Body boundaries and trusted adults guide QCCS child safety learning

Body boundaries, trusted adults and asking for help were central to the learning experiences Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS) outlined on Day for Daniel 2026. On the day the provider included safety conversations, creative activities and family involvement across its early learning centres.

General Manager Laura Faalili said the focus was on introducing personal safety in ways young children could understand. “We want children to understand they have a right to feel safe and that there are trusted adults who will listen and help whenever they need support.”

PA Hospital Early Education Centre Director Esther Withers said conversations and creative experiences helped make those messages accessible. “We want children to know that it’s okay to speak up when something doesn’t feel right and that there are always trusted adults they can turn to for help,” she said.

Helping children identify who they can turn to

At PA Hospital Early Education Centre, the experiences included exploring body boundaries, identifying trusted adults and creating safety posters. These activities were intended to give children opportunities to discuss personal safety and ways to seek support.

Across its centres, QCCS outlined age-appropriate experiences using the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s Recognise, React and Report messages. The focus included recognising unsafe situations, responding and telling someone who could help.

The approach placed children’s questions and understanding at the centre of the conversations. Ms Withers said the aim was to help children understand safety messages they could use in everyday situations.

Keeping safety conversations going beyond one day

Held each year on the 30 October, Day for Daniel encourages communities to wear red, educate and donate in support of child safety. QCCS also included a community fundraiser at PA Hospital Early Education Centre supporting the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Ms Faalili described child safety as an ongoing conversation shared by educators and families. The provider’s stated aim was to help children understand that their feelings matter and that adults are available to listen and respond.

Educators looking to continue those conversations can access the foundation’s early childhood resources. The collection includes materials supporting personal safety learning beyond the annual awareness day.