At Affinity Education Group, we know that calm, confident educators create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the next phase of our Safety Starts With Me initiative - a new educator coaching video series developed in partnership with respected Australian Child Psychiatrist, Dr Kaylene Henderson.
Introducing: Take 5 with Dr Kaylene Henderson
Designed for early childhood educators, teachers, trainees and Centre Managers, this series features short, impactful coaching videos addressing real challenges faced in our rooms every day. Whether you’re supporting a child through separation anxiety, navigating a meltdown, or looking for practical strategies to respond to biting or hitting, Take 5 delivers calm, supportive guidance - in under 10 minutes.
Each video is warm, honest, and grounded in evidence-based practice - with tips you can use straight away. The topics covered include:
- Biting, hitting and hurting in infants and young children
- What to say and do after an aggressive outburst in older children
- How to support neurodivergent children through transitions
- The difference between natural and unrelated consequences
- Separation anxiety (for children and parents)
- Responding to upsets, meltdowns and big feelings
- Giving clearer instructions and offering meaningful acknowledgements
These videos are available exclusively to Affinity Education employees. Please see the poster in your centre’s staff room for the video links.
What You Can Expect
- Short and supportive: Most videos are around 7 minutes
- Watch anytime: Designed to fit into a busy day
- Created just for you: Based on the most common challenges you’ve told us about
- Focused on connection: Because when educators feel empowered, children thrive
Real-Life Example: Consequences that Teach
In one video, Dr Kaylene shares a powerful reminder:
“Children should never be made to feel bad in the hope this will inspire them to ‘do good’. They learn best when they feel calm, safe and connected to you.”
She gives an example from the classroom: when children use paintbrushes to swat at each other rather than paint, a natural consequence might be limiting the brushes for the rest of the day - a response directly connected to their actions and learning.
Compare that with an unrelated consequence, like cancelling an afternoon disco. That kind of punishment doesn’t help children understand what went wrong - and it can escalate behaviour and stress for everyone involved.
Dr Kaylene also explains how to use clearer, more specific instructions (like “Please pack all the blocks into the big tub and check under the shelves too”) instead of vague terms like “tidy up.” It’s this kind of language that sets children - and educators - up for success.
Uplifting and Empowering Educators
Dr Kaylene’s thoughtful, compassionate approach reminds us that no one gets it right all the time - and that’s okay. Behaviour is complex, and every child is different. What matters most is how we support one another.
“It’s honestly a privilege to be part of this project,” said Dr Kaylene. “Educators nurture, guide and comfort children through some of the most important years of their lives. That work is so valuable - but it can also be really tough. Initiatives like Take 5 help make sure no educator ever feels alone.”
Part of a Bigger Picture
This series builds on the success of our original Safety Starts With Me videos and forms part of our broader commitment to educator wellbeing and professional growth. From the Lifelong Learning Curriculum certification program to the more than 2000 graduates of our Affinity Learning Academy, we’re proud to support the people who show up every day for over 20,000 children across Australia.
As Dr Lesley Jones, our Chief Compliance and Quality Officer, puts it:
“When educators feel calm, confident, and connected, children feel safe. And when children feel safe, they learn better, build stronger relationships - and thrive.”
Take 5. Feel supported. Keep making a difference.
Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, we hope the Take 5 series helps you feel more confident, more connected, and better equipped in your important role.
These videos are now available exclusively to Affinity Education employees - just check the staff room poster at your centre for access links. In the meantime, if you’d like further support, your Education team is always here to help.
Interested in joining a team that truly invests in your growth and wellbeing?