Health & Wellbeing Context
Supporting Children's Wellbeing Through Trauma-Informed, Family-Centred and Inclusive Practice
Children's health and wellbeing are comprised of their physical, emotional, social, psychological and cultural health and wellbeing and are shaped by their family, community and wider social context (AGDE, 2022). Positive wellbeing is important for children's learning, development and belonging, whereas traumatic experiences, family violence, grieving, mental illness or poverty in the family can impact health and participation. But, with the right support, children's future outcomes are not set in these experiences. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory presents the idea that the wellbeing of children is determined by the interactions between family and education/community systems (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Similarly, children's basic physical and emotional needs must be fulfilled first, before they are able to learn effectively, as described in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1943). As such, teachers are required to implement practices that are based on strengths, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and refugee children, and children with disability, and that promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse child wellbeing, resilience and inclusion, as well as those who have disability (AGDE, 2022; Grace & Menzie, 2022).
Impact on Children, Families and Communities
Children's health and wellbeing impact on their learning, behaviour, relationships and development. Children's confidence, emotional control, and involvement in learning can be impacted by events like trauma, family violence, mental health issues, and lack of access to healthcare (Grace & Menzie, 2022). Stress and problems accessing adequate support services, including culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and refugee families and children with disability, can also affect families. Educators can enhance children's resilience, wellbeing and sense of belonging, and develop positive relationships with families, through the creation of safe, inclusive and supportive environments (AGDE, 2022; Baker et al., 2022).
Social Policy
The Australian Government's health and wellbeing policies are designed to ensure access to health services, early intervention and quality early childhood education for all children in an equitable way. Children's health and other developmental outcomes, and inclusion are enhanced through initiatives like Medicare, the National Immunisation Program and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These policies also work to support families by minimising the obstacles to accessing key health and support services, and foster wellbeing and participation for children (Grace & Menzie, 2022; Services Australia, 2023; AGDE, 2022).
Evidence-based strategies
Trauma-informed and strengths-based practices will help early childhood educators to support children's health and wellbeing. Children feel secure and supported by building respectful partnerships with families, predictable routines, and creating safe and inclusive environments. Teachers should also promote healthy eating, daily physical activity and outdoor play, and ensure they co-ordinate support with health professionals and community services if extra support is required. These approaches build children's resiliency, wellbeing and sense of belonging (AGDE, 2022; Baker et al., 2022; Grace & Menzie 2022).
Partnerships with Families and Communities
Children's health and wellbeing is dependent upon strong partnerships with families, health professionals and organisations within the community. Educators should collaborate with families, value their knowledge and culture, and make referrals to health, mental health and community services as necessary. These partnerships contribute to children's wellbeing, resilience and inclusion and ensure support is tailored to the strengths and needs of every family (Baker et al., 2022; Grace & Menzie, 2022).
Professional Websites & Programs
Trusted evidence-based information on children's health, development and wellbeing.
Supports healthy eating, nutrition and wellbeing in early childhood settings.
Supports educators to promote children's mental health and wellbeing.
Encourages outdoor play, physical activity and children's overall wellbeing.
Children's Book
The Colour Monster – Anna Llenas
Helps to recognise and understand different emotions.
The Feelings Book – Todd Parr
Introduces a wide range of emotions in a simple and inclusive way.
Ruby Finds a Worry – Tom Percival
Explores anxiety and the importance of talking about worries.
Everybody Feels... – Moira Butterfield
Normalises different emotions and encourages empathy.
Videos, Podcasts & Educational Media
Promotes children's physical, social and emotional wellbeing through play-based learning.
Models positive family relationships, resilience, problem solving and active play.
Uses music to explore feelings, routines, friendships and healthy habits.
Blends storytelling, mindfulness and movement to support relaxation and self-regulation.
Critical Reflection
A critical selection of health and wellbeing resources is needed to ensure evidence-based, inclusive and culturally responsive. Resources should be selected to foster positive mental health, healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing and to authentically represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children, diverse family structures. When used intentionally, quality resources can contribute to the development of school environments where children, families and communities feel safe, supported and included, and resilience and wellbeing are fostered, alongside a culture of respectful partnerships and relationships.
Create Your Own Website With Webador