Professional Learning - KU Children's Services · 2020. 1. 16. · 4 KU Professional Learning Calendar 2020 – New South Wales. FEATURED EVENTS. KU boasts a history of offering high

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2 KU Professional Learning Calendar 2020 – New South Wales

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The guiding principle underpinning the delivery of training is the provision of high quality early childhood services that view the child as central in all decision making. Children have a right to access high quality education and care services that are delivered by highly motivated and professional educators. Our facilitators respect the diversity within our communities and understand the impact of disadvantage on families and children, delivering inclusive sessions incorporating visibility of all peoples.

RELATIONSHIPS AND SPIRIT

We offer a spirit of optimism, reverence and curiosity as we support early childhood professionals to develop and act on the values, beliefs and capabilities that guide them throughout their professional learning. We value the idea of a community of learners and see positive learning happening when participants have opportunities to critically reflect and connect with peers.

INNOVATIVE AND INSPIRATIONAL

Our commitment is to the provision of inspirational and innovative training sessions that excite and motivate development and change. We want participants to leave with a “can do” attitude that infects those around them and encourages capacity building within their teams. Our vision is to provoke as we have been provoked and create excellence in early childhood educational settings.

AUTHENTIC AND COLLABORATIVE

We provide participants with opportunities for meaningful contextual learning that acknowledges the individual and collective journeys of teachers as learners. Our facilitators are practitioners who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge currently living or having lived similar professional journeys. A shared perspective on dilemmas and resolutions.

CONTEMPORARY AND RESEARCH BASED

Our courses are designed using evidence-based best practices, consistent with the principles of adult learning, and structured to promote linkages between research, theory and practice. We aim to challenge common ways of doing with questioning and thinking that “wonders if?”

KU Professional Learning Practice Principles

3Register at www.ku.com.au/professional-development

What does KU Professional Learning offer? 4

About our KU Professional Learning presenters 5

About our Featured Speakers 7

FEATURED EVENTS

“I Tell the Story I Am Moved to Tell” – Educators as Protagonists 10in Documentation

Speaking the Languages of Art: Representing Thinking, 10Sustaining Research

“But I can’t SING!” – Discover Music That You Can Teach 11

Seeking Connections: Children’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing 11

The Life of Infants and Toddlers – Relationships and Wellbeing 12

Cook Create Sustain: A Day for Cooks and Educators 12

The Art of Teaching is All About... Interactive Workshop Day 2020 13

EVENTS IN SYDNEY

Pedagogy and Practice 15

Education for Sustainability 20

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths (STEAM) 23

Attachment and Relationships 24

EVENTS IN REGIONAL AREAS

ACT 27

Bathurst 27

Blue Mountains 28

Illawarra 29

Newcastle and Central Coast 31

Port Macquarie 34

WEBINARS 35

Contents


FEATURED EVENTS

KU boasts a history of offering high quality, robust professional learning days. These one-off events draw on the latest practice and research from the early childhood sector and beyond. We are also offering several professional learning series delivered as webinar events that can be accessed from anywhere in Australia.

NSW EDUCATION STANDARDS AUTHORITY ENDORSED COURSES

KU is an approved provider of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) endorsed courses for teachers accredited at Proficient Teacher level. Across this booklet you will find endorsed courses identified by the NSW Government logo alongside a statement of the Australian Professional Teaching Standard/s addressed during the course. Teachers attending NESA endorsed courses need to provide their teacher registration number upon registration.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

To register for our courses go to www.ku.com.au/professional-development and click on All Public Courses.

Price discounts are available if you register for three or more events at the same time. For instructions on how to receive the discount call 02 9268 3978.

TAILORED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

KU offers a number of workshops that can be tailored to meet the professional learning needs of your service and can be delivered onsite at a time convenient to teams. Tailored professional learning can also take place online and can be customised to suit your service through the delivery of a webinar.

