Question

You are the educator in the 0–2-year-old room. You have a number of new families who do not understand why the children are so upset at drop off time. You want to ensure that parents are aware that this is common for many children.

a) Explain a strategy you could use to help the children build trust and settle each morning.
b) Outline what information you would share with families about this issue.
Use one NQS Quality Area (ACECQA, 2020), one EYLF Principle and one EYLF Practice (DoE, 2022) to justify why your actions are important for the child and family.

Answer 1

a) One strategy to help children build trust and settle each morning is to establish a consistent and predictable routine. This can include activities such as a welcome song or rhyme, a special hug or high-five, or a transition activity that helps children feel calm and secure. It is important to provide reassurance and comfort to children during this time, as they may be feeling anxious or uncertain about being separated from their parent or caregiver.

b) When discussing this issue with families, it is important to emphasize that separation anxiety is a common experience for many young children and is a normal part of development. It can also be helpful to provide practical tips and strategies for parents to use at home, such as establishing a consistent goodbye routine or providing a special comfort object for the child to hold onto.

One NQS Quality Area that is relevant to this issue is Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice. This Quality Area emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and supportive learning environment that is responsive to the needs and interests of individual children. By establishing a consistent and predictable routine for drop off time, educators are creating a supportive environment that helps children feel secure and confident in their surroundings.

One EYLF Principle that is relevant is Principle 5: Learning environments are inclusive and culturally responsive. By recognizing and responding to the individual needs and experiences of each child, educators can create a learning environment that is inclusive and welcoming for all families.

One EYLF Practice that is relevant is Practice 2: Partnerships with families. By working in partnership with families, educators can support children's learning and development by sharing information, knowledge, and expertise. By providing information and practical strategies for families to use at home, educators can support parents in understanding and managing separation anxiety in young children.