Leading with Impact: A Professional Development Course for Centre Managers
Leading with Impact: A Professional Development Course for Centre Managers
12-Week Professional Development Course for Centre Managers in Early Childhood Education
Commences Friday 1st August 2025 - 12 weeks.
9:00am - 11:00am AEST
9:30am - 11:30am ACST
7:00am - 9:00am AWST
Currently ON-SALE for
$1299
Overview:
This comprehensive 12-week course is designed to equip Centre Managers with the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies necessary to effectively lead early childhood education services. The course focuses on critical areas such as the National Quality Framework (NQF), supporting educators, building meaningful relationships with children and families, ensuring compliance, managing difficult conversations, and fostering a positive centre culture. Throughout the program, Centre Managers will also gain insight into best practices for embedding Indigenous perspectives in the early childhood curriculum.
The course will be delivered in a series of 2-hour sessions every Friday, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, including case studies, role-plays, and reflective activities.
What Participants Will Learn:
By the end of the course, participants will have developed the skills to enhance the quality of care and education in their centres, support their teams, and engage with families and communities in a meaningful way.
Topics:
Week 1: Introduction to the National Quality Framework (NQF)
Overview of NQF and National Quality Standards (NQS)
Purpose and importance of NQF in early childhood education and care
Breakdown of the 7 Quality Areas of the NQS
Key legislation and standards influencing the NQF (e.g., Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations)
Role of Centre Managers in NQF Implementation
Ensuring compliance and continuous improvement
Developing quality improvement plans (QIP)
Activity: Review the NQF and NQS together, discuss implications for management
Week 2: Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice
Overview of Quality Area 1: Educational Program and Practice
Understanding the principles and practice of an effective educational program
Curriculum frameworks (e.g., EYLF, MTOP)
Supporting educators in implementing programs that meet children’s needs
Practical Application
Strategies for developing and assessing educational programs
Supporting educators in creating inclusive environments
Supporting Educators in Embedding Indigenous Curriculum
The importance of embedding Indigenous perspectives into early childhood education
How to incorporate Indigenous stories, history, culture, and languages into everyday learning
Building meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities to enhance the curriculum
Activity:
Collaborative Planning Session: Create a lesson plan or activity that integrates Indigenous perspectives, such as storytelling, art, and cultural practices. Discuss how to adapt these lessons to suit different age groups and developmental stages.
Resource Sharing: Discuss and explore available resources (books, videos, community partnerships) that support embedding Indigenous knowledge in early childhood settings.
Reflection: Managers will reflect on how they can provide professional development opportunities for educators on Indigenous perspectives.
Week 3: Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety
Overview of Quality Area 2: Health and Safety
Policies and practices that promote children’s health and safety
Managing risks and creating safe environments
Supporting Educators in Health and Safety Practices
Strategies for promoting physical and emotional health
Managing allergies, medical conditions, and special needs
Activity: Case studies on health and safety incidents and how to prevent them
Week 4: Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
Overview of Quality Area 3: Physical Environment
Designing safe and engaging learning environments
Sustainable practices and indoor/outdoor spaces
Supporting Educators to Maintain High-Quality Environments
How to promote sustainability in early childhood settings
Setting up spaces that encourage exploration and learning
Activity: Assessing a classroom environment and suggesting improvements
Week 5: Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements
Overview of Quality Area 4: Staffing Arrangements
Best practices in recruitment and staff development
Managing staff rosters and workloads
Ensuring the professional development of educators
Supporting Educators’ Professional Growth
Creating a culture of feedback, mentoring, and continuous learning
Activity: Create a professional development plan for an educator
Week 6: Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children
Overview of Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children
The importance of building positive, respectful relationships
Supporting educators in creating emotionally supportive environments
Supporting Educators in Guiding Behaviour
Strategies for guiding behaviour and encouraging positive interactions
Activity: Role-play scenarios to practice difficult situations in child behaviour management
Week 7: Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
Overview of Quality Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships
Building strong relationships with families and communities
Engaging families in the educational process
Supporting Educators in Working with Families
Strategies for maintaining open communication with families
Promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity in partnerships
Activity: Discuss and create a family engagement strategy for a centre
Week 8: Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership
Overview of Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership
The role of leadership in supporting a quality environment
Ethical leadership and decision-making in early childhood services
Supporting Educators in Leadership Roles
Empowering educators to take on leadership responsibilities
Creating a shared vision and fostering a team-oriented culture
Activity: Create a leadership development plan for a staff member
Week 9: Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
Understanding Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Review of key regulations and their impact on day-to-day operations
The importance of documentation and maintaining compliance
Supporting Educators in Compliance
Strategies for managing and tracking compliance with NQF and licensing requirements
Activity: Conduct a compliance checklist audit for a childcare centre
Week 10: Managing Difficult Conversations
Strategies for Managing Difficult Conversations
How to approach sensitive topics with educators, parents, and children
Conflict resolution and active listening techniques
Dealing with Challenging Conversations
Handling performance issues, complaints, and feedback
Strategies for maintaining professionalism and empathy
Activity: Role-play difficult conversations with team members and parents
Week 11: Building a Positive Centre Culture
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Fostering collaboration, respect, and well-being within the team
Developing policies and practices that promote a positive work culture
Supporting Educators’ Mental Health and Well-Being
Strategies for preventing burnout and promoting self-care
Providing support for educators facing personal challenges
Activity: Develop a well-being strategy for staff
Week 12: Reflection, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
Reflecting on Course Learnings
Reviewing key concepts from the course
Discussing how the knowledge can be applied in practice
Creating an Action Plan for Improvement
Encouraging managers to create their own quality improvement plan (QIP)
Supporting educators in their professional development
Activity: Complete a personal action plan for implementing changes in your centre
12-Week Professional Development Course for Centre Managers in Early Childhood Education
Commences Friday 1st August 2025 - 12 weeks.