To find out more about Tailored Professional Learning and KU Resources, please visit www.ku.com.au/professional-development

What does KU Professional Learning offer?


Our KU course presenters are expertly equipped to deliver the content of the courses they present. They have qualifications and extensive experience in the field and are experienced workshop facilitators. Guest presenters of our featured events are highly recognised in their field and understand the needs of educators working in early childhood services.

FRAN BASTION

Fran’s engagement in the early childhood education sector spans over 30 years. Fran’s work is currently anchored in the exploration of the role of teacher as researcher, inquiry-based teaching and learning, pedagogical documentation, and the language of the learning environment.

KERAN ELGIE

Keran brings skills and knowledge from a career spanning 30 years in early childhood education. Keran has worked in a range of settings as a Teacher, Director, Education Support Manager and Professional Learning Manager. Keran enjoys engaging with educators to support and extend their learning while offering opportunities for critical thinking and implications for practice.

JAN FAULKNER

Jan has more than 35 years’ experience in the early childhood sector as a Teacher, Centre Director, Manager of Children’s Services and as a Professional Learning Consultant. She also worked with a number of service types including long day care, preschool, outside school hours care and family day care.

INGRID BRIGGS

Ingrid has many years’ experience having worked as a Teacher/Director in long day care and in an International Preschool in Hong Kong. She was also Manager of the Preschool Support Funding program and the LDC Inclusion Support program supporting preschools, long day care, family day care and outside school hours care services.

DIANNE ENKS

Dianne has experience in teaching and family support in a range of settings including mainstream and special education, early childhood intervention, family support programs and perinatal psychiatry. She has a particular interest in supporting children’s emotional and social development and infant mental health.

FIONA HARRIS

Fiona is an experienced Early Childhood Teacher and has taught in several preschool settings over the past 30 years. Her interest is in sustainability and place-based nature pedagogy, helping children connect in the community. She is also interested in children’s art making and literature and views pedagogy as an ethical discipline.

About our Professional Learning presenters


CATHIE HAYES

Cathie’s role is to provide support to KU centre staff and families to promote the inclusion of all children within KU Services. Her qualifications include a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and postgraduate studies in Special Education. Cathie supports children, family and staff with the inclusion of children into their services.

MAREE MAURO

Maree has worked for over 30 years in a range of capacities including Centre Director, Special Educator and Early Intervention Key Worker. Maree has worked closely with allied health professionals and families to support children with disabilities in their homes, community and educational settings.

ANGELA PALACIO

Angela has experience in teaching and family support in a range of settings including mainstream preschool and long day care centres. She has also worked in autism specific long day care, and as a Special Educator/Key Worker of an early childhood intervention service.

DEB WATSON

Deb is the Education for Sustainability Facilitator at KU and has worked in early childhood education for many years. She holds an environment lens to her work and believes “We must dream of a great place to live, that is fair and equitable and that values the Earth for future generations, and we must act to bring the dream from our hearts into reality.”

LAURE HISLOP

Laure has over 35 years’ experience in early childhood education. In 2016, she was awarded the NSW Premier’s Early Childhood Education Scholarship and completed a study tour around the USA, exploring technology use in early childhood. Laure is passionate about technology as a curriculum tool and promoting innovative programs.

KATHERINE NORMAN

Katherine has many years of teaching experience working in early childhood intervention within community settings. She is a certified Marte Meo Supervisor with a special interest in supporting children’s development through/within their daily interactions.

GAYE RYBERG

Gaye has worked in the early childhood profession for over ten years as an educator and Inclusion Professional with the Inclusion Support Program. Gaye has a strong commitment to the inclusion of all children and believes that strong collaborative relationships support educators and families to create rich learning environments.


ANN PELO

Ann Pelo is a teacher educator, program consultant, and author whose primary work focuses on social justice and ecological teaching and learning. She worked as a teacher and teacher mentor for sixteen years at Hilltop Children’s Center in the USA. Since then she has continued to think, learn, question and utilise the power of story to bring deeper understanding. Ann is the author of six books.

