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Time, tension, and transformation: reclaiming time in early learning settings

Fiona Alston

May 14, 2025

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Time in early childhood education is precious and paradoxical. We speak of “being present” with children, yet the day-to-day often feels like a race against the clock.

Between regulatory requirements, family engagement, programming, documentation, and the unpredictability of caring for infants and young children, time management can feel more like survival than strategy.

For educators and leaders in early learning environments, effective time use is not just about productivity, it’s about wellbeing, professional identity, and ultimately, quality outcomes for children.

Time through the lens of the NQF and EYLF

The National Quality Framework (NQF), particularly Quality Areas 1 (Educational Program and Practice), 4 (Staffing Arrangements), and 7 (Governance and Leadership), all require thoughtful planning, reflection, and collaboration.

But these aspirations can feel overwhelming without systems and strategies that help educators feel in control of their time, rather than controlled by it.

In alignment with the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0, the principle of ongoing learning and reflective practice reinforces the need for educators to be given time to critically reflect on their pedagogical decisions.

Time is not only an operational concern, it's foundational to the creation of responsive, intentional, and child-centred learning.

Approved Providers and leaders must recognise that time is a critical resource as important as materials, ratios, or qualifications in shaping a high-quality learning environment.

Understanding the realities of time in early learning

Time pressures in ECEC settings often stem from:

Conflicting priorities: Programming, supervision, regulation, family interactions and all at once.
Lack of protected planning time: Planning gets squeezed into quiet time or after hours.
Unclear team expectations: Duplication or confusion can waste valuable minutes.
Emotional labour: Caring work is relational and responsive, it doesn’t always fit in a planner.

The following considerations may support further reflections:

Prioritise what matters most

Use a triage approach: What must happen now, what can wait until later, and what may not need to happen at all?
Anchoring to your service philosophy and the needs of children helps you focus on what truly matters.

Routines as anchors

Well-established daily routines help children feel secure and free up mental space for educators.
Predictable transitions reduce chaos and support smoother time flow.

Time blocking and visual planners

Whether digital or paper-based, block out key parts of the day for non-contact tasks.
Use shared calendars or wall planners to give visibility and structure to programming time, meetings, and prep.

Micro-moments matter

Not every observation or reflection needs to be a 500 word essay. Jotting quick insights, photos, or voice notes during the day can form the basis of later, deeper documentation.
Quality over quantity remains key.

Delegate and collaborate

Build a team culture where tasks are shared, not siloed.
Leaders can foster role clarity and routines around who does what, when, and how.

Say no to perfectionism

Not every display has to be Pinterest worthy. The best use of your time is engaging with children, families, and colleagues, not over-styling the room or rewriting the same documentation five times.

Time for leaders: creating systemic change

Leaders have a vital role in protecting and promoting time for reflection, documentation, and collaboration.

Consider:

Scheduling regular, paid non-contact time for each educator;
Using technology wisely, automation can support (not replace) authentic relationships;
Encouraging flexible thinking: Is there a better way to structure the day?;
Building a culture of appreciation: Acknowledge what gets done, not just what’s left to do.

Reframing time as a professional right

Time is not a luxury. It is a condition for ethical, reflective, and intentional practice.

When educators have time to think, plan, rest, and connect, the ripple effect is powerful, children feel it, families feel it, and the entire service thrives.

As educational leaders, it’s time to reframe time not just as a challenge to overcome but as a resource to protect and a driver of transformation in early childhood education.

What’s one small time-saving strategy that’s made a big difference in your service?

Share your insights and reflections with us.

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