Early childhood educators can use evidence-based strategies that promote the health and wellbeing of children within their services. Fundamentally applying a trauma-informed approach involves establishing safe and predictable environments, identifying indicators of distress, and responding to upset children in ways that affirm their feelings and experiences (Bath, 2015).
A strong partnership with families must be further built to allow free communication and gathering of ideas to solve health and wellbeing issues (Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2022). To assist anybody who needs support, families should be offered flexible enrolment and attendance options and should also be linked to community health and counselling services. Training in mental health, trauma, and cultural responsiveness will equip educators to appropriately identify specific needs and respond accordingly (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority [ACECQA], 2020).
From there, integrating wellbeing-promoting activities into daily activities through things like mindfulness, exercise, and healthy eating can foster children’s general growth and resilience. Support for building peer relationships and social skills through cooperative play and conflict resolution enriches positive wellbeing (Denham & Brown, 2010).