🧠 Mental Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education
“You can’t pour from an empty cup—this is about filling yours too.” 
🌼 OverviewThis module supports early childhood educators, leaders, and services to recognise and respond to stress, anxiety, depression, and complex challenges within themselves and their teams. It includes practical strategies for supporting others, building strong mental health habits, and creating a culture where it’s safe to not be okay.

📌 Topics Include
1. Support with Stress

• What is stress? When does it become too much?
• Understanding burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion
• Stress in educators: causes, signs, and daily impacts
• Everyday strategies: time-out moments, debriefs, quiet spaces, supportive routines

2. Support with Depression

• What depression can look like (hint: it’s not always sadness)
• How to recognise signs in yourself or colleagues
• The power of listening without fixing
• Encouraging professional help and reducing stigma

3. Support with Anxiety

• Common signs: worry, overthinking, avoidance, perfectionism
• How anxiety can show up in educators and children
• Supporting a team member through anxious moments
• Tools: grounding techniques, planning support, emotional check-ins

4. Stress in Early Childhood

• Emotional labour in this sector is real
• The invisible load: caring, planning, responding all day
• Managing vicarious trauma (absorbing others’ stress)
• Reducing environmental stressors—noise, chaos, clutter

5. Identify Your Triggers

• Personal reflection: What pushes your buttons?
• Common educator triggers: chaos, transitions, crying, feeling unsupported
• Building awareness → building control
• Create a personal regulation plan or stress journal

6. Building Strong Mental Health

• Daily habits that support mental wellness:
  • Sleep, movement, nutrition, breathing, boundaries
• Setting personal and professional boundaries
• The role of self-care beyond bubble baths
• Building a team culture that normalises asking for help

7. Recognise the Beauty of Positive

• Gratitude, joy, laughter—protective factors against burnout
• Celebrate small wins
• Shifting mindset: focusing on what is working
• Modelling positivity with authenticity, not forced cheerfulness

8. Coping Strategies

• Practical, real-time tools:
  • Box breathing
  • Movement breaks
  • Journaling
  • Music/soothing sensory tools
• Personal coping plans for educators
• Team wellbeing toolkits and “calm corners” in staff rooms

🚨 9. Supporting Educators in Crisis SituationsIf an Educator Discloses Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts

• Stay calm and non-judgmental
• Listen without needing to fix
• Always take it seriously
• Immediate steps:
  • Ensure they are not alone
  • Alert your Nominated Supervisor or approved provider
  • Call a mental health crisis service (e.g., Lifeline, Beyond Blue)
• Do not promise secrecy. Safety comes first.
• Follow your service’s Critical Incident Policy
• Debrief and seek support yourself afterwards

If an Educator is in a Domestic Violence Situation

• Believe them. Be kind. Avoid blame.
• Acknowledge their courage in speaking up
• Respect confidentiality, unless safety is at risk
• Offer support options:
  • Domestic Violence Helplines
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Time off or modified duties
• Work with leadership to prioritise their safety and emotional wellbeing
• Never pressure them to leave—support, don’t direct

🌟 Final Thoughts

• You are human before you are an educator.
• Mental health matters—every day, for everyone.
• The best teams are brave, kind, and real.
• Leadership is about creating safe spaces where truth is welcome and help is available.