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

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

 Know Your Rights: Laws, Regulations & Standards

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.

 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