Embedding Empowerment in Early Childhood Education
Creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and heard is essential for quality early childhood education and care (ECEC).
A guide from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, The Empowerment and Participation, offers practical tools to help services embed child-safe principles, strengthening children’s agency and voice.
Empowerment is more than giving children choices. It involves enabling them to express themselves, ask questions, and understand their rights.
In ECEC settings, this includes age-appropriate discussions about safety, relationships, and consent, supported by warm, trusting relationships with educators.
Author's summary: Empowering children in ECEC settings is crucial for their wellbeing.