BETH MACGREGOR

Beth is a psychologist and delivers training in child protection, domestic violence, child development, attachment, infant mental health, neuroscience, trauma, parenting and early childhood sleep. She has worked with psychologists, social workers, counsellors, welfare professionals, occupational therapists, mental health specialists, foster carers, doctors, nurses, teachers and early childhood educators.

JAMES MADSEN

Jam On Toast was created by James, a passionate music educator, composer and performer who studied Music Education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. With a focus on creative thinking and incorporating a unique blend of methodologies, including Orff-Schulwerk, Kodály and Dalcroze Eurhythmics, his music is designed to inspire a love of music with children and an awareness of musical concepts.

TRENT SAVILL

Trent works in private practice as a consultant therapist since co-founding Complex Care. He works with complex and high risk young people in the child protection system, providing consultancy to the government and non-government sector, intensive in-home therapy to children and families, training to carers and professionals, and coordinating residential care programs.

DR KATHERINE BUSSEY

Dr Katherine Bussey is a passionate infant, toddler and early childhood specialist. She has spent almost 20 years actively learning about and developing practice in NZ and Australian early childhood education based on the Pikler® approach and Magda Gerber’s Educaring Approach (RIE®). Katherine mentors and provides professional learning for educators, inspiring critical reflection, learning and growth in early childhood teams.

About our Featured Speakers

LINDA MATHEWS AND BERYL CAPPELLO

Linda Mathews is an Early Childhood Teacher with over 10 years’ experience. She has worked in diverse roles both in Australia and internationally.

Beryl Cappello is an Early Childhood Teacher with close to 30 years’ experience. She has extensive experience working as a Director, Educational Leader and TAFE teacher.


NUTRITION AUSTRALIA

Nutrition Australia is a multi-disciplinary organisation, offering expertise in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, Health promotion, Education, Science, Medicine and Sports and Recreation. This enables the organisation to understand scientific nutrition information and translate it into a language appropriate for the general public.

LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE PROGRAM

Love Food Hate Waste shows households, communities and businesses how to stop wasting food and protect the environment. It is run by the NSW Environment Protection Authority as part of the Waste Less Recycle more initiative.

JACQUI BOLT

Jacqui is a visual arts teacher working as an Atilierista with young children. She inspires others in her approach of integrating arts into planning and learning experiences, recognising children’s potential and capacities to research and drive their own learning.

CHARLOTTE PATERSON

Charlotte Paterson, Honey Bird Child Care Centre Cook, draws on her experience as a professional chef, committed and successful ‘kitchen gardener’ and mother to provide new ideas and well-loved recipes when catering for larger groups for young children.

SHONA WILSON

Shona Wilson is a contemporary Australian sculptor, who has engaged with natural found material to create both abstract and representational 2D assemblages and 3D sculptures for over 20 years. Shona currently lives and works on the NSW mid north coast and is represented by Arthouse Gallery in Sydney and Advisory in Melbourne.

JO WARREN

After graduating with BA Hons degree in Photography, Jo later studied Graphic Design and Semiotics. For many years she freelanced as a commercial photographer and had work published in the British Journal of Photography. Her area of interest is visual rhetoric and how to decipher images as a visual language.

LYNN FARRELL

Lynn has many years’ experience working in various roles in the early childhood sector. Her area of interest and expertise is working with infants and families and she is a strong advocate for children’s rights and social justice. She has also worked with children and families who are experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage using an integrated model.

BONNIE HISLOP

Bonnie Hislop is a Brisbane based creative with a particular focus on ceramics. From her Brisbane studio she creates functional ceramic art pieces that are meticulously hand built and painted with bright colours and intricate line detail. Bonnie also facilitates regular ceramic illustration workshops around Queensland and is a hand building teacher at Mas and Miek Ceramic House.


