Sustainability in childcare encompasses 3 main categories: environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.
It has become so important that that it was added into the EYLF v2.0 in 2022, as one of the EYLF Principles.
In this article, we'll take a look at the 3 types of sustainability, its place in the Early Years Learning Framework, and its links to the National Quality Standard.
What are the 3 kinds of sustainability in childcare
Environmental Sustainability
Perhaps what comes to mind when someone mentions sustainability in childcare, environmental sustainability focuses on caring for the natural world, and protecting, preserving and improving the environment.
Common ways of promoting sustainability in childcare would be reducing water usage, waste and power. This could be through the actions of the service (e.g. using recyclable items), but also through teaching children about the importance of environmental sustainability.
Social Sustainability
Rooted in respect for diverse cultures, values, beliefs and the expertise of families, social sustainability is about inclusion and living peacefully, fairly and respectfully in resilient local and global communities. It strongly relates for Quality Area 6 - Collaborative partnerships with families and communities.
Examples of social sustainability would be promoting inclusion and social justice, and building relationships with the local community.
Economic Sustainability
Promoting understanding of economic sustainability can take many paths. It is all about supporting economic development without negatively impacting the other dimensions.
Examples include showing children how to reduce expense, consumption and waste, helping children to become conscious consumers.
EYLF Principle - Sustainability
Educators and children play important roles in creating and promoting sustainable communities, where current needs are met without compromising future generations.
Children's agency should be supported in all aspects, with educators recognising children's avid interest in their world, their ability to engage with concepts of sustainability, and their capacity to advocate and act for positive change.
Through meaningful and relevant educational experiences, children build an understanding of their citizenship, as well as their rights and responsibilities as members of local and global communities.
Creating healthy, just and vibrant futures for all is at the heart of sustainability. Educators should encourage children to develop an appreciation of the natural world, understanding our impact and the interdependency between people, animals, plants and waters.
Sustainable practices should be built with children, where educators support them to play an active role in caring for the environment and contributing to a sustainable future. Educators and children should also learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and rich sustainable practices, as peoples who have looked afterr Country for over 60,000 years.
Opportunities should be provided for children to learn about the interconnected dimensions of sustainability, which goes beyond being in nature or learning of conservation. Social and economic sustainability should be embraced, engaged in concepts such as social justice, fairness, sharing, democracy and citizenship.
Sustainability in Childcare, and its links to the NQS
Whilst sustainability as a principle is a lense through which we view all NQS quality areas, there is a specific focus on the following standards and elements:
QA1: Educational program and practice
Standard 1.2: Practice - Educators facilitate and extend each child’s learning and development.
Element 1.2.1: Intentional teaching: Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions.
QA3: Physical environment
Standard 3.2: Use - The service environment is inclusive, promotes competence and supports exploration and play-based learning.Exceeding theme 1: Practice is embedded in service operations
Element 3.2.3: Environmentally responsible - The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible.
QA6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Standard 6.2: Collaborative partnerships - Collaborative partnerships enhance children’s inclusion, learning and wellbeing.
Element 6.2.3: Community engagement - The service builds relationships and engages with its community.
QA7: Governance and Leadership
Element 7.1.1: Service philosophy and purpose - A statement of philosophy guides all aspects of the service’s operations.
What Next?
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