An educator tells you, 'We've tried everything, and nothing is working.' Another educator has a different approach to the same child. Meanwhile, the leadership team is trying to support everyone.
When behaviour becomes challenging across an early childhood service, another list of strategies may not be the answer. Educators need a shared understanding of child development and an opportunity to reflect on what they notice.
Help educators understand behaviour, not just manage it
Children's behaviour can be influenced by communication, sensory processing, regulation, movement, fatigue, developmental differences and the environment. Similar behaviours can have different underlying reasons.
Leaders can encourage educators to consider what happens before and after a behaviour, what a child might be communicating, and whether changes to routines or environments could help.
A shared approach does not mean every child needs an identical strategy. It means educators understand the same principles and can adapt their responses respectfully and safely.
Professional learning can help teams build this understanding. Practical follow-up and reflective conversations are needed to translate it into everyday decisions.
Let's make this practical
What could you try tomorrow?
Choose a situation and turn the card over to reveal a practical idea.
IDEA 1Different educators respond differentlyHow can leaders build shared understanding?Reveal the strategy
Discuss one recurring situation together. Explore likely contributing factors, agree on safety boundaries and select one supportive approach to try consistently.
Close strategyIDEA 2The team feels overwhelmed by incidentsAre we asking educators to change too much?Reveal the strategy
Choose one manageable change, such as adapting transitions, adjusting group-time demands or improving access to communication supports. Review the change before introducing another.
Close strategyIDEA 3The workshop was useful, but nothing changedWhat happens after the training?Reveal the strategy
Make time at the next staff meeting to ask what educators tried, what they noticed and what support they need. Focus on reflection rather than judging performance.
Close strategyInstead of only asking 'Which strategy should educators use?', ask 'Do our educators have the understanding, support and time to make confident decisions?'
Prioritise children's rights, safety and individual needs. For tailored support across services, explore Play Move Improve organisational partnerships: https://www.playmoveimprove.com/partnerships.
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR TEAM
Want more ideas for your kindergarten?
I have professional learning and practical resources covering this topic, alongside movement, play, sensory development, regulation and learning readiness.
If your educators are experiencing similar challenges, my free PD Needs Check can help identify two professional learning sessions relevant to your team.
Two live, 30-minute staff meeting webinars are currently available for $850 including GST under the early-booking offer.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Ask me about your kindergarten's challenges
If something in this article sounds familiar, you're welcome to send me a quick message. Tell me what your team is noticing, and I'll read your question personally.
Please don't include children's names or other identifying or sensitive information.