FeaturedEvents


Featured Events

Friday 6 March

9:30am – 4:00pm

Novotel Darling Harbour, 70-100 Murray St Sydney

$250

Friday 20 March

9:00am – 1:00pm

KU Training Room 129 York St Sydney

$160

KU Children’s Services welcomes back internationally renowned educator and thinker Ann Pelo (USA) to Australia for the following two events:

SPEAKING THE LANGUAGES OF ART: REPRESENTING THINKING, SUSTAINING RESEARCHAnn Pelo

We typically associate the arts with beauty, with imagination, with individual expressive creativity. What happens if we expand our understanding of the arts to include collaborative critical thinking, intellectual and emotional striving towards new knowledge, critical examination of familiar ideas? What happens if we engage the arts, not as “artists,” but as people curious to understand the possibilities they hold as languages for inquiry and insight?

During this session we will examine these ways of conceptualizing the practice of representational thinking. We’ll hear stories illustrating the ways in which children and practitioners can embrace the arts for inquiry. We’ll explore art media to strengthen our own competencies. And we’ll consider principles that can guide us as we move the arts to a central place in our teaching and learning.

Documentation practices in early education typically focus on children’s learning; educators are present in documentation only as observers – whether enthusiastic or neutral, their role in documentation is to report on what children have done, and said, and accomplished. Ann asks, “What if we turn this view of documentation on its head? What if we acknowledge that documentation speaks volumes about what educators find meaningful and worthy of their attention and time? What if we call educators to be present in the documentation they create, with their curiosity, insight, uncertainty and self-awareness?”

When we remake our understandings of documentation in these ways, we begin to practice pedagogical documentation: In pedagogical documentation, practitioners are not reporting on children’s learning; instead, they offer their thinking and questioning about the children’s thinking and questioning. During this day with Ann, educators will explore the idea that documentation is as much about educators and teachers as it is about children. There will be opportunity to play with writing exercises that call forward educator’s voices and perspectives and the opportunity to practice writing stories that make educators’ thinking, wondering, and valuing visible.

Bring a notebook and pen and come prepared to write.

“I TELL THE STORY I AM MOVED TO TELL” — EDUCATORS AS PROTAGONISTS IN DOCUMENTATIONAnn Pelo


Featured Events

No matter what you think of your musical ability, join music educator and performer James Madsen from Jam On Toast to learn quick and easy gems to add to your music toolbox! Find your confidence to teach music effectively using simple traditional songs, partner dances, as well as appropriate repertoire to add percussion instrument playing into your children’s learning. James will also share his favourite Jam On Toast songs, dances and recipes that work best with preschool children. A totally interactive session with loads of creative ideas to refresh and inspire you to make music a vital, valuable and accessible part of your early learning program.

Social and emotional skills are the essential life skills that support wellbeing, promote children’s ability to cope with difficulties and help them to build relationships. This day is an opportunity to explore in-depth ways in which educators can make connections with children and support their wellbeing.

The day will consist of the following two sessions:

Monday 20 April

9:30am – 2:30pm

Stanmore House, 51-53 Harrow Rd Stanmore

$190

Thursday 30 April

9:30am – 3:30pm

Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt St Sydney

$250

“BUT I CAN’T SING!” – DISCOVER MUSIC THAT YOU CAN TEACH James Madsen

SEEKING CONNECTIONS: CHILDREN’S SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

EMOTION COACHINGBeth Macgregor9:00am – 12:15pm

Emotion Coaching is an easy-to-learn process educators can use to help children calm quickly when they’re upset. More importantly Emotion Coaching teaches children the skills required for effective self-regulation, empathy and problem-solving. This practical half-day seminar examines, through case studies and videos, how to use Emotion Coaching in everyday early learning settings.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH CONTROLLING BEHAVIOURS – ARE WE BUILDING TRUST OR SEIZING POWER?Trent Savill1:00pm – 3:30pm

This seminar explores the neurobiology of stress and attachment and supports participants to reinterpret children’s controlling behaviours as a reflection of skill deficits and their past attachment experiences. The session will explore the following topics and strategies for changing children’s behaviours:

