Childcare and Preschool Experiences of Children Living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
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Are you a parent of a child living with T1D? We want to hear from you!
The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD) and the KIDS Research Institute wants to hear from parents about their childcare/preschool experiences for their child living with T1D.
This community research project is designed to investigate the unique experiences of families navigating early childhood education and care settings while managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Because early childhood is a critical developmental period, understanding how childcare and preschool environments adapt to intensive medical management plans is vital for ensuring both clinical safety and social inclusion.
Collaborating Institutions
The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), Deakin University, and The KIDS Research Institute Australia, in partnership with Diabetes Victoria and the Deakin Institute for Health Transformation.
Core Objectives
The study aims to gather insights from parents and guardians to address three primary focus areas:
Facilitators of Inclusion: Identifying the specific practices, resources, and support systems that successfully make preschool and childcare environments feel safe and inclusive for children with T1D.
Barriers to Access: Uncovering the obstacles that prevent parents from accessing early childhood education and care services for their children.
Opportunities for Change: Determining the policy, training, or structural adjustments required to guarantee a consistently safe, supportive, and positive early educational experience for families affected by T1D.
Participation
Data is being collected via an anonymous online survey distributed to parents and primary caregivers of children living with T1D.
To encourage candid and authentic feedback, participation is completely voluntary, and respondents are not required to answer every question to submit their entry.
The insights gathered from this project will be utilised by the partner organisations to inform future advocacy efforts, develop targeted resources for educators, and support policy frameworks that reduce stigma and enhance care integration in early childhood settings.
Spread The Word
If you would like to spread the word, please download and share the poster.
Ethics Approval
This study has received Deakin University Human Ethics Advisory Group approval 2026/HE00286
