Regulatory Authority Priority Series – Behaviour As Communication

The Queensland Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (ECRA) is responsible for regulating the early childhood education and care sector including outside school hours care. They have a vital role in making sure children are safe and receive high-quality education and care. This series spotlights the new priority areas they announced in late 2023.

Often when we are confronted with escalated behaviour, it becomes our focus or fixation.

Compassionate communities recognise that challenging or escalated behaviour does not have harmful intent but is a child’s only way of expressing frustration over a lagging skill or unmet need/expectation. It is up to us to get curious and get creative, seeking to understand what is being communicated. What expectation or need is not being met?

In this session we will consider:

• What behaviour could be communicating?
• What we can learn about when/where the behaviour is occurring?
• How we can respond compassionately to children

If a child could solve the problem, perform the task, follow the directions, comply with any demand, or meet expectations, they would, so let’s work collaboratively to support each child in our services.

This session is suited to OSHC professionals at all career stages.

NQS: QA1, QA4, QA5, QA7