Health and Wellbeing Context

Impacts on Children and Families

Children’s health and wellbeing shape their emotional regulation, resilience, and relationships. Unmet health needs may result in behavioural issues and developmental delays. Families experiencing health challenges may face social isolation, financial stress, or reduced capacity to engage with early learning services. This affects the family’s ability to support their child’s learning.

Early childhood services must adopt a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach. Services should support families via inclusive environments, foster mental and physical wellbeing, and provide flexible access to programs. Educators also need to be trained in recognising signs of poor health or emotional distress and collaborate with health professionals when necessary.

Understanding the context

Health and wellbeing Context

Health and wellbeing are a critical context influences the holistic development of children in the early years. It encompasses not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Families facing health challenges, such as mental illness, housing instability, chronic conditions, or limited access to healthcare, may experience compounded stressors that affect their ability to provide consistent care. In early childhood education, recognising and responding to the diverse health and wellbeing needs of children and their families is essential for equitable learning and development outcomes. In ECE settings, educators have a vital role in promoting holistic development. Understanding and supporting the health and wellbeing of children and families is essential inclusion, safety, and learning outcomes. Healthier children are more capable of engaging in positive interactions, forming secure attachments, and participating actively in their environments, aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework L.O.3- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.

Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory highlights the multiple layers influence on a child’s development, including family health, community support, and health care access (Waugh & Guhn, 2024). Diversity and Evolving Nature in Australia’s multicultural society includes families with varying experiences of health, particularly Fisr Nations families and those from refugee or rural communities, who may experience greater health inequalities. Mental health issue among parents and children are also on the rise, exacerbated by economic pressures and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resources For Educators and Children

Programs/Websites

1. Be You – Mental health resources for early learning services (Be You, 2025)

2. Raising Children Network- It is evidence-based health and parenting information (Raising Children Network, 2025).

3. Smiling Mind- It is mindfulness programs for young children (Smiling Mind, 2025).

4. Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program- It promotes healthy eating through hands-on learning (Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, 2025).

Children’s Storybook

1. The feelings book by Todd parr- It explores different emotions in a child friendly way (Parr, 2009).

2. Breathe like a Bear by Kira Willey- It teaches breathing techniques and mindfulness (Wiley, 2017).

3. My body is special and belongs and belongs to me by Sally Merenzweig- It encourages body awareness and safety (Berenzweig, 2011).

4. How do dinosaurs get well soon? By Jane Yolen- It addresses sickness and self-care (Yolen & Teague, 2003).

Children Videos/Podcasts

1. Bluey- ‘Hospital and Sleepytime’ episodes- It explores emotions, health, and daily routines (Brumm, 2018).

2. Cosmic Kids Yoga- Movement and mindfulness through storytelling (Cosmic Kids Yoga, 2025).

3. Sesame Steet’s ‘Breathe, Think, Do’- It teaches problem-solving and emotional regulation (Sesame Workshop, 2013).

4. Little Yogi Adventures Podcast- Guided audio stories with mindfulness and breathing (Little yoga, 2025).

These resources support emotional literacy, healthy habits, and resilience through engaging, age-appropriate media.

Social Policy and Australian Responses

Some important national frameworks include:

1. National Quality Standard (NQS), which emphasises children’s mental health and safety (Quality Area 2).

2. The Australian National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2021)- It promotes early interventions.

The Australian Early Development Census 2021, data reveals that 21.2% of children are developmentally vulnerable in one or more domains, including physical and social wellbeing, underlining the urgency of addressing health disparities (Australian Early Development Census [AEDC], 2021).

. Policies initiatives such as Medicare, mental health supports in preschools, and state-based child health nurse programs contribute to early interventions and family support. However, access remains inconsistent across regions, with rural and First Nations communities facing persistent inequalities.

Strategies for practice

1. Nutrition and Physical Activity- Provide nutritious meals and engage children in gardening or physical play to build healthy habits.

2. Implement wellbeing programs- Embed yoga, mindfulness, and movement activities in daily routines to support mental health and body awareness.

3. Health Screening and Referrals- Collaborate with nurses or allied health professionals to screen and refer children needing additional support.

4. Family support initiatives: Offer workshops or parent groups on nutrition, sleep hygiene, and emotional wellbeing.

5. Trauma-informed practices- Educators should use empathetic, predictable routines to support children with past or ongoing trauma.

Educators apply these strategies by modelling healthy behaviours, creating inclusive environments, maintaining open communication with families, and engaging in professional development.

Community And Professional Partnerships

1. Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH)- It provides medical care, mental health support, and family health education.

2. Beyond Blue- It supports families and educators with mental health resources and training.

3. Child and Family Health Nurses- It offers developmental checks, parenting advice, and early intervention.

4. Healthy Kids NSW- It delivers guidance on active lifestyles and nutrition.

5. Kidsmatter (now be you)- A mental health initiative providing tools for educators to support children’s wellbeing.

These professionals collaborate with services through onsite visits, parent workshops, referrals, and educator training.

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