Understanding the Context

Crisis and emergency contexts involve sudden and significant disruptions such as natural disasters, family violence, homelessness, pandemics, and trauma. These situations can have lasting effects on a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development (Perry, 2006).

Relevance in ECE

Early childhood educators play a crucial role in offering safety, stability, and emotional support. Consistent routines, secure relationships, and trauma-informed care help children feel safe and recover from distress (Bromfield et al., 2022).

Theoretical Lens:

Trauma Theory: Highlights how overwhelming stress can impair brain development and behaviour (Perry, 2006).
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory: Describes how crises impact children through changes in their environment (Bronfenbrenner, 1979).
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Explains how children need safety before they can focus on learning (Maslow, 1943).

Contemporary Reflection

Australia has faced increasing emergencies—from bushfires to COVID-19—highlighting the need for trauma-aware education and support services (AIHW, 2023). The rise in domestic violence and displacement has also affected many families’ access to education and housing (Australian Government, 2020).

Impact on Children and Families

Children affected by crisis may experience:

Anxiety, fear, or aggression
Interrupted routines and poor concentration
Loss of housing, education, or loved ones
Disengaged caregivers under stress

Social Policy and Australian Responses

National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework (Australian Government, 2020)
Safe at Home Programs for family violence
COVID-19 Education Recovery Plans
Mental health support from Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline, and Headspace

Strategies for Practice

Implement Trauma-Informed Practices

Evidence Base: Trauma-informed education helps reduce stress responses and supports brain development (Perry, 2006).

In Practice:

Create calm, predictable routines and safe spaces.
Use soft tones, gentle touch, and visual schedules.
Be patient with children who display withdrawal, aggression, or fear.

Build Strong, Trusting Relationships

Evidence Base: Secure attachments foster emotional resilience and recovery (Bowlby, 1988).

In Practice:

Prioritise warm, responsive interactions.
Offer consistent caregiving and comfort.
Use key educators to maintain familiarity and trust.

Use Play for Emotional Expression and Healing

Evidence Base: Play helps children process trauma and express emotions safely (Landreth, 2012).

In Practice:

Provide materials like puppets, clay, sand, and drawing tools.
Allow children to lead play without pressure.
Observe themes in play to understand emotional needs.

Support and Engage Families

Evidence Base: Family-centred practice strengthens children’s outcomes (Dunst & Espe-Sherwindt, 2016).

In Practice:

Listen to families’ stories with empathy and confidentiality.
Offer flexible meeting times and community referrals (e.g., housing, food relief).

Encourage families to be part of planning their child’s support.

Promote Emotional Literacy and Regulation

Evidence Base: Teaching emotional skills helps children recover from stress and develop resilience (Denham et al., 2012).

In Practice:

Use picture books and visuals to name and explore feelings.
Model and teach self-soothing (e.g., deep breaths, calm corners).
Use group time to discuss safe choices and empathy.

Community and Professional Partnerships

Educator’s Role in Collaboration

Build trust with families to identify needs early.
Refer sensitively using clear, non-judgemental language.
Maintain communication with external partners while respecting family confidentiality.
Document concerns and share only relevant information with consent.

Participate in care planning with professionals to ensure coordinated support.

Resources for Educators and Children

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🌟 Educator Resources

Emerging Minds – National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health Supports educators to understand trauma and children’s emotional responses. Educators can use the tools to reflect on practice, adjust environments, and develop trauma-sensitive routines that build emotional safety and trust.

Be You (Beyond Blue Initiative) Helps educators create a mentally healthy learning environment. By embedding everyday practices like mindfulness, feeling check-ins, and resilience-building games, children learn to manage stress and develop empathy for others.

Australian Red Cross – Emergency Ready Education Program Offers child-friendly disaster preparedness materials. Children can role-play evacuation or safety drills, which helps them understand emergencies, feel more in control, and become emotionally prepared.

Raising Children Network – Trauma and Recovery Guides Educators can share these with families or use insights to tailor responsive caregiving. When children see adults responding calmly and consistently, they feel secure and resilient even during uncertainty.

🌟Children’s Storybooks

When the Wind Blew – Petra Brown Helps children explore feelings of fear, loss, and recovery through a gentle story. Reading this aloud allows space for discussion and emotional validation.

The Invisible String – Patrice Karst Supports children experiencing separation, loss, or anxiety by affirming ongoing connection and love. It encourages children to express feelings and show empathy toward others who miss someone too.

A Terrible Thing Happened – Margaret Holmes Gives children permission to talk about scary things in a safe way. It supports trauma recovery by helping children identify their emotional and physical reactions and reinforcing help-seeking behaviour.

Ruby Finds a Worry – Tom Percival Teaches children that it’s okay to have worries and that sharing feelings helps. It promotes emotional literacy, reduces shame, and encourages empathy among peers.

🌟Videos, Educational Shows, and Podcasts

Sesame Street in Communities – “Big Feelings” & “Caring for Each Other” Children learn about feelings, coping, and kindness through characters they trust. These videos offer role modelling and can be used to spark discussions on helping others during tough times.

Play School – “Special: Hello Friends!” A gentle, reassuring program that models routine and comfort during uncertain times (e.g., COVID-19). Supports emotional stability and shared understanding of collective challenges.

Cosmic Kids Yoga – “Peace Out” Introduces children to calming techniques like breathing and guided storytelling. These promote self-regulation, mindfulness, and emotional awareness—essential tools for resilience.

Kinderling Kids Radio – “Bedtime Explorers” Podcast Uses imaginative, soothing stories to reduce anxiety. Helps children build inner calm, especially useful before sleep or during emotional overwhelm.