By BEST Childcare Consulting
Every smile, question, and idea a child shares is a glimpse into the future we are shaping together.
World Children’s Day, celebrated globally on 20 November, is more than a date — it is a promise. A promise to listen to children, to see the world through their eyes, and to ensure their voices help guide the decisions we make today.
This year’s theme — “Listen to the Future. Stand up for Children’s Rights.” — reminds us that children are not just the hope for tomorrow; they are citizens of today, with ideas worth hearing and rights worth protecting.
The day also honours the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which enshrines every child’s right to play, to learn, to be safe, and to be heard. For those of us in early childhood education and care, these principles are lived out every day — in the way we listen to children’s stories, respond to their emotions, and make space for their creativity and voice.
World Children’s Day 2025 invites educators, families, and communities to pause and reflect:
Are we truly listening? Are we creating environments where every child feels valued, empowered, and understood?
When we say “Listen to the Future,” we are recognising that children’s voices are not background noise — they are the melody that guides us toward a more compassionate, equitable world.
Learn more about the global campaign and UNICEF’s call to action here: UNICEF – World Children’s Day 2025
Educational Programming Ideas
1. Children’s Rights Charter
Invite children to co-create a “Rights of the Child” display using their own words and drawings. Ask:
- “What helps you feel safe?”
- “What makes you happy?”
- “What do you wish adults listened to more?”
Display their reflections alongside simplified UNCRC rights such as the right to play, to be safe, and to be heard.
2. Voice and Choice Wall
Create a space where children express opinions on daily routines — from which story to read to how outdoor play is organised. Educators then act on their suggestions and display follow-up notes showing how children’s ideas made a difference.
3. Right to Play Celebration Day
Hold a child-led play day where educators observe and document the power of self-directed learning. Celebrate the right to play by offering open-ended materials and uninterrupted time for imagination.
4. Connecting to the UNCRC
Read books that champion fairness, diversity, and rights — such as I Have the Right to Be a Child by Alain Serres or For Every Child by UNICEF. Link each story to a UNCRC article (e.g., Article 12 – Right to Be Heard; Article 31 – Right to Play).
5. Intergenerational Voices Project
Partner with local schools or aged care homes to record or share children’s hopes for the future. Display these messages as a “Voices of Tomorrow” installation in your foyer.
6. Blue for Children
Encourage children, educators, and families to wear blue and decorate the service in UNICEF’s signature colour, symbolising unity and advocacy for children’s rights.
QIP Write-Up
QA 1 – Educational Program and Practice
Goal achieved: We embedded children’s rights and voices within the educational program, empowering children to express ideas and make decisions.
Embedded Practice: Educators consistently incorporated UNCRC principles into planning and documentation. Children’s perspectives guided experiences, provocations, and changes to the environment.
Critical Reflection: Teams reflected on how well routines supported agency. When we recognised barriers to autonomy, we restructured transitions to prioritise choice and voice.
Meaningful Engagement: Families discussed rights at home, and children proudly shared their “rights charter,” fostering confidence and community connection.
QA 2 – Children’s Health and Safety
Goal achieved: Every child’s right to safety and wellbeing was upheld through daily practice and policy.
Embedded Practice: Educators modelled protective behaviours, helping children identify safe adults and environments.
Critical Reflection: We reviewed environments and supervision practices to ensure emotional safety and belonging were prioritised.
Meaningful Engagement: Children shared what helped them feel safe, and their insights directly informed our routines and environment setup.
QA 3 – Physical Environment
Goal achieved: Learning spaces promoted belonging, voice, and inclusion.
Embedded Practice: Displays showcased children’s artwork and words about their rights. The environment supported independence and collaboration.
Critical Reflection: We observed how accessible spaces supported self-expression and adjusted layouts to better promote autonomy.
Meaningful Engagement: Children designed areas that reflected their interests and cultural identities, creating a shared sense of ownership.
QA 4 – Staffing Arrangements
Goal achieved: Educators worked collaboratively to embed the UNCRC into everyday practice.
Embedded Practice: Staff meetings included reflective discussions about children’s rights and participation.
Critical Reflection: We analysed how educator language supported or limited agency and made adjustments to strengthen advocacy.
Meaningful Engagement: Collaborative planning ensured all educators contributed to our rights-based approach, creating a unified team philosophy.
QA 5 – Relationships with Children
Goal achieved: Relationships nurtured trust, respect, and empowerment.
Embedded Practice: Educators consistently listened to children, validated their perspectives, and provided real opportunities for decision-making.
Critical Reflection: We reflected on whether our communication styles empowered or directed children. Through reflection, educators refined their listening and questioning strategies.
Meaningful Engagement: Children saw their ideas valued and enacted, building strong, reciprocal relationships grounded in respect and dignity.
QA 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
Goal achieved: Partnerships strengthened advocacy for children’s rights within our community.
Embedded Practice: Families were informed about the UNCRC and invited to share how they promote rights at home.
Critical Reflection: We reviewed engagement data and adapted communication strategies to ensure diverse family participation.
Meaningful Engagement: We hosted a World Children’s Day “Listening Forum,” giving children and families a platform to share their hopes and priorities for the future.
QA 7 – Governance and Leadership
Goal achieved: Leadership embedded children’s rights within governance and policy frameworks.
Embedded Practice: Policies were updated to include the UNCRC, and leadership ensured children’s input was reflected in QIP decisions.
Critical Reflection: Leadership analysed documentation to ensure ongoing advocacy and authentic representation of child voice.
Meaningful Engagement: The team shared the service’s journey with community networks, positioning our centre as a leader in child rights and voice-based practice.
Links and Resources
UNICEF – World Children’s Day 2025
https://www.unicef.org/take-action/campaigns/world-childrens-day
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention
UNICEF Australia – Children’s Voices in Action
https://www.unicef.org.au
BEST Childcare Consulting
At BEST Childcare Consulting, we believe that when children are heard, the world grows wiser.
Listening isn’t a small act — it’s a powerful commitment to seeing every child as capable, valued, and deserving of respect.
By embedding children’s rights into everyday practice, you’re not just celebrating a single day — you’re building a culture where every child’s voice shapes the future.
As always, use these inspirations to lead your service throughout the whole year in your everyday practices to truly earn an Exceeding rating.
Contact us TODAY.