9:00am - 11:00am AEST
9:30am - 11:30am ACST
7:00am - 9:00am AWST
Currently ON-SALE for
$1299
Overview:
This comprehensive 12-week course is designed to equip Centre Managers with the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies necessary to effectively lead early childhood education services. The course focuses on critical areas such as the National Quality Framework (NQF), supporting educators, building meaningful relationships with children and families, ensuring compliance, managing difficult conversations, and fostering a positive centre culture. Throughout the program, Centre Managers will also gain insight into best practices for embedding Indigenous perspectives in the early childhood curriculum.
The course will be delivered in a series of 2-hour sessions every Friday, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, including case studies, role-plays, and reflective activities.
What Participants Will Learn:
By the end of the course, participants will have developed the skills to enhance the quality of care and education in their centres, support their teams, and engage with families and communities in a meaningful way.
Topics:
Week 1: Introduction to the National Quality Framework (NQF)
Overview of NQF and National Quality Standards (NQS)
Purpose and importance of NQF in early childhood education and care
Breakdown of the 7 Quality Areas of the NQS
Key legislation and standards influencing the NQF (e.g., Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations)
Role of Centre Managers in NQF Implementation
Ensuring compliance and continuous improvement
Developing quality improvement plans (QIP)
Activity: Review the NQF and NQS together, discuss implications for management
Week 2: Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice
Overview of Quality Area 1: Educational Program and Practice
Understanding the principles and practice of an effective educational program
Curriculum frameworks (e.g., EYLF, MTOP)
Supporting educators in implementing programs that meet children’s needs
Practical Application
Strategies for developing and assessing educational programs
Supporting educators in creating inclusive environments
Supporting Educators in Embedding Indigenous Curriculum
The importance of embedding Indigenous perspectives into early childhood education
How to incorporate Indigenous stories, history, culture, and languages into everyday learning
Building meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities to enhance the curriculum
Activity:
Collaborative Planning Session: Create a lesson plan or activity that integrates Indigenous perspectives, such as storytelling, art, and cultural practices. Discuss how to adapt these lessons to suit different age groups and developmental stages.
Resource Sharing: Discuss and explore available resources (books, videos, community partnerships) that support embedding Indigenous knowledge in early childhood settings.
Reflection: Managers will reflect on how they can provide professional development opportunities for educators on Indigenous perspectives.
Week 3: Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety
Overview of Quality Area 2: Health and Safety
Policies and practices that promote children’s health and safety
Managing risks and creating safe environments
Supporting Educators in Health and Safety Practices
Strategies for promoting physical and emotional health
Managing allergies, medical conditions, and special needs
Activity: Case studies on health and safety incidents and how to prevent them
Week 4: Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
Overview of Quality Area 3: Physical Environment
Designing safe and engaging learning environments
Sustainable practices and indoor/outdoor spaces
Supporting Educators to Maintain High-Quality Environments
How to promote sustainability in early childhood settings
Setting up spaces that encourage exploration and learning
Activity: Assessing a classroom environment and suggesting improvements
Week 5: Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements
Overview of Quality Area 4: Staffing Arrangements
Best practices in recruitment and staff development
Managing staff rosters and workloads
Ensuring the professional development of educators
Supporting Educators’ Professional Growth
Creating a culture of feedback, mentoring, and continuous learning
Activity: Create a professional development plan for an educator
Week 6: Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children
Overview of Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children
The importance of building positive, respectful relationships
Supporting educators in creating emotionally supportive environments
Supporting Educators in Guiding Behaviour
Strategies for guiding behaviour and encouraging positive interactions
Activity: Role-play scenarios to practice difficult situations in child behaviour management
Week 7: Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
Overview of Quality Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships
Building strong relationships with families and communities
Engaging families in the educational process
Supporting Educators in Working with Families
Strategies for maintaining open communication with families
Promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity in partnerships
Activity: Discuss and create a family engagement strategy for a centre
Week 8: Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership
Overview of Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership
The role of leadership in supporting a quality environment
Ethical leadership and decision-making in early childhood services
Supporting Educators in Leadership Roles
Empowering educators to take on leadership responsibilities
Creating a shared vision and fostering a team-oriented culture
Activity: Create a leadership development plan for a staff member
Week 9: Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
Understanding Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Review of key regulations and their impact on day-to-day operations
The importance of documentation and maintaining compliance
Supporting Educators in Compliance
Strategies for managing and tracking compliance with NQF and licensing requirements
Activity: Conduct a compliance checklist audit for a childcare centre
Week 10: Managing Difficult Conversations
Strategies for Managing Difficult Conversations
How to approach sensitive topics with educators, parents, and children
Conflict resolution and active listening techniques
Dealing with Challenging Conversations
Handling performance issues, complaints, and feedback
Strategies for maintaining professionalism and empathy
Activity: Role-play difficult conversations with team members and parents
Week 11: Building a Positive Centre Culture
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Fostering collaboration, respect, and well-being within the team
Developing policies and practices that promote a positive work culture
Supporting Educators’ Mental Health and Well-Being
Strategies for preventing burnout and promoting self-care
Providing support for educators facing personal challenges
Activity: Develop a well-being strategy for staff
Week 12: Reflection, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
Reflecting on Course Learnings
Reviewing key concepts from the course
Discussing how the knowledge can be applied in practice
Creating an Action Plan for Improvement
Encouraging managers to create their own quality improvement plan (QIP)
Supporting educators in their professional development
Activity: Complete a personal action plan for implementing changes in your centre