Early childhood education · Universal Wellbeing systems
Early Childhood Wellbeing: Supporting Children, Educators and Learning Environments
When children struggle to settle, participate, regulate emotions or connect with others, responding to behaviour alone may not address what is influencing it. Early childhood services need approaches that consider the whole learning environment.
FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute works with early childhood education settings to explore the underlying determinants of wellbeing and develop coordinated, research-informed approaches. Our primordial prevention focus looks at the conditions shaping children's experiences before difficulties become entrenched.
Challenges facing early childhood services
Looking beyond the immediate concern
ECE leaders and educators manage complex needs every day. An effective response starts with understanding the wider conditions affecting children, families, educators and the learning environment.
Children finding it hard to settle
Understand the environmental and relational factors influencing transitions, belonging and participation.
Behaviour and emotional regulation
Look beyond the behaviour itself to identify the circumstances that may be contributing to difficulties.
Diverse learning and support needs
Explore coordinated, inclusive approaches that consider individual needs and the wider setting.
Workload and staff pressures
Consider the organisational factors influencing educator wellbeing, collaboration and sustainable practice.
Family engagement and communication
Strengthen shared understanding and more consistent support between educators, families and communities.
Disconnected responses
Move towards a more consistent whole-setting approach rather than relying only on isolated initiatives.
Illustrative education photography.
Who this is for
Support for early childhood education settings
FWI's approach is designed for education providers seeking to understand the determinants influencing wellbeing and develop practical, coordinated support systems.
- Early childhood education centres and services
- Centre owners, managers and education leaders
- Early childhood teachers and support staff
- Kindergarten and community-based providers
- Early learning networks and education organisations
- Teams planning whole-setting wellbeing approaches
Our distinctive approach
Universal Wellbeing begins with understanding what shapes wellbeing
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all wellbeing activity, FWI uses the research-informed Universal Wellbeing Model to examine the conditions affecting participation, relationships, development and organisational practice. The model brings together six dimensions and 70 determinants, informed by over 17 years of applied research.
Listen to the experiences and priorities of educators, leaders and the wider ECE community.
Identify the underlying factors influencing wellbeing rather than focusing only on visible symptoms.
Consider professional learning, coordination and systems suited to the setting's needs.
Use reflection and appropriate evaluation to inform ongoing decisions and improvements.
Early learning environments can shape wellbeing long before challenges become established. A primordial prevention approach focuses on understanding and addressing the conditions that influence wellbeing at their source.
Education support and professional learning
From understanding the challenge to building a coordinated response
FWI can discuss Universal Wellbeing education, workshops, evaluation and systems approaches with early childhood organisations. The appropriate pathway depends on the setting, its priorities and the support required.
Whole-setting wellbeing
Explore a coherent approach that connects children, educators, leadership and the wider learning environment.
Professional learning
Build understanding of Universal Wellbeing and primordial prevention through relevant learning pathways.
Evaluation and planning
Consider the determinants affecting your setting and use the findings to inform priorities and decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Early childhood wellbeing: common questions
What is a whole-setting wellbeing approach in early childhood education?
It considers wellbeing across the learning environment, including children, educators, leadership, relationships, organisational practices and family connections, rather than treating concerns in isolation.
How can ECE centres respond to challenging behaviour?
Alongside appropriate immediate support, centres can examine the conditions influencing behaviour, such as relationships, routines, participation and the wider learning environment.
What support is available for early childhood educator wellbeing?
FWI's Universal Wellbeing approach can help education organisations explore underlying determinants affecting staff wellbeing and consider coordinated organisational responses.
What makes FWI's early childhood approach different?
FWI draws on the Universal Wellbeing Model, its six dimensions and 70 determinants, and a primordial prevention focus that examines factors shaping wellbeing at their source.
Can an early childhood centre enquire about tailored support?
Yes. Centre managers and education leaders can contact FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute to discuss their setting, priorities and potential Universal Wellbeing pathways.
Start a conversation
What is influencing wellbeing in your early childhood setting?
Tell us about the challenges your centre or organisation is experiencing. We can discuss how a research-informed Universal Wellbeing approach may support your next steps.