What Is Reflective Practice in Childcare? (With Examples)

Reflective practice in childcare is defined by ACECQA as “an ongoing process that enables educators to think honestly and critically about their practices”. This process is central to creating high-quality early learning environments that support both children’s learning and educator development.

By encouraging thoughtful, ongoing evaluation, reflective practice helps early childhood professionals adapt their approach to meet the changing needs of children and families. It is a key part of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Version 2.0 and underpins Quality Area 1 of the National Quality Standard (NQS), which focuses on educational program and practice.

But what does this look like in action? Let’s explore with some real examples.

What Is Reflective Practice in Childcare?

Simple Definition and Key Concepts

At it’s core, reflective practice in childcare invites educators to think about all aspects of their learning approach to assess what works, what doesn’t, and how outcomes for children can be improved (ACECQA, 2023). It shifts the focus from just assessing outcomes to considering intent, effectiveness, and alignment with learning goals.

Reflective practice helps professionals create a cycle of growth by continually evaluating and refining their approach. It supports openness to new ideas, and fosters an adaptive mindset that responds to the evolving needs of children and families. At Kidz Magic, reflective practice underpins the creation of nurturing learning spaces where each child is provided with the tools they need to thrive.

Why It’s Essential

This process is essential in early learning because it:

• Enables educators to respond to individual children’s needs.
• Encourages ethical decision making aligned with the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Code of Ethics.
• Supports ongoing learning and greater insights into various aspects of how children engage with their learning environment.
• Builds a supportive and nurturing environment for all learners.
• Helps educators gain insights into their teaching strategies and decision making.

When educators engage in reflective practice in childcare, it opens opportunities to connect theory with real-world experiences. This supports early childhood educators to make meaningful adjustments that align with individual children’s needs across different learning areas.

Understanding Critical Reflection

Critical reflection takes this process a step further. According to ACECQA, it “involves educators engaging with questions of philosophy, ethics and practice.” While reflection might focus on outcomes and daily experiences, critical reflection challenges assumptions, expectations and beliefs that underpin decisions, encouraging educators to explore other theories and perspectives that may better support learning and wellbeing.

This practice is engrained in our culture at Kidz Magic, where team meetings provide space for educators to evaluate cultural practices, review inclusion strategies and explore ways to challenge expectations in order to better support families and children.

Reflective Practice vs Critical Reflection: What’s the Difference?

Principles of Reflective Practice (Aligned to EYLF)

Reflective practice is embedded in the planning cycle described in the EYLF, with the following principles supporting effective implementation:

• Openness to questioning your own practice.
• Inclusion of multiple perspectives, including those of children, families and fellow educators.
• Ongoing commitment to equity and social justice.
• Alignment with an ongoing cycle of improvement and evaluation.

Across our centres, our educators participate in professional inquiry through collaborative discussion. Team meetings often include reflective questions about our learning environments and how they can better support children’s learning.

In some cases, these reflections have led to centre-wide shifts in pedagogy. A few of our centres have recently embraced the Curiosity Approach, focusing on creativity, autonomy and holistic development through thoughtfully designed, child-led environments.

Why Is Reflective Practice Important in Childcare?

Benefits for Educators and Children

Reflective practice in early learning improves outcomes for both educators and children. According to ACECQA, it:

• Builds a culture of continuous improvement, aligning with NQS Quality Area 7.
• Enhances learning outcomes for children.
• Supports team collaboration and trust.
• Strengthens family partnerships through inclusive and ethical practice.

Link to EYLF and NQS Standards

Both the EYLF and NQS emphasise critical reflection as a requirement for quality early learning. Quality Area 1 highlights the importance of reflection in action, reflection on action and the cycle of planning and evaluation.

How to Engage in Reflective Practice Effectively

The Reflective Practice Cycle

Reflective practice follows a simple yet powerful cycle. At Kidz Magic, this cycle is used across our centres during programming, planning, and staff reflection sessions.

Step 1: Identify

• Recognise an event, situation or observation that prompts reflection.
• Observe children closely and note any patterns, challenges or new behaviours.

Step 2: Explore

• Ask reflective questions. What happened? What did I notice? How did I respond?
• Use critical questions to focus attention on values, ethics and the impact of decisions.
• Take time to reflect before jumping to conclusions or changes.

