Reflective practice
Reflective practice is something Emma learned during her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and only truly valued once she was working with children. For in-home caregivers it is one of the most useful habits you can build.
Why it matters in in-home care
Working one-on-one, you notice things others do not, and you rarely have colleagues doing the same work to compare notes with. Reflection fills that gap. It helps you keep improving, and it helps you decompress: many caregivers work under strict privacy and confidentiality terms, so you cannot simply debrief with a friend. Reflecting privately lets you revisit a tricky day when you are refreshed and think it through yourself. The Early Years Learning Framework recognises reflection and critical reflection as ways to build knowledge and skills.
EYLF critical reflection questions
What is our understanding of each child, their culture and context? What are we challenged by, or curious about? What biases might we be confronting? Which theories shape our work, and could other knowledge or world views help us make better sense of what we see? Who is included when we work this way, and who might be excluded?
How to reflect
- Keep a designated reflection journal, with a few favourite questions written in the front
- Write however suits you, by hand, typed, or voice to text
- Start with a real situation, or a guiding question if nothing specific comes to mind
- Think critically, then critically reflect on your reflection
- Plan your next steps, and take action
- Revisit it in a week, month, or year to see what changed
Reflective practice pairs beautifully with a community to grow alongside. Little Smiles Nannying is building exactly that for career caregivers.