1-Day Online Course
“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.
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.
1-day online course -
Foundations of Self: A Psychosocial Wellbeing Framework
Foundations of Self: A Psychosocial Wellbeing Framework
1-Day Online Professional Learning Course for Early Childhood Educators
Nurturing identity, wellbeing and resilience through connection, care, and developmental insight.
Course Overview
Format: 1-Day Online Workshop
Frameworks Linked:
EYLF V2.0, National Quality Standard (NQS)
Theoretical Lens:
Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development
🧠 Learning ObjectivesBy the end of the course, educators will:
Understand the foundations of emotional, social, and physical wellbeing in early childhood.
Apply Erikson’s psychosocial stages to support children’s identity and development.
Connect daily practice to EYLF V2.0 Outcomes and the NQS Quality Areas.
Explore age-specific strategies and reflective questions.
Strengthen their capacity to plan and document using a holistic lens.
📚 Course Schedule
🕘 9:00 – 9:45 AM🌸 Welcome + Theoretical Foundations
What is “Foundations of Self”?
Overview of Erik Erikson’s first 4 stages (0–7 years)
Why psychosocial wellbeing matters in ECEC
Link to EYLF Principle: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
🎓 Mini-Activity: “Where Am I On the Wheel?” – Map your current practices to Erikson's stages.
🕙 10:00 – 11:15 AM💖 Session 1: Emotional Wellbeing & Identity DevelopmentErikson Stages Covered:
Trust vs Mistrust (0–1)
Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt (1–3)
Examples:
👶 Infants: Predictable feeding/sleep routines, soothing rituals, consistent caregiver presence
🧒 Toddlers: Toilet training as a confidence builder, offering 2 choices during transitions
EYLF Links:
Outcome 1.1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported
Outcome 3.1: Strong social and emotional wellbeing
NQS Links:
QA 5.1.1 Positive educator-to-child relationships
QA 2.1.2 Health practices and routines
🎓 Reflection Prompt: “How do I respond when toddlers resist help or show big emotions?”
🕦 11:30 – 12:45 PM🌿 Session 2: Social Wellbeing, Agency & BelongingErikson Stages Covered:
Initiative vs Guilt (3–5)
Industry vs Inferiority (5–7)
Examples:
👧 Preschoolers: Leadership roles in group time, peer storytelling, real problem-solving
👦 Kindy / Prep: Project-based learning, buddy systems, mixed-age mentoring
EYLF Links:
Outcome 2.1: Children develop a sense of belonging to groups
Outcome 4.1: Confidence and persistence in learning
NQS Links:
QA 5.2.1 Collaborative learning
QA 6 – Partnerships with families and communities
🎓 Mini-Workshop: Designing a “Social Confidence” play space that supports this stage.
🕐 1:30 – 2:30 PM🏃♀️ Session 3: Physical Wellbeing & IndependenceFocus: Linking physical development to confidence, autonomy, and agency.
Examples by Age:
👶 Infants: Tummy time, natural movement, secure holding techniques
🧒 Toddlers: Self-feeding, simple gross motor paths (ramps, tunnels)
👧 Preschoolers: Obstacle courses, yoga, independence in dressing
👦 Older children: Group games with rules, collaborative cooking
EYLF Links:
Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health
Outcome 1.2: Children develop emerging autonomy and interdependence
NQS Links:
QA 2.2.1 Supervision
QA 3.2.1 Inclusive environments
🎓 Activity: Build a mini “Wellbeing Wall” of physical tasks children can take ownership of.
🕑 2:45 – 3:45 PM🌈 Session 4: Planning, Documentation & Reflection Using the Framework
How to observe and assess using Erikson’s stages
Embedding language of identity, resilience, and capability in documentation
Linking learning stories to EYLF/NQS through a psychosocial lens
Example Observation (3yo):
"Noah climbed to the top of the climbing frame today and called to his friends to watch. He beamed with pride when he landed safely, then said, 'Now you try!'"
✨ Link: Initiative vs Guilt → EYLF Outcome 4 → QA 1.3.1
🎓 Downloadable Tool: Planning template with Erikson stage prompts
🕓 4:00 – 4:30 PM🌟 Closing Circle: Q&A, Reflection + Certificate Access
What’s one change you’ll make tomorrow?
How can this framework shape your whole service culture?
Access your certificate of participation and bonus resource pack
Course Inclusions
Printable Foundations of Self Practitioner Handbook (PDF)
Editable Planning & Observation Templates
A3 Poster: Erikson’s Stages + Practice Strategies by Age
Certificate of Completion