Resources for strengthening child safety in early childhood settings

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is supporting the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector with a suite of resources and learning tools aimed at strengthening child safeguarding practices.

Recognising the vital role of educators and service leaders in creating and maintaining safe environments, ECA has collaborated with experts in child sexual abuse prevention, child safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice to develop accessible, evidence-informed materials for the sector.

ECA’s recent national webinar, Children’s Safety and Safeguarding in Early Childhood Settings, is now available as a recorded resource. The session features sector leaders and safeguarding experts and provides insights into prevention strategies, service obligations, and educator responsibilities.

Please note: The webinar includes discussion of child sexual abuse prevention and may be distressing for some viewers. Educators are encouraged to consider their wellbeing when viewing the material.

ECA has also compiled a broad range of resources to support services in maintaining a culture of safety, these include:

Professional Learning and Guidance

• Asserting a Culture of Child Safety – by Nicole Talarico
• Putting Children First: Child Safe Organisations
• Being the Champion for Children Impacted by Trauma and Adversity
• The Circle of Security: Roadmap to Building Supportive Relationships

Child Safe Frameworks and National Principles

• National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
• Child Safe Organisations Overview

External Partner Resources

• Be You – Mental health and wellbeing support for educators
• Act for Kids – Learn to Be Safe programs for early years, children, and families
• Bravehearts – Resources including What is Grooming? and A Guide for Parents and Carers
• National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse – Information on grooming, indicators, and prevention

These resources are designed to help educators, managers and providers strengthen existing practices, lead professional conversations, and access support during periods of heightened concern.

ECA acknowledges the emotional toll that child safety breaches place on early childhood professionals. Educators are encouraged to seek help via support services including Lifeline, 1800RESPECT, Child Wise, and Bravehearts

To receive updates on new resources, professional learning opportunities, and sector initiatives, educators and service leaders can subscribe to ECA’s Newsletter.