Caring Connections: How Educators Support Your Child’s Emotional Wellbeing
Drop-offs can be big for little people, but when a child runs to their educator with open arms, it’s a clear sign they feel safe and happy. At Kids College, we see those moments as the heart of early learning. Strong, secure relationships give children the confidence to explore, play and grow, knowing they are supported every step of the way.
Why Relationships Matter
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which underpins quality early education in Australia, highlights that secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships are critical for children’s wellbeing and development. Educators who are tuned into children’s thoughts and feelings not only comfort them but also create the conditions for learning and growth.
Research confirms this. Studies show that children who have strong, positive relationships with educators are more likely to feel safe, explore their environment confidently, and regulate their emotions effectively . These relationships also form the foundation for developing empathy and social skills.
Building Trust and Belonging
At Kids College, we place great importance on helping children feel they belong. Our educators take the time to learn about each child’s unique personality, routines and preferences. Whether it’s a warm greeting in the morning, remembering a favourite song, or providing comfort during a tough moment, these gestures create a sense of security.
Children thrive when they feel known and valued. According to ACECQA, positive relationships with educators give children a sense of security that allows them to confidently engage in play and learning . This is why we focus on building those connections every single day.
Emotionally Available Educators
Being emotionally available means more than just being present. It means educators respond to children with warmth, empathy and understanding. For example, if a toddler is upset at drop-off, an educator might kneel down to their level, acknowledge their sadness, and offer comfort. If a child is excited about a new discovery, we share in that joy with genuine enthusiasm.
These interactions teach children that their feelings matter and can be managed in safe, caring ways. By modelling empathy and emotional regulation, educators give children examples to follow. Over time, children begin to respond with empathy to others, laying the groundwork for emotional intelligence.
Helping Children Understand Big Feelings
Young children often experience emotions very intensely. Frustration, sadness or anger can feel overwhelming. Our educators act as guides, helping children label and make sense of these big feelings.
For example, when two preschoolers argue over a toy, we might say, “It looks like you’re both upset. Let’s find a way to share.” By naming the emotions and guiding them towards a solution, we help children learn to recognise their feelings, understand what caused them, and find positive ways to respond.
This approach is backed by research, which shows that when educators help children manage and express their emotions, they develop stronger friendships and more positive behaviour .
Working in Partnership with Families
We also know that children feel most secure when there is consistency between home and childcare. That is why we build strong partnerships with families. By sharing daily updates, celebrating milestones, and listening to parents’ insights, we ensure that children feel supported across all areas of their life.
The Raising Children Network notes that children are more likely to feel comfortable in care when they see their parents and educators have a good relationship . This is why we prioritise open communication and trust with families at Kids College.
A Safe Base for Learning
Ultimately, educators provide what psychologists call a “secure base”. When children know that caring adults are nearby to support them, they feel free to explore, try new things, and take healthy risks. This confidence is essential not only for emotional wellbeing but also for learning.
At Kids College, we take pride in being that safe base for every child. By fostering genuine, caring connections, we give children the confidence to grow into resilient, empathetic and emotionally intelligent individuals.
References
- Early Years Learning Framework – Australian Government Department of Education
- ACECQA – Relationships with Children: National Quality Standard Guidance
- Early Childhood Australia – Supporting emotional wellbeing in early learning
- Raising Children Network – Child care and separation
