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We Care We Speak We Protect - A Practical Advocacy Guide for Early Childhood Educators

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We Care We Speak We Protect - A Practical Advocacy Guide for Early Childhood Educators Photo by Lara Jameson

In early childhood education, advocacy is not just about policy—it’s about protection. It’s about standing up for safe supervision, ethical staffing, and professional respect. When educators are unsupported, children are at risk. When educators are silenced, quality suffers. That’s why now, more than ever, we must speak. This article is a call to action. It’s a guide for educators who care deeply, who speak bravely, and who protect fiercely. Whether you're raising a concern for the first time or supporting a colleague who feels unheard, this resource will help you advocate with confidence, professionalism, and purpose—backed by the National Quality Standard, the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics.

Why Advocacy Matters

Educators are not babysitters—we are qualified professionals entrusted with children’s well-being. Advocacy means:

  • Challenging unsafe staffing practices (e.g., being left alone in rooms)
  • Raising concerns about unrealistic workloads or inadequate planning time
  • Speaking up when policies compromise children’s safety or educators’ well-being

How to Raise Concerns Professionally

Start with Safety

“I’m concerned that being left alone in the room compromises my ability to supervise children safely and meet their needs.”

Use Values-Based Language

“As an educator, I have a duty of care. I want to ensure we’re meeting our obligations under the NQS and safeguarding every child.”

Request Collaboration

“Can we work together to find a solution that supports both compliance and educator well-being?”

Sample Scripts for Difficult Conversations

Scenario

Suggested Script

Being left alone in a room

“I don’t feel safe or supported being left alone. It affects my ability to supervise and care for the children. Can we discuss how to prevent this?”

Overwhelmed by duties

“I’m finding it difficult to meet documentation and supervision expectations simultaneously. Can we review how tasks are distributed?”

Facing resistance

“I value respectful communication. I’d appreciate a calm and constructive conversation so we can work toward a solution.”

 Know Your Rights: Laws, Regulations & Standards

Framework

Why It Matters

Link

NQS – QA2, QA4, QA7

Supports safe supervision, ethical staffing, and governance

ACECQA NQS Overview

National Law & Regulations

Legal obligations for safe staffing and educator well-being

NQF Guide

ECA Code of Ethics

Encourages advocacy, integrity, and professional accountability

ECA Code of Ethics

Right to Education (Aus Gov)

Affirms safe, supported education for all

Attorney-General’s Guidance

What To Do If Your Concerns Are Not Heard by Management

Document Everything

Keep a written record of:

  • Dates and times of incidents or concerns
  • Who was involved
  • What was said or done
  • Any actions taken (or not taken) by management

Tip: Keep this documentation factual, professional, and confidential.

Follow the Internal Escalation Process

If your direct manager is unresponsive:

  • Raise the concern with a higher-level leader (e.g., Nominated Supervisor or Approved Provider)
  • Refer to your service’s Grievance Policy or Whistleblower Policy if available

Under QA7.1.2, services must have clear governance and complaint-handling procedures.

Seek Support from a Trusted Colleague or Union

  • Talk to a colleague, mentor, or Educational Leader for guidance
  • If you’re a union member, contact them for advice and representation

You are not alone. Collective advocacy is powerful.

Make a Formal Written Complaint

If verbal concerns are ignored, submit a written complaint:

  • Be clear, respectful, and solution-focused
  • Reference relevant NQS elements, regulations, or ethical principles

Example: “This concern relates to QA2.2.1 – Supervision. I believe current staffing practices are compromising children’s safety and educator well-being.”

 Contact Your Regulatory Authority

If internal processes fail, you have the right to report concerns to your state or territory’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority.

State/Territory

Authority

Contact

NSW

NSW Department of Education

1800 619 113

VIC

Department of Education and Training

1300 307 415

QLD

Department of Education

1800 454 639

SA

Education Standards Board

(08) 8226 0077

WA

Department of Communities

1800 199 383

TAS

Department for Education, Children, and Young People

1800 816 057

NT

Quality Education and Care NT

(08) 8999 3561

ACT

ACT Education Directorate

(02) 6207 1114

 Know Your Rights Under the Law

  • Education and Care Services National Law (Section 174): Services must notify the Regulatory Authority of serious incidents or complaints.

  • National Regulations (Reg 168–170): Services must have policies for staffing, supervision, and complaints.

  • Fair Work Act 2009: Protects employees from adverse action for raising concerns.

If your voice is being dismissed, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It means it’s time to speak louder, together, and with the law on your side.

We care. We speak. We protect.

Further Reading 

ECA - Code Of Ethics
Handling Complaints Effectively
How To Make A Formal Complaint 
Dealing With Workplace Bullying In Childcare

References:
ACECQA NQS Overview
NQF Guide
ECA Code of Ethics

Created On July 8, 2025 Last modified on Tuesday, July 8, 2025
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