Neurobiology of stress development of secure and insecure attachment templates

How disorganised attachment manifests in behaviour

A framework of competence instead of compliance

Reading and responding to miscues

Integrating needs and building empathy

Featured Events


Featured Events

Food is an essential part of children’s health and wellbeing. Through food we also come together as a group and we share our heritage and culture. It is important to everyone. Come join us for a day of inspiration and ideas about food, cooking and mealtimes. This year we will feature the following:

Hints and tips to avoid food waste and spoilage by Love Food Hate Waste Program: Learn how to be more sustainable by avoiding food waste.

Nutrition for infants and toddlers by Nutrition Australia: Grow your understanding of good nutrition and food for the wellbeing of our youngest citizens.

Winter foods bringing us together by Charlotte Paterson: Discuss what foods are in season and how to use food as an important cultural experience in your centre.

Thursday 11 June

9:00am – 3:00pm

Sydney Seafood School, Sydney Fish Market, Pyrmont Bridge Rd Pyrmont

$230

COOK CREATE SUSTAIN: A DAY FOR COOKS AND EDUCATORS

Featured Events

During this day we explore the world of infants and toddlers – their relationships, development, health and learning. We tackle questions such as, ‘how do we best support the very youngest children in our group care settings?’

Friday 29 May

9:00am – 4:00pm

Stanmore House, 51-53 Harrow Rd Stanmore

$250

THE LIFE OF INFANTS AND TODDLERS – RELATIONSHIPS AND WELLBEING

THE KEY EDUCATOR APPROACH: RELATIONSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN, EDUCATORS AND FAMILIESDr Katherine Bussey9:00am – 11:00am

This presentation will clearly unpack the role of the key educator in supporting infants and toddlers in care and educations settings. Participants will gain understanding of what key educator connections look like and how to instigate this approach in their own setting.

RELATIONSHIPS, ENVIRONMENTS AND RESPONSIVE CARELynn Farrell11:20am – 1:00pm

This session will examine the development, cues, dispositions and temperaments of infants and toddlers, observe environments and discuss educator skills that are responsive and supportive of nurturing relationships.

BEYOND CUTE: LEARNING BEGINS IN THE NURSERYLinda Mathews and Beryl Cappello, Abbotsleigh ELC 1:45pm – 3:45pm

Share in a journey of wondering, questioning, and discovering the “why” within an infant and toddler community. Reimagine a pedagogy that values infants and toddlers as thinkers and theory makers and inspires a collaborative approach to parent engagement.


THE ART OF TEACHING IS ALL ABOUT... INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP DAY 2020

This popular interactive day is designed to influence the learning environment for children and educators. The workshops on offer will inspire, provoke and provide participants with practical ideas of engaging with children across curriculum areas. This year you will be able to choose two workshops from the four on offer. Numbers for these workshops will be capped to allow for interactive participation, so early registration is advised to secure a place at this day.

EXPLORING CLAY Bonnie Hislop

In this hands-on session we will explore approaches and key considerations when working with clay in your centre. Bonnie will offer demonstrations and guidance for designing projects for ages 3-5 years that encourage creativity and storytelling.

EPHEMERAL ART Shona Wilson

This workshop provides the time, space and inspiration for you to create works using materials and elements found sustainably, on site, on the day of the workshop. Shona provides a framework of ideas, and a safe and inspiring environment for you to learn to access your creativity anywhere.

ABSTRACT ART Jacqui Bolt

In a world where children are over scheduled, pressured to ‘excel’ rather than just to be, the space for pure expression and the freedom to make a mark without judgement is more relevant and necessary than ever before. In this workshop you will be guided on how to create abstract art works whilst simultaneously facilitating an understanding of the basic elements of design without ‘teaching’ them.

