The Developing Child: Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Growth
The Developing Child: Identity, Confidence, and Emotional Growth
SESSIONS
Monday 27th July 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Western Australia
Tuesday 28th July 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - South Australia, Northern Territory
INDIVIDUAL - $129
TEAM - $599
Team is for an Individual Early Learning Team
Overview
This practice-focused course explores how young children develop their sense of identity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing through everyday experiences, relationships, and environments. Grounded in developmental theory, particularly Erikson’s psychosocial stages, the course translates complex ideas into practical, meaningful strategies for early childhood educators.
Educators will deepen their understanding of how children form beliefs about themselves (“who I am,” “what I can do,” and “where I belong”) and how everyday interactions either strengthen or weaken these foundations. The course focuses on supporting children to develop emotional security, independence, resilience, and a strong sense of self through intentional, responsive practice.
What Educators Will Learn
Modules
Module 1: Understanding the Developing Child
Module 2: Identity Formation in Early Childhood
Module 3: Confidence, Autonomy & Emotional Growth
Module 4: Emotional Development & Resilience
SESSIONS
Monday 27th July 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Western Australia
Tuesday 28th July 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
6:00pm - 8:00pm - South Australia, Northern Territory
INDIVIDUAL - $129
TEAM - $599
Team is for an Individual Early Learning Team
Overview
This practice-focused course explores how young children develop their sense of identity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing through everyday experiences, relationships, and environments. Grounded in developmental theory, particularly Erikson’s psychosocial stages, the course translates complex ideas into practical, meaningful strategies for early childhood educators.
Educators will deepen their understanding of how children form beliefs about themselves (“who I am,” “what I can do,” and “where I belong”) and how everyday interactions either strengthen or weaken these foundations. The course focuses on supporting children to develop emotional security, independence, resilience, and a strong sense of self through intentional, responsive practice.
What Educators Will Learn
- How identity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing develop in early childhood
- Erikson’s psychosocial stages and their practical relevance in early learning settings
- How relationships and environment shape a child’s sense of self
- The link between emotional security, behaviour, and learning engagement
- How to support autonomy while maintaining safety and guidance
- The role of play in identity formation and emotional growth
- How educator language influences self-esteem and internal beliefs
- Practical strategies to support confidence, independence, and emotional regulation
Modules
Module 1: Understanding the Developing Child
- Introduction to child development through a psychosocial lens (Erikson)
- How children develop identity through relationships and experience
- The importance of emotional safety in early development
- Trust, autonomy, initiative, and competence as developmental foundations
- Reflecting on how educators influence a child’s sense of self
Module 2: Identity Formation in Early Childhood
- How children build beliefs about “who I am” and “where I belong”
- The role of attachment, relationships, and belonging in identity
- How environment and culture shape self-perception
- Supporting individuality, strengths, and emerging interests
- Preventing shame-based responses and promoting emotional safety
Module 3: Confidence, Autonomy & Emotional Growth
- Supporting independence through everyday routines and play
- Balancing safety with opportunities for autonomy and decision-making
- How children develop confidence through supported challenge
- The role of educator encouragement, language, and expectations
- Responding to frustration, mistakes, and setbacks in supportive ways
Module 4: Emotional Development & Resilience
- How emotional regulation develops over time
- Supporting children through big feelings with co-regulation strategies
- The connection between emotional safety and behaviour
- Building resilience through relationships and consistent responses
- Embedding emotional growth into daily practice and interactions