Step 3: Analyse

• Consider cultural, social and developmental contexts.
• Analyse current practices, gain new insights, and asses how they affect children’s development.

Step 4: Act

• • Implement changes, evaluate new practices and document outcomes for future action.

Questions to Guide Reflective Thinking

• What worked well?
• What could be improved?
• How did my personal experiences and understandings shape this interaction?
• How did this affect children’s learning or wellbeing?
• What feedback have I received from children, families or other professionals?

Real-Life Examples of Reflective Practice in Childcare

Example 1: Adapting Outdoor Play Spaces

• Observation: Educators observed that some children were hesitant to engage in outdoor play.
• Reflection: The team asked, “Does the outdoor environment meet all children’s sensory needs?”
• Action: Educators created quiet corners, added sensory play areas and adjusted supervision patterns to allow choice and autonomy.

This process helped create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Example 2: Supporting Diverse Learning Styles

• Observation: A group of children were disengaged during large group time.
• Reflection: Educators reflect, “Is this format effective for all learners?”
• Action: They modified the structure to include smaller groups and flexible participation. Children were observed to be more engaged and confident.

This adjustment created a more inclusive learning space that supported varied engagement styles and individual needs.

Example 3: Building Cultural Inclusivity

• Observation: Families noticed that classroom celebrations reflected mainly Western holidays.
• Reflection: Educators explored, “Are we including all cultural backgrounds meaningfully?”
• Action: They consulted with families, introduced new books, included cultural music, and adjusted programming to reflect diversity.

This encouraged a greater understanding of culture and belonging across the centre.

Common Challenges in Reflective Practice in Childcare

Reflective practice can be time consuming or difficult to embed without intentional support. Some common barriers include:

• Time Constraints: Schedule short, regular reflection times during programming or staff meetings.
• Discomfort with Critique: Build trust and frame reflection as a tool for growth.
• Lack of Resources: Use journal writing or ACECQA’s templates to document and guide reflection.

To strengthen reflective thinking, services can develop an action plan that outlines goals, responsibilities and review points. This supports consistency across the team and helps families settle into a care environment where reflective practices are clearly embedded in daily routines.

Tools and Strategies for Critical Reflection

Kidz Magic educators use a variety of tools to support their own reflective practices:

• Team-based and individual journal writing.
• Planning documentation that includes critical questions.
• Reflection in action and reflection on action as part of everyday programming.
• Professional development sessions focused on reflective topics.
• Quality improvement plan reviews that incorporate critical reflection.

Resources like the ACECQA Critical Reflection Guide and the Guide to the National Quality Framework help educators continually improve their understanding of best practice.

Conclusion

Reflective practice in early childhood education is more than a task. It drives continuous improvement, strengthens the quality of children’s learning experiences and supports professional growth. When educators engage with reflection as part of their teaching practice, they develop skills to adapt and respond meaningfully to children, families and the wider community.

By embedding reflective practice, educators gain insights into their own practice and take thoughtful steps toward better outcomes for all.

Download ACECQA’s Critical Reflection Guide to start your journey.

FAQs: Reflective Practice and Critical Reflection in Childcare

1. What is reflective practice in childcare?
   It is a process where educators reflect on their daily actions and decisions to improve teaching methods and enhance outcomes for children.
2. What is an example of reflective practice in early childhood education?
   An example includes observing that children are disengaged during group time, reflecting on the approach, and adapting the format to better meet diverse needs.
3. Why is critical reflection important for early childhood educators?
   Critical reflection supports ethical decision making, challenges bias, and helps educators align their practice with values of inclusion and equity.
4. How do I critically reflect as an educator?
   Ask thoughtful questions, explore your own values and beliefs, and consider the impact of your actions on children’s development and wellbeing.
5. What are the key elements of reflective practice?
   Key elements include observation, analysis, open-mindedness, collaboration, and alignment with the planning cycle in early childhood education.

References:
Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2023). Reflective practice: Key ideas. https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/educational-leaders-resource/reflective-practice

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2023). Guide to the National Quality Framework. https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/about/guide

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2023). Belonging, Being & Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia V2.0. https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-law-regulations/approved-learning-frameworks

Early Childhood Australia. (2016). Code of Ethics. https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-publications/eca-code-ethics/