Risky Play for Children Birth to 3 Years in Early Childhood Education Services: A Study of Educators’ Perspectives

Early childhood education (ECE) is an ideal environment to promote risky play. To date, few studies have explored ECE educators’ perceptions of risky play for children birth to 3 years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore educators’ perceptions of risky play in ECE for children birth to 3 years. Eight participants from 7 different ECE services across New South Wales and the Northern Territory, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, using a predetermined script. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis and guided by Social Ecological Theory. Microsystem factors (e.g., the ECE setting, educators’ knowledge, attitude and experience) and mesosystem factors (e.g., relationships between educators, children and families) were the main factors identified as being important. This study highlights important factors in risky play for children birth to 3 years.