The Critical Role of Educators in Early Childhood Settings

As we reflect on National Educator Week, we want to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible educators across Western Australia who give so much of themselves to support children and families. At Autism Inclusive, we see every day the vital role educators play in shaping the early years and the powerful impact they have on children’s futures.

For many children, early childhood education and care is the very first step away from the family home into the wider world. Childcare settings are often the first place a child experiences structured learning, social interaction with peers, and relationships with adults outside their family. This makes educators critical; not only for nurturing children’s development, but also for shaping a family’s first experience of education.

The way educators welcome, support, and engage with children lays the foundation for their sense of belonging, confidence, and readiness to learn. And for families, those early experiences often determine how safe, supported, and confident they feel to navigate the journey of their child’s development.

Relationships: The Heart of Learning

At the centre of every child’s success is the quality of the relationships they experience. Educators create safe, trusting, and responsive connections that help children feel secure as they step into unfamiliar environments.

A strong, positive relationship between educator and child fosters confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps children engage meaningfully in play and learning experiences. For families, these relationships build trust and reassurance, showing that their child is valued and understood.

Supporting Families as Well as Children

Educators are often the first people families turn to when they have concerns about their child’s development. When families feel accepted, safe, and free of judgement no matter the situation, they are more confident to ask questions and seek support.

This is especially important for vulnerable families who may otherwise lose confidence and withdraw from community supports out of fear or uncertainty. Educators can change the trajectory for these children and families by offering a safe landing: a place where families feel supported, where questions can be asked without fear, and where early intervention opportunities can be explored.

Childcare can also provide families with space to re-engage in the workforce or reconnect with community supports, helping them remain resilient and together. In this way, educators are not only supporting children’s learning, but also strengthening families and communities.

Supporting Emotional Regulation and Co-Regulation

Young children are still learning how to understand and manage their emotions. Educators act as co-regulators, guiding children through big feelings and modelling calm, supportive responses.

By staying attuned to a child’s needs, educators provide reassurance, comfort, and structure. Over time, this helps children develop the skills they need for self-regulation, building resilience and independence in their learning journey.

Supporting Sensory Processing

Every child experiences the world through their senses, but for some, sensory input can be overwhelming or confusing. Early childhood educators play a key role in noticing when a child is struggling with sensory experiences, whether that’s noise, bright lights, or transitions and putting strategies in place to support them.

Simple adjustments such as creating quiet spaces, embedding movement breaks, or using visual supports can make a big difference. These approaches reduce stress, increase participation, and help create inclusive environments where all children can thrive.

Building the Foundations for Learning, Communication, and School Readiness

Before children can learn letters, numbers, or routines, they need strong foundations: a regulated body, supportive relationships, and confidence in their ability to communicate. Educators play a central role in building these foundations.

Through play, modelling, and intentional support, educators nurture communication skills, encourage problem-solving, and foster curiosity. When emotional regulation and sensory needs are supported, children are more able to focus, engage, and thrive in their learning.

Equally important is the role educators play in preparing children for school. Supporting early literacy and numeracy, developing social skills, and building independence are key to ensuring children can transition smoothly into formal schooling. These early experiences shape not just how a child approaches school, but how they view themselves as learners.

Supporting Successful Transitions Into School

The transition from childcare to school is one of the most significant moments in a child’s early life. Educators are uniquely placed to prepare children for this change; through developing skills, building confidence and working closely with families and schools to ensure consistency of support.

When transitions are thoughtfully supported, children are more likely to enter school with confidence, ready to engage with the curriculum, build positive relationships, and continue developing across all areas. This has a profound impact on lifelong outcomes, from academic achievement to emotional wellbeing and social participation.

Why This Matters

The early years are a critical window of development. By creating inclusive, nurturing and supportive environments, educators ensure that all children; especially those who may find the transition from home to childcare more challenging have the best possible start.

For children with developmental differences, the role of the educator is even more significant. With the right support, childcare becomes not just a safe place, but a springboard for growth, belonging, and lifelong learning.

And for families, especially those navigating uncertainty, educators can be the steady, safe base that helps them feel supported, stay connected, and access the help they need. In doing so, educators don’t just shape the early learning experience; they help keep families strong and resilient.

This National Educator Week, we say thank you to all the incredible educators in our WA community. At Autism Inclusive, we are committed to working alongside you to provide the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to support every child and every family. Together, we can create childcare environments where all children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

Learn More

At Autism Inclusive, we provide:

• Training and workshops for educators to build inclusive classrooms and childcare environments.

• Consultation services to support early intervention and family engagement.

• School readiness and transition programs designed to prepare children for lifelong success.

  
  

 Explore more about how we can support your team and community: Visit Autism Inclusive