child’s drawing, a morning tea, or a public acknowledgement can help remind educators that their work is seen and valued.
When we value OOSH educators, we value children. We value families. We value the communities that make healthy childhoods possible.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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