Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone affected by the tragic events at Bondi. We hold close in our hearts those who have suffered loss, those who were injured, and all families and community members navigating shock, grief, or uncertainty. In moments like these, we stand together in compassion, care, and solidarity.
When our wider community is shaken, children and families often look to us for steadiness, gentleness, and a sense of safety. Even when the world feels uncertain, the relationships we build in early childhood settings become powerful anchors.
As educators, we don’t need all the answers. What we can offer is presence, predictability, and compassion.
What Children Need Right Now
- Reassurance through routine. Familiar rhythms help children feel grounded when the world around them feels unsettled.
- Emotionally safe spaces. Children may express worry through play, behaviour, or questions. Meeting these moments with calm curiosity helps them feel seen and supported.
- Honest, age‑appropriate responses. We can acknowledge feelings without providing unnecessary detail. Simple statements like “You’re safe here” or “It’s okay to feel unsure” can be deeply comforting.
Supporting Families
Families may be carrying invisible emotional loads. Some may be directly affected; others may be navigating fear, grief, or overwhelm.
We can support them by:
- Offering warmth at drop‑off and pick‑up. A gentle check‑in can mean more than we realise.
- Sharing observations about their child’s well-being. Noticing strengths, resilience, and moments of joy helps families breathe a little easier.
- Providing calm, factual communication. Families appreciate knowing that their child’s day remains stable, supported, and connected.
Caring for Ourselves as Educators
Holding space for others is meaningful work, but it can also be heavy. It’s okay to feel impacted.
Lean on your team. Debrief. Take breaks when you can. Caring for yourself strengthens your ability to care for others.
Our Role Matters
In times of collective distress, early childhood settings become places of refuge where children experience safety, belonging, and hope. The work you do every day helps families feel less alone and helps children make sense of their world with gentleness and trust.
Thank you for showing up with heart, professionalism, and humanity. Your presence makes a difference.
Further Reading
Supporting Children Deal With Stress
Supporting Mental Health Of Children, Families and Educators
Supporting Children Manage Their Anxiety
As an Educator in Australia, your pay rate falls under the Children’s Services Award 2010. This award states the minimum amount that an employer can
When working as a qualified Early Childhood Teacher (with a university degree) within a service, your rate of pay will come from the Educational Services
When working as a Diploma Qualified Educator your pay rate is from the Children's Services Award 2010. This Award states your minimum rate of pay
When working as a Cert 3 Qualified Educator, your pay rate is from the Children's Services Award 2010. This Award states your minimum rate of
Educational Leaders play a crucial role in their early childhood service by ensuring that the educational program aligns with best practices and supports the holistic
In early childhood education and care, ratios are more than a technicality—they are a frontline safeguard. Every child deserves responsive supervision, emotional connection, and developmental
Here’s a comprehensive Mobile Phone and Smart Watch Policy tailored for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Australia, aligned with the latest 2025
With the new national child safety reforms kicking in on 1 September 2025, early childhood services like yours have a real opportunity to lead the
The Sea of Fish Challenge is a national initiative that invites children, educators, families, and communities to create and display fish artworks as a symbol
Across the early childhood education and care sector, educators are sounding the alarm: current staffing ratios are insufficient to deliver safe, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate
