Position Statement
The purpose of the Behaviour in the Early Years Position Statement is to create a shared vision for understanding and approaching children's behaviours as a community. This position statement is intended primarily for child care professionals, including managers, directors, owners of child care programs, early childhood educators, early childhood educator assistants, support workers, and responsible adults. However, supporting children is a shared community endeavor, so this position statement can be beneficial for anyone caring for children.
Online Training
After completing the training, learners will be equipped with strategies to increase their capacities to work with diverse groups and support the inclusion of all children and behaviours.
Behaviour in the Early Years has three main goals: Teaching children emotional regulation skills, building inclusive child care ecosystems, and practicing the 3 Bes.
-
This training is not intended to provide compliance or obedience related approaches. Instead, we teach regulation and social-emotional skill building, which are directly linked to behaviours and overall well-being.
-
Child care ecosystems are built on strong relationships and inclusive environments with the aim of remaining child and family-centred; relying on communication, care, and understanding.
-
Educators can ask questions and reflect inward to understand children’s behaviours. We can start with the 3 Bes referred to throughout the course.
-
Be curious. We question why children are exhibiting certain behaviours. What are they trying to communicate? How might my own experiences influence my response to this behaviour?
-
Be responsive. When behaviours that challenge us occur, it can be helpful to pause before responding and consider what you know about the child before you act. How can we use our knowledge of the child and their background to adapt our approaches?
-
Be reflective. What approaches have I used to support behaviours before? How have they worked or not worked depending on the child? Remain reflective of your expectations, responses, and approaches. Think about why behaviours challenge you or how you can respond differently if they occur again.
-