No two days in early childhood education ever feel quite the same. Children grow, routines shift, focus areas evolve, and what works one day might not the next.
These are just a few of the reasons why it’s so important for educators to take a step back, reflect, and consider how our approach is impacting children’s learning and wellbeing.
Understanding reflective practice in early childhood education
Reflective practice is the ongoing process of thinking critically about your work in early learning settings. What’s effective, what could improve, and how is your approach impacting children’s learning and wellbeing.
This is a keyway for educators to grow their skills, strengthen their decision-making, and create environments where children can thrive.
Why Reflective Practice Matters
Reflective practice helps educators to:
- Consider their actions and the outcomes for children
- Adapt approaches to better meet children’s needs
- Build confidence by recognising strengths and learning from challenges
- Strengthen team collaboration by sharing reflections and insights
It’s not about finding the perfect way to provide education and care, but about staying curious, responsive, and always striving for better.
Types of Reflective Practice in Early Childhood
There’s no one-size-fits-all method for reflection, and different approaches can be used at different times:
Self-Reflection
Taking time to think about your own actions, responses and professional decisions. This could be through journaling, quiet thinking, or goal setting.
Peer Reflection
Talking with a colleague about experiences in the workplace. This helps open up different perspectives, encourages feedback, and strengthens professional trust.
Team Reflection
A whole-team approach often explored during meetings or planning sessions. This type of reflection helps services identify broader patterns, shared goals, and ways to improve as a group.
Making Reflection Part of Your Daily Practice
Reflection doesn’t have to be time-consuming. In fact, with some practice it can become a habit quite quickly!
Here are some practical ways to integrate reflective practice and get purposeful about your ways of thinking:
- Use daily prompts: Ask yourself questions like “What worked well today? What could be improved?”
- Keep notes or journals: Capture thoughts at the end of the day or after key activities.
- Schedule reflection time: Include reflection in staff meetings or planning time.
- Use reflection to inform planning: Let insights shape your program design, communication strategies, or approach to guiding behaviour.
What Makes Reflection Meaningful?
Meaningful reflection is more than just going through the motions. It involves asking “why” something happened and genuinely considering “what’s next.” It’s driven by curiosity and care: for children, for your practice, and for your own professional growth.
It also means being open to new ideas, willing to receive feedback, and committed to making changes that benefit both educators and children.
How Selmar Supports Reflective Educators
At Selmar, we understand that reflective practice is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education. It’s also a key focus of our training.
Our nationally recognised qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care are designed to:
- Build your understanding of child development and learning
- Equip you with tools to embed reflective thinking in your daily practice
- Support your confidence in decision-making, communication, and planning
- Connect theory with real-world practice
With Selmar’s experienced trainers and supportive learning approach, you’ll be empowered to grow as an educator and contribute meaningfully to your centre and the wider sector.
Reflection is how good educators become great
Reflective practice helps early childhood professionals keep learning, keep improving, and keep putting children first.
Ready to take the next step in your early learning career?
Explore Selmar’s courses in Early Childhood Education and Care to learn how reflection can shape your practice and your future.
