EPRO204 Assessment 3

HEALTH AND WELLBEING CONTEXTS

Understanding the Context

Health and wellbeing is a critical context that profoundly influences children’s daily experiences and long-term development. National data indicates that approximately 22% of Australian children start school developmentally vulnerable in at least one domain measured by the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC, 2024). This highlights the importance of considering physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects of wellbeing in early childhood education.

Health and wellbeing encompass a wide range of factors, including physical health, nutrition, sleep, emotional regulation, mental health, and overall developmental progress. Each of these elements shapes children’s learning, behaviour, and engagement in early childhood settings. Sociological perspectives, such as the Social Determinants of Health framework, explain how broader social and economic factors—such as family income, housing stability, parental wellbeing, and access to healthcare—directly affect children’s developmental outcomes (AIHW, 2023). Contemporary research also identifies rising concerns around childhood anxiety, behavioural difficulties, and developmental delays, indicating the growing need for early intervention and wellbeing-focused pedagogies in early childhood services.

Impact on Children and Families

Children’s health and wellbeing directly influence their ability to form positive relationships, participate in learning activities, and self-regulate their emotions and behaviour. Families experiencing stress, chronic illness, or limited access to services may face additional challenges supporting their children’s development. Consequently, early childhood services play a pivotal role in promoting wellbeing by implementing trauma-informed approaches, integrating health-focused routines, and collaborating closely with health professionals, families, and community support services. (Department of Education, 2023).
Embedding wellbeing practices into everyday curriculum—such as structured physical activity, mindfulness, nutritious meal provision, and social-emotional learning, supports children’s holistic development and resilience. (AEDC, 2024; AIHW, 2023. By prioritising health and wellbeing, educators can create inclusive and supportive environments that enable all children to thrive both socially and academically.

Social Policy and Australian Responses

Health and wellbeing policies similarly shape early childhood practice, with national frameworks placing stronger emphasis on mental health, preventative care, and developmental monitoring. The National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy guides services to take an early-intervention approach, supporting emotional regulation, social competence, and trauma-informed practice. These policy directions respond to ongoing concerns, including findings that around 22% of Australian children begin school developmentally vulnerable in at least one domain (AEDC, 2024) and that 1 in 7 children aged 4–11 experience a diagnosable mental health condition (ABS, 2023). Many states now integrate Maternal and Child Health services with early learning centres, encouraging collaborative screening and family support. In practice, educators are required to adapt routines, implement wellbeing-focused curriculum, and maintain strong communication with health professionals to ensure that children receive timely assessment and intervention.

Strategies for Practices

  • Use trauma-informed approaches– Recognise triggers and provide safe spaces.
  • Support emotional expression– Encourage children to name and manage feelings.
  • Maintain predictable routines– Reduces stress and provides a sense of safety.
  • Collaborate with health professionals– Connect families with counselling or therapy.
  • Model coping and resilience skills– Demonstrate calm problem-solving and emotional regulation.

Educators can set up a calming area or a quiet corner for children. This area consist of books, stress balls, squishy toys, fidgets, and visual aids that children self-regulate. Facilititate circle time to discuss each other’s feelings.

Community and Professional Partnerships

Below are the 5 relevant organizations that support children and families:

  1. Emerging Minds – Provides resources for trauma and parental mental illness. Early Childhood Education can implement trauma-informed practices.
  2. Australian Childhood Foundation– Supports children affected by abuse or trauma. Early Childhood Education can access guidance and programs.
  3. Kids Helpline– Counselling for emotional and mental health. Early Childhood Education can refer children for support.
  4. Headspace– Mental health support for children and families. Early Childhood Education can link families for early intervention.
  5. ReachOut Australia– Online support for youth wellbeing and coping strategies. Early Childhood Education can recommend resources for older preschoolers or parents.

Resources for Educators and Children

Projects/ Websites/ Programs

  • Emerging Minds– Provides guidance and resources for supporting children affected by trauma or parental mental illness.
  • Australian Childhood Foundation– is a leading not for profit that offers trauma-informed resources for educators and families.
  • Kids Helpline– Free counselling for children and young people dealing with emotional or mental health challenges.
  • Headspace– Supports mental wellbeing for children, youth, and families.

Children’s Story Books (Birth to 5 years)

  • When Mommy Got Sickby Alma J Wilson – a comforting tale that helps children cope with difficult emotions.
  • The Colour Thief: A Parents Depression by Andrew Petres – Shows coping with family stress and trauma through storytelling.
  • Mama’s waves by Chandra Ghosh Ippen – Mama’s Waves was written for any child who has a family member who struggles with emotional waves, whether they live together or not
  • I Miss You: A First Look at Deathby Pat Thomas – Supports children experiencing death of family member and grief