In early childhood education, our relationships with families are foundational—but they’re not always easy to navigate. When a child’s behaviour begins to impact the safety or wellbeing of others, educators often find themselves caught between professional responsibility and fear of offending parents. Over time, many have grown hesitant to speak up, even as biting, pushing, and dysregulation become more frequent in toddler rooms.

Below are practical, emotionally intelligent ways to initiate these conversations with families—rooted in respect, partnership, and a shared commitment to every child’s wellbeing.

Over the past decade, many educators have observed a troubling trend: biting, pushing, and other aggressive behaviours among toddlers are increasingly normalized as developmental inevitabilities. While it’s true that young children often lack the verbal tools to express frustration or overwhelm, the sector’s growing tolerance for these behaviours—without deeper investigation or family collaboration—raises serious concerns about safety, equity, and emotional wellbeing.

In early childhood settings, educators often face a subtle but powerful choice: should learning focus on the process or the product? While both approaches have their place, understanding the distinction can transform how we nurture creativity, independence, and critical thinking in young children.

A: It depends on children's engagement and developmental needs. Many educators recommend keeping setups for 2–4 weeks, or even up to 6 weeks, especially if children are still exploring and learning from them. The key is to observe whether the setup continues to spark interest and growth.

As early childhood education centres periodically review their guiding philosophies, many educators are seeking innovative ways to make the process more inclusive, reflective, and engaging for staff, families, and the broader community.

Music is a universal language—and in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, it’s also a powerful vessel for storytelling, ceremony, and connection. Introducing Aboriginal music into early learning environments not only enriches children’s understanding of Australia’s First Nations peoples but also fosters respect, curiosity, and cultural awareness from a young age.

These critical reflection questions invite educators to look beneath the surface. To interrogate not just what ratios are, but what they do. How they impact our ability to see every child, respond to every need, and show up as our full selves. It challenges us to name the invisible labor, the moral compromises, and the quiet grief that ratio pressures can bring—while also illuminating the courage, creativity, and collective wisdom that educators embody every day.

In early childhood education, trust and collaboration are foundational—not just for children, but for the adults who guide them. Yet across the sector, many educators report that unprofessional gossip among staff continues to undermine workplace culture, erode morale, and fracture team cohesion.

In early childhood education, care is our currency. We pour it into children, families, documentation, and compliance—but how often do we pause to ask, “R U OK?” to the person beside us? R U OK? Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a culture we cultivate. It’s a reminder that behind every ratio, roster, and regulation is a human heart doing its best. And sometimes, that heart needs to be asked, gently and genuinely, “How are you, really?”

In early childhood education and care, child safety is not just a number—it’s a practice. While educator-to-child ratios are essential, they are only one part of a broader obligation: ensuring adequate supervision at all times. Together, these two pillars—Regulation 122 and Section 165—form the foundation of safe, responsive, and compliant care.