Welcome to our 2026 calendar of social, cultural and significant days for Australian education and care sector.
Each year, this resource is thoughtfully created to support intentional programming across:
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- School Age Care (OSHC/OOSH)
- Family Day Care
- Kindergartens and Preschools
Rather than simply listing dates, this calendar is designed to support educators, coordinators and leaders to plan with purpose, deepen cultural understanding, and foster inclusive and responsive learning environments.
It recognises that significant days are not about “doing more”. They are about doing what matters, with meaning.
Download the printable 2026 calendar
This year, the full calendar is available as a printable PDF, making it easy to:
- Keep on your planning desk
- Add to your programming documentation
- Display in your staff room
- Share during team meetings
-
Reference throughout the year
Prefer a digital version?
You can also explore the interactive flipbook version below.
Scroll through at your own pace, zoom in on specific months, and use it as a digital planning companion throughout the year.
We recommend viewing it in full screen mode.
A thoughtful reminder for educators and leaders
Significant days are invitations and not obligations.
Meaningful practice across early childhood, OSHC and family day care settings is never about “ticking off” events. It is about:
- Honouring the cultures, histories and identities of children and families
- Responding to children’s interests and emerging questions
- Embedding children’s rights and voices
- Aligning practice with your service philosophy and frameworks
Use this calendar as a guide and adapt it to your local context, community and service values.
Before you plan…
As you consider acknowledging a significant day, you might reflect:
- Why are we recognising this day?
- Whose voice is centred?
- Are we responding to genuine curiosity and connection?
- How does this align with our philosophy and frameworks (EYLF, MTOP, NQS)?
When reflection leads the way, programming and planning becomes authentic, inclusive and impactful.
Please note that we have created this resource using the best information we've had at the time of publishing. If you notice any mistakes, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. We appreciate you!