Positive Approaches to Guiding Children’s Behaviours

Early Childhood Educators use a variety of methods to ensure children have positive learning and environment experiences in child care centres. ECEs provide guidance and support to children learning how to interact with their peers and their early learning and care environment. Students who complete this course will explore the ECE’s role in using positive guidance strategies with children, creating supportive environments, encouraging peer relationships and self-esteem, and how to work with children who have challenging behaviours. Students will learn the importance of observation in managing behaviours. They will learn how to redirect attention when possible and create an environment that naturally encourages positive interactions. Respecting inclusion and diversity are essential in early learning and child care programs. Students will learn how to collaborate with families, co-workers, and community supports. They will consider the historical and contemporary impacts on Indigenous children and families and how they need to ensure their guidance strategies respect the whole child. They will work with children, families, coworkers, and the community to ensure children’s individual needs are met. They will learn and reflect on practical positive guidance strategies. They will reflect on their own personality characteristics, communication strategies, and expectations in relation to their approach for guiding behaviours.

* Students are eligible to apply for the ECEA certificate from the ECE Registry after the completion of this course.