The Ecology of Early Childhood
Understanding Development, Learning, and Wellbeing as an Interconnected System
Session Times:
Tuesday 28th July 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia
Thursday 30th July 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia
6:00pm - 8:00pm - South Australia, Northern Territory
Tuesday 28th July 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia
Thursday 30th July 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia
6:00pm - 8:00pm - South Australia, Northern Territory
The Ecology of Early Childhood
Understanding Development, Learning, and Wellbeing as an Interconnected System
Informed by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory
Overview:
Early childhood development emerges through the continuous interaction between the child, the educator, the environment, relationships, and broader systems.
This course is informed by Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, alongside ecological psychology, to explore how development is shaped through interconnected systems over time.
The Ecology of Early Childhood brings these elements together into one integrated way of seeing and working in practice.
What Educators Will Learn
Core Ecological Systems in the Early Childhood Setting1. The Child System
2. The Educator System
3. The Environment System (The Third Teacher)
4. The Relationship System
5. The Group System
6. The Organisational System
Understanding Development, Learning, and Wellbeing as an Interconnected System
Informed by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory
Overview:
Early childhood development emerges through the continuous interaction between the child, the educator, the environment, relationships, and broader systems.
This course is informed by Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, alongside ecological psychology, to explore how development is shaped through interconnected systems over time.
The Ecology of Early Childhood brings these elements together into one integrated way of seeing and working in practice.
What Educators Will Learn
- How ecological psychology and Bronfenbrenner’s theory apply to early childhood practice
- Why behaviour, learning, and wellbeing are contextual, not isolated
- How relationships, environment, and systems interact in real time
- The role of the educator as part of the learning ecosystem
- How classroom design influences regulation and engagement
- Understanding children through multiple interacting influences
- Moving from “individual child behaviour” to “system understanding”
- How to apply ecological thinking in daily practice
Core Ecological Systems in the Early Childhood Setting1. The Child System
- development, temperament, experience
- emotional regulation and needs
- curiosity, agency, and communication through play
2. The Educator System
- presence, tone, and responsiveness
- co-regulation and relational practice
- intentional teaching and reflection
3. The Environment System (The Third Teacher)
- physical space and sensory load
- resources, provocations, and accessibility
- rhythm, flow, and predictability
4. The Relationship System
- educator–child relationships
- peer interactions
- attachment and belonging
5. The Group System
- group dynamics and energy
- transitions and collective regulation
- shared learning experiences
6. The Organisational System
- routines, policies, and culture
- leadership and team dynamics
- expectations and communication patterns
