Supporting children, families and educators during natural disasters

As bushfires continue to affect communities across Victoria, early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are once again navigating the complex realities of emergency response, temporary closures and trauma-informed support. For children, educators and families, these events can be deeply unsettling, with impacts that reach beyond the immediate fire zones.

Natural disasters such as bushfires challenge services not only to respond quickly, but to provide stability, reassurance and care at a time of heightened stress. As services activate emergency plans and support networks, the following strategies can help maintain wellbeing, safety and connection.

Prioritise safety and clear communication

• Follow all directives from emergency services and local authorities. Where required, enact closure procedures and communicate promptly with families.
• Ensure emergency contact details, evacuation plans and updated information are readily available and accessible.
• Communicate with families in calm, clear language, providing factual updates and support information.

Support children through familiarity and routine

• For services remaining open, maintain predictable routines as much as possible to provide a sense of security.
• Use age-appropriate language to explain what is happening. Avoid graphic details but be honest and reassuring.
• Offer play experiences that allow children to express feelings safely, such as drawing, storytelling or dramatic play.

Care for educators and staff

• Acknowledge the emotional toll on educators and allow space for debriefing and rest.
• Where possible, adjust rosters to support staff impacted personally by the fires.
• Provide access to counselling, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and peer support.
• Remind teams of the service’s emergency management procedures and support networks.

Support families and community

• Approved providers and centre managers can access detailed guidance on emergency support, including closures, payments and communication protocols, via the Australian Government Department of Education’s Early Childhood Emergency Support page.
• Share information about local recovery support, financial assistance or mental health services.
• Provide space for families to connect and share experiences if safe to do so.
• Check in with vulnerable families and offer support with referrals or practical help.

Trauma-informed practice

• Recognise that trauma may not always be visible. Changes in behaviour, sleep, or engagement can signal distress.
• Use a strengths-based approach, focusing on connection, regulation and recovery.
• Access professional development or resources on trauma-informed care, such as those from Emerging Minds Community Trauma Toolkit or Be You Bushfire Response Program.

When services reopen

• Prepare children for returning through gentle communication and family engagement.
• Allow time for reconnection and emotional expression.
• Involve children in restoring environments where appropriate, supporting agency and belonging.

Resources and support

• Children’s books to support understanding and resilience:
  • Birdie and the Fire: A gentle story from the Birdie’s Tree series about experiencing and recovering from a bushfire. childrens.health.qld.gov.au
  • Fire by Jackie French: A sensitive narrative exploring the impact of bushfires from a child’s perspective.
  • The House on the Mountain: A picture book about a family’s experience of bushfire and recovery.
  • Sparky the Wonder Puppy: Based on a true story, this book helps children relate to resilience and hope.
  • Bush Baby Rescue and 47 Degrees: Australian titles addressing natural disaster themes and emotional recovery.
  • A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes: A therapeutic story supporting children affected by trauma.
  • Get Ready! by Australian Red Cross: An interactive workbook helping children understand emergency preparedness.
• Victorian Department of Education Emergency Management in Early Childcare Services
• Red Cross Emergency Support

ECEC services are vital anchors in their communities. During times of natural disaster, they play a crucial role in supporting not only children’s learning, but their recovery and resilience. With calm leadership, compassionate care and connection to the broader support system, services can help their communities navigate these challenges together.