We are delighted to announce that Katharina Ahmadi-Wachter, University of Hildesheim, will be presenting a webinar on 30 April 2024, 8 pm to 9pm (AEST). This event is hosted by the Institute of Child Protection Studies on behalf of our partner, the Global Safeguarding Alliance (GSA).

Details

• Topic: Preventing harmful educator behaviour in childcare - a public health approach
• Date: Wednesday 30 April 2025 (will be recorded)
• Time: 8:00 pm (Australian AEST) and for global subscribers the time is 12:00pm (Eastern Europe Time, EET), 6:00pm (Singapore Time, SGT), and 10:00am (Greenwich Mean Time, GMT)
• Register: subscribe to GSA for a link to zoom meeting

Katharina will talk about findings from a pilot project called Mutausbruch that developed and tested a prevention program in 25 childcare settings across Germany. She will discuss key learnings, evaluation results, and strategies for sustainable implementation.

One of the key findings is that preventing harmful educator behaviour requires more than policies and training-it demands a shift in institutional culture. Prevention efforts can only be truly be effective when psychological safety, open communication, and reflective practices are embedded in daily routines.

A public health approach could combine educator training, child empowerment, and organisational development.

Four key points:

1. Organisational development is key to prevention. Sustainable change requires structural, cultural, and behavioural shifts-not just individual training.
2. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Childcare centres are diverse, requiring tailored, participatory solutions instead of rigid concepts.
3. Behavioural change takes time. Shifting professional attitudes and practices requires long-term commitment, reflection, and teamwork.
4. Psychological safety is essential. Open feedback and a supportive team culture help educators recognise and prevent harmful behaviours.

Subscribe to the Global Safeguarding Alliance to receive a zoom link: https://redcap.link/GSAsubscriberform

Subscription gives you access to newsletters, updates on safeguarding research, and invitations to future webinars. This webinar will be live and recorded so if you can't make it, we will send all subscribers a link to the recording.

Hosted by the Institute of Child Protection Studies on behalf of the Global Safeguarding Alliance. For more details about our partnership read more.