Connections: A resource for early childhood educators about children's wellbeing

Connections is a practical resource for early childhood educators to guide them in supporting children's mental health and wellbeing.

Connections contains information about supporting children (birth to eight years) in a range of settings including long day care, family day care, preschool and out of school hours care.

Connections was developed in 2014 by Everymind with funding from the Australian Government through the Department of Education.

The resource outlines the skills and practices of educators that are associated with positive mental health and wellbeing for children. It also provides practical examples and tips to help educators adapt these ideas to fit their service, and meet the unique needs of their children and families.

There are a range of reflective questions and case studies, as well as links to the National Quality Standard (NQS), Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia and My Time, Our Place – Framework for School Age Care in Australia.

Fact sheets are included in the resource on topics such as family conflict and separation; trauma, loss and grief; supporting additional mental health needs; discussing mental health concerns with families; and helping a person in distress.