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Dramatic play is recognised as an important source of learning and development for preschool children, yet there are increasing reports that the quality of dramatic play is declining. This paper aims to report on the findings of a mixed method study that examined the constructs of Australian preschool children's dramatic play behaviour. Video observations and the Smilansky Scale for the Evaluation of Dramatic and Socio-Dramatic Play (Smilanksy & Shefatya, 1990) were used with 101 preschool children aged 4 to 6 years in selected early childhood educational settings in Melbourne, Australia. Findings reveal that the overall level of children's dramatic play behaviour was low. A typology of four play styles will be presented. Implications on educators' pedagogy are discussed.

This article explores the experiences of four individuals who changed careers into early childhood teaching in Victoria, Australia and later left the profession. The study was conducted with a narrative inquiry approach and reveals insight into motivations for becoming an early childhood teacher (ECT), experiences of being an ECT and factors that lead to un-becoming an ECT. Participants were motivated by pragmatic reasons such as career advancement and family-work compatibility alongside intrinsic interest when becoming an ECT. They entered the profession eager to support children's learning and development. However, their experiences compromised their health and wellbeing and inhibited them from teaching as they envisioned. The findings of the study hold implications for policy makers, employers and higher education in effort to retain and sustain ECTs.