This resource explains the new legal requirement under the Education and Care Services National Law that places children’s safety, rights, and best interests as the paramount consideration in all decisions made within early childhood education and care services. It explores what this change means for providers, leaders, teachers, and educators, and provides practical examples of how child-centred decision-making can be embedded across governance, policies, relationships, learning environments, and daily practice. The article also highlights the importance of children’s identity, culture, language, participation, and wellbeing in creating safe, inclusive, and responsive early learning environments.
