This conceptual model paper uses systems theory to explain how key elements in the Australian policy and regulatory context lead to three issues of concern in childcare centre physical environments: siting of centres on busy roads; lack of outdoor space; and, emergency evacuation in high-rise buildings. Drawing on evidence from prior studies and policy documents through desktop research, as well as childcare centre visits and communications with stakeholders and experts, we confirmed these issues as threats to children’s health, safety, development and well-being. Adapting Goekler’s ‘iceberg model’ of systems theory, we identified a dominance of commercial childcare property interests and complex and conflicting policy and regulatory structures, as explanatory elements leading to outcomes that conflict with children’s best interests.

这篇概念性模型论文使用系统理论来解释澳大利亚政策和监管环境中的关键要素如何导致托儿中心物理环境中的三个问题：中心选址在繁忙的道路上；缺乏户外空间；以及高层建筑的紧急疏散。通过桌面研究、托儿中心访问以及与利益相关者和专家的沟通，我们利用先前研究和政策文件的证据，确认这些问题对儿童的健康、安全、发展和福祉构成威胁。根据 Goekler 的系统理论“冰山模型”，我们确定了商业托儿财产利益和复杂且相互冲突的政策和监管结构的主导地位，作为导致与儿童最大利益冲突的结果的解释因素。