“Foundations of Self: A Psychosocial Wellbeing Framework”

“Foundations of Self: A Psychosocial Wellbeing Framework”

• Nurturing identity, confident voices, and connected lives.​

Foundations of Self
A Psychosocial Wellbeing Framework for Early Childhood
Focus Areas:

• Emotional security and resilience
• Social connection and empathy
• Physical wellbeing and autonomy

 Grounded In:

• Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
• Theorists - Bowlby, Vygotsky, Montessori & Bronfenbrenner

 Purpose:
To guide early childhood educators in supporting the development of children’s identity, confidence, and sense of belonging through intentional practices that foster emotional, social, and physical wellbeing.

"At the heart of Foundations of Self is the belief that children thrive when they feel emotionally secure, empowered in their choices, and deeply connected — when they feel safe, valued, and part of something bigger."

Foundations of Self
A Psychosocial Wellbeing Framework for Early Childhood
 2-Hour Online Professional Development Workshop
Nurturing identity, resilience and belonging through everyday practice.

Course Summary
Duration
2 hours 
Linked To
EYLF V2.0 & NQS
Theory Base
Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory

What Early Childhood Educators Will Learn:
By the end of this 2-hour session, participants will:

1. Understand how Erikson’s theory connects to the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of young children.
2. Identify practical ways to support children’s sense of identity and resilience through daily routines and interactions.
3. Confidently link observed behaviour to developmental stages and learning outcomes (EYLF/NQS).
4. Use the Foundations of Self Framework to guide intentional, holistic practice.

Course Outline
Session 1: Understanding the Foundations
(30 minutes)

• Welcome & Acknowledgement
• Introduction to Foundations of Self
• Erikson’s first 4 stages explained:
  • Trust vs Mistrust (0–1)
  • Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt (1–3)
  • Initiative vs Guilt (3–5)
  • Industry vs Inferiority (5–7)

Quick Activity:
“What does a child look like when they’re thriving in each stage?” (Breakout or poll)
EYLF Links:

• Outcome 1: Identity
• Outcome 3: Wellbeing
  NQS: QA 5, QA 1

Session 2: Practical Strategies by Age Group
(45 minutes)
For Infants (0–1):

• Responsive routines, key educator relationships
• Practice Example: "Soft language, warm eye contact during nappy changes = building trust"

For Toddlers (1–3):

• Offer choices, support self-help skills, avoid shaming
• Practice Example: “Would you like red socks or blue ones?” — promoting autonomy

For Preschoolers (3–5):

• Encourage initiative, leadership in play
• Practice Example: Group storytelling led by children; turn-taking games

For Kindergarten / Transition (5–6+):

• Scaffold skills, celebrate effort, promote group work
• Practice Example: “You worked really hard on that tower — what helped you keep going?”

💬 Educator Reflection Prompt:
“Which of these strategies do I already use? Which could I embed more intentionally?”

Session 3: Applying the Framework to Planning & Practice 30 minutes)

• Observation → Reflection → Responsive Action
• Linking everyday moments to Erikson’s stages
• How to write learning stories with psychosocial insight
• Using the “Foundations of Self” template for weekly programming

Example Documentation Snippet:
"Amira confidently climbed to the top of the slide and encouraged her friend to try. She showed pride in her accomplishment and empathy when her friend felt unsure."
Stage: Initiative vs Guilt | EYLF 1.3, 4.1
Includes:

• Downloadable Observation Template
• Erikson Planning Prompts (PDF)
• Editable Reflection Cards for team discussion

Wrap-Up (15 min)

• Recap Key Takeaways
• Group reflection: “What’s one change I’ll try tomorrow?”
• Q&A
• Access to:
  • Certificate of Participation (2 hours PD)
  • Resource Pack: Observation Template, Poster, Reflective Prompts

Course Inclusions
 Foundations of Self Framework PDF
Planning & Reflection Tools
Certificate of Completion
 1-page “Stages & Strategies” Cheat Sheet
 Learning Story Writing Prompts