Building a Mother’s Confidence in the Early Years
Annual Report 2025 – 2026
When Lydia and her family needed urgent support, a CRCS early childhood centre (ECC) was able to provide emergency care for her two young children, aged one and four years.
The family’s case worker contacted CRCS, and the ECC arranged care four days a week. At first, Lydia attended drop-off and pick-up with a support person. Using the centre’s sign-in technology and sharing information about her children’s routines and needs were also new experiences.
The ECC team took time to build a relationship with the family. Educators and the Centre Manager offered practical guidance, answered Lydia’s questions and created regular opportunities for her to talk about her children and anything they needed.
The older child had additional needs and required specialised equipment during the day. Educators worked closely with Lydia and other people supporting the family to understand these needs and provide consistent, inclusive care.
Over time, Lydia became more comfortable communicating with the team. She now manages drop-offs and pick-ups independently, uses the sign-in system confidently and speaks openly with educators about her children’s care.
The children have also formed strong connections at the centre. They arrive happily, feel comfortable with their educators and are developing relationships with other children.
The older child has begun using many more words and has made encouraging progress with their strength and gross motor skills. The younger child has developed secure relationships with educators and is now settled and comfortable at morning drop-off.
What began as a short-term emergency care arrangement has grown into ongoing support for the family. The older child now attends the centre’s three-year-old kindergarten program, while the younger child also continues to attend twice a week. Lydia is considering keeping both children at the centre when she returns to work.
By responding quickly and taking the time to build trust, the centre’s team provided more than immediate care. The children gained a safe and welcoming place to learn, play and build relationships, while Lydia developed greater confidence and a strong support network around her family.
Emergency care at the ECC supported Lydia to build confidence, while her children formed strong relationships and made encouraging progress in their learning and development.
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