Sector insights highlight evidence-based approaches to strengthening early childhood development

New analysis of best practice approaches in early childhood development reinforces the critical role of relationships, cultural safety and high-quality play-based learning in supporting children’s wellbeing across Australian early learning settings. Recent sector commentary has also drawn attention to the evidence guiding high-impact practice.

As ECEC services continue to integrate emerging research and community expectations, current insights outline the practices delivering the strongest developmental outcomes for children. Reporting from EducationDaily has also highlighted these themes in the broader early learning conversation, reflecting clear alignment with the National Quality Framework, particularly Quality Areas 1, 3 and 5.

Research consistently confirms that warm, attuned relationships are one of the most powerful influences on children’s development. When educators engage in meaningful conversations, co-regulate emotions and provide consistent, predictable care, children experience higher levels of emotional security and confidence.

For services, this reinforces the importance of stable staffing, thoughtful routines and environments that allow time and space for sustained, high-quality interactions.

Purposeful, play-based learning remains central to effective early childhood programs. High-quality practice draws on the Early Years Learning Framework and includes:

• open-ended materials to inspire exploration
• opportunities for sustained shared thinking
• intentional teaching that extends children’s ideas
• environments that support physical, cognitive and social learning

These elements support strong language development, deeper engagement and increased independence.

Evidence continues to demonstrate that children thrive when they feel recognised, respected and connected to their identity. Embedding First Nations perspectives, representing community languages and partnering with local cultural leaders contribute to culturally safe learning environments.

These practices also support service-based commitments to the NQF and Closing the Gap priorities.

Strong outcomes rely on collaboration across families, educators and community services. Effective partnerships go beyond information-sharing: they involve shared decision-making, co-designed support and coordinated engagement with allied health, family support and community professionals.

ECEC services increasingly draw on multidisciplinary approaches to ensure children and families receive timely, holistic support.

Workforce capability remains a key factor in delivering evidence-informed practice. Professional learning that strengthens understanding of child development, cultural capability, trauma-informed practice and inclusive pedagogy ensures children experience consistent, high-quality learning.

The growing evidence base reaffirms what ECEC educators and leaders see every day: children thrive in environments that are nurturing, culturally anchored and designed to support their learning. By pairing responsive relationships with high-quality programming and strong family and community partnerships, services create the conditions children need to flourish.

Further reading on these themes can be found through EducationDaily’s coverage of early childhood development.