Nurturing Educational Leadership: Linking Program, Practice, and Quality in Early Childhood Education - Online

Date:
Wedn​esday 7th May 2025
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM AEST - New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM - Northern Territory, South Australia
7:00 AM - 2:30 PM - Western Australia
$490 per person

Nurturing Educational Leadership: Linking Program, Practice, and Quality in Early Childhood Education - $490

Nurturing Educational Leadership: Linking Program, Practice, and Quality in Early Childhood Education
Course Overview:
This 1-day course is designed for Early Childhood Educational Leaders who want to deepen their understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF), particularly focusing on Quality Area 1 (Educational Program and Practice) and Quality Area 7.2.2 (Leadership and Management). The course will provide leaders with the tools to guide educators in delivering high-quality educational programs that are reflective of best practices, early childhood theories, and the essential role of nature play in children’s development. Participants will gain strategies for supporting educators, promoting reflective practices, and ensuring that their programs align with the NQF’s requirements

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this 1-day course, participants will:

• Have a clear understanding of Quality Area 1 (Educational Program and Practice) and Quality Area 7.2.2 (Educational Leadership) and how to apply them in their centres.
• Be equipped with strategies to guide and support educators, including how to provide constructive feedback, mentor, and foster reflective practice.
• Understand the importance of linking early childhood theories to practice, and how to integrate key theorists into programming.
• Have an understanding of the importance of nature play in early childhood education, and how to embed it into the curriculum and practice.
• Be able to create and implement nature-based programs that support children’s developmental needs.

Course Schedule:
Session 1: Introduction to the NQF & Quality Area 1 (Educational Program and Practice) (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)

• Understanding the NQF and Quality Area 1
  • Overview of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the National Quality Standards (NQS)
  • A deep dive into Quality Area 1: Educational Program and Practice
  • How effective programs enhance children’s learning and development
• Educational Leaders’ Role in Program and Practice
  • The importance of intentional teaching and ensuring curriculum is responsive to each child's individual needs
  • Integrating children’s voices and interests into programs
  • Linking theory to practice: from NQF requirements to everyday actions
• Activity 1: Group Discussion – Review a sample educational program and identify how it reflects the principles of Quality Area 1. Consider: How is it individualized for children? What opportunities for learning and development does it provide?

Break (10:30 AM - 10:45 AM)

Session 2: Guiding and Supporting Educators in Program Delivery (10:45 AM - 12:15 PM)

• Supporting Educators to Reflect on Their Practice
  • The importance of reflective practice in early childhood education
  • How leaders can guide and support educators in self-reflection and professional growth
• Providing Constructive Feedback to Educators
  • How to use reflective conversations to support educators’ professional learning
  • Strategies for guiding educators to improve their practice in alignment with Quality Area 1
• Activity 1: Role-play – Practice providing feedback to an educator about an area of their program or teaching practice. Focus on using a reflective approach, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging self-reflection.
• Activity 2: Reflection Exercise – Each participant reflects on a challenge they’ve encountered when supporting educators. Discuss in pairs or small groups, sharing solutions and strategies that helped.

Lunch Break (12:15 PM - 12:45 PM)

Session 3: Linking Early Childhood Theories to Practice (12:45 PM - 2:15 PM)

• Overview of Key Early Childhood Theories
  • Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Reggio Emilia: Understanding how these theories inform teaching and curriculum planning
  • The role of the educator as a facilitator and co-constructor of knowledge
• Applying Theories to Program Development
  • Practical examples of how theories are embedded in programs, activities, and interactions
  • Ensuring programs are child-centered, fostering active learning, exploration, and problem-solving
• Activity 1: Theorist-Inspired Program Design – In small groups, choose a theorist and create a mini-program or activity inspired by their ideas. Discuss how the activity promotes key principles of early childhood development.
• Activity 2: Theory to Practice – Identify an aspect of your current program and discuss with a partner how you can integrate theoretical approaches to enhance practice. Share ideas with the group.

Break (2:15 PM - 2:30 PM)

Session 4: The Importance of Nature Play in Program and Practice (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM)

• Understanding Nature Play and Its Benefits
  • The developmental benefits of nature play: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth
  • Why nature-based learning is a critical component in the early years
  • Connecting Quality Area 1 to nature play: How nature-based experiences align with educational programs and the NQS
• Supporting Educators in Facilitating Nature Play
  • How educational leaders can support educators in integrating nature play into the curriculum
  • Practical strategies for creating an environment that fosters outdoor play, exploration, and environmental stewardship
• Activity 1: Nature Play Design Challenge – In groups, design a nature-based learning activity for children aged 3-5 years. Consider how it supports children’s development and learning outcomes while aligning with Quality Area 1.
• Activity 2: Reflective Discussion – Share experiences with nature play in your centre. Discuss barriers and ways to overcome them, including how to integrate natural elements into indoor settings.

Wrap-Up and Reflection (4:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

• Action Plan: Develop a personal action plan that includes how you will support educators in delivering high-quality programs that align with Quality Area 1 and Quality Area 7.2.2, emphasizing the role of nature play and reflective practice.
• Q&A and Final Reflection: Opportunity to address any remaining questions, share insights from the day, and reflect on the key takeaways.

Additional Course Benefits:

• Certificate of Completion: Participants will receive a certificate at the end of the course.
• Resource Pack: Access to templates, reflective practice tools, and additional reading materials on early childhood theories and nature play.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other educational leaders to share experiences and strategies.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this 1-day course, participants will:

• Have a clear understanding of Quality Area 1 (Educational Program and Practice) and Quality Area 7.2.2 (Educational Leadership) and how to apply them in their centres.
• Be equipped with strategies to guide and support educators, including how to provide constructive feedback, mentor, and foster reflective practice.
• Understand the importance of linking early childhood theories to practice, and how to integrate key theorists into programming.
• Have an understanding of the importance of nature play in early childhood education, and how to embed it into the curriculum and practice.
• Be able to create and implement nature-based programs that support children’s developmental needs.

Date:
Wedn​esday 7th May 2025
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM AEST - New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM - Northern Territory, South Australia
7:00 AM - 2:30 PM - Western Australia
$350 per person