Are We Truly Building Relationships?
Building strong, positive relationships is widely acknowledged as essential for the well-being and development of young children. However, the question remains: Are we truly building the deep, meaningful relationships that will provide a strong foundation for children's growth and learning? In the context of early childhood education, the interactions between educators and children play a crucial role in shaping future academic, emotional, and social experiences. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) in Australia emphasizes the importance of relationships, communication, and engagement. But, are we fully embracing the potential these relationships hold? This article explores how the EYLF supports educators in building genuine connections, fostering respect, and laying the groundwork for lasting relationships that will support future growth.
The Role of Relationships in Early Childhood Development
From birth, children begin to form relationships with the world around them. Positive interactions with adults, peers, and the broader community have a profound impact on a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. Research highlights that children thrive in environments where they feel safe, respected, and valued. But, are we consistently providing those environments? Are we, as educators, truly modeling behaviours that help children form secure, trusting relationships, or are we simply going through the motions? How many times have as our leadership team, practice support or even allied health shared possible techniques and these have been put it in the "too hard" pile or it has not been put into practice with a positive mindset, setting it therefore up to fail?
So many supporting frameworks and documents that are put into place to support early childhood education and care. From the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF ), the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics; and the The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) all acknowledge that relationships are the cornerstone of learning. Strong interpersonal connections empower children to explore, engage, and learn. It states that “children are connected with and contribute to their world” (Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2020). But are we creating environments that support these emotional connections, encourage open communication, and value each child’s unique perspective?
How the UN Rights of the Child relates to meaningful relationships?
UNCRC emphasises that every child has the right to be heard, to express their views freely, and to have those views taken into consideration in all matters affecting them (Article 12). Can you see the connection and how EYLF echoes this by asserting that children are “connected with and contribute to their world”, reinforcing that every child’s voice, feelings, and unique perspective should be valued?
In this light, we must take a moment and truely and honestly reflect on this and ask ourselves if our interactions, how we talk to children, plan for children, set up the environment children uphold the rights of children. Ask yourself, "'Do I form meaningful emotional connections and engage in open communication with all children?" "Am I ensuring that children are not only physically safe but emotionally supported, allowing them to confidently explore and interact with others?" It is essential that educators and caregivers actively create spaces that are responsive to the emotional, social, and cognitive needs of children, ensuring that each child feels seen, heard, and respected. By doing so, we fulfill the child’s right to education, protection, and participation, as outlined by the UNCRC.
It is up to each one of us!
Building relationships in the early years goes beyond socialising children; it is about laying a solid foundation for their future emotional, social, and academic success. The Early Years Learning Framework provides valuable guidance for educators, while the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics provides the ethical framework necessary to ensure these relationships are built on respect, integrity, and fairness. By embedding the EYLF principles. Rights of the Child and the Code of Ethics into daily practice, educators can create environments where children develop the skills and dispositions needed to succeed and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Ultimately, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly building the relationships that will serve as a strong foundation for children's future growth and learning?
Article written by Janine Kelly