USING PHOTOGRAPHY TO CAPTURE CHILDREN’S THINKING Jo Warren and KU Professional Learning Team

In a multimedia age, educators and children use a range of tools to capture and articulate thinking and learning. Educators now depend strongly on photographs and images to help shape the authenticity of the story. This workshop explores children’s capacities to use photography and other media to document their curiosities and provides tips and ideas on how to use the digital tools at hand to take images that best tell the story.

Tuesday 14 July

9:00am – 3:30pm

National Centre for Indigenous Excellence, 180 George St Redfern

$250

Featured Events


Eventsin

Sydney


Pedagogy and Practice

Thursday 16 April

9:30am – 3:30pm


$190

Tuesday 12 May or Wednesday 2 September

9:30am – 1:00pm


$160

Thursday 7 May

9:30am – 3:30pm

Mantra Chatswood, 10 Brown St Chatswood

$190

WHO’S DRIVING THE BUS? EDUCATIONAL LEADERS STEERING PRACTICEKU Professional Learning Team

WHAT’S THE TIME? RITUALS, TRANSITIONS AND RELATIONSHIPSKU Professional Learning Team

Taking on the role of Educational Leader can be exciting, rewarding, challenging and at times mystifying. Mystifying because the role is not explicitly defined and does not look the same in every service. However, if we consider that effective educational leadership inspires critical and reflective thinking as well as opportunities to work and learn alongside others; the co-construction of rich, relevant and innovative curriculum should become the reality.

In this workshop we will examine the many aspects of educational leadership including:

How to determine a vision for educational leadership

Sorting out the myths for the educational leadership role

Setting the stage for critical reflection

Strategies for guiding the practice of new educators

Taking up the challenge to inspire and empower others in their practice

Routines and transitions are an intrinsic part of the day in early childhood settings. They provide predictability and a sense of belonging. When they work well, children will feel ownership and have a positive learning experience. However, if not done well, they can be a source of anxiety and stress for children and educators. One of the keys to planning an inclusive and appropriate environment is to understand the way in which routines, rituals and transitions impact on children’s wellbeing.

During this workshop we will discuss:

Moving from routines to rituals

Giving children voice, agency and a sense of belonging

Understanding responsive and respectful environments

Supporting children’s wellbeing during routines and transitions

Completing ‘What’s the Time? Rituals, Transitions and Relationships’ will contribute 3 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 4.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW

Completing ‘Who’s Driving the Bus?’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW



Wednesday 13 May

9:30am – 3:30pm

Campbelltown RSL, Carberry Ln Campbelltown

$190

Tuesday 19 May or Thursday 17 September

9:30am – 1:00pm

KU Training Room, 129 York Street, Sydney

$160

Wednesday 21 October

9:30am – 3:30pm


$190

DOCUMENTATION: FIND THE STORY WORTH TELLING KU Professional Learning Team

A TIME FOR THINKING: CRITICAL REFLECTION ON PRACTICEKU Professional Learning Team

This workshop is an opportunity for an in-depth exploration of documentation and addresses questions such as:

What expectations do we have about documentation including those of the NQS?

How does documentation fit into the NQS Exceeding themes?

What are our challenges and possibilities?

What should we be documenting?

What about digital documentation?

There is a strong emphasis on critical reflection in the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework. This is because the process of critical reflection helps us to think more deeply about our work and to question how our practices impact the learning and development of children.

During this workshop we will explore:

The way in which critical reflection drives educator decision making and is essential to our practice

Strategies for engaging in processes of critical reflection that help us to have the courage and confidence to question our own practices

Ways to integrate critical reflection into daily practice

This workshop is suitable for early childhood professionals with some experience.

Completing ‘Documentation: Find the Story Worth Telling’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 5.4.2 and 5.5.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW

Completing ‘A Time for Thinking: Critical Reflection on Practice’ will contribute 3 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 3.6.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW



“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!” – Dr. Seuss

There is a strong link between reading with young children and their overall development. By encouraging children to enjoy listening to and reading books we support them to develop their understanding of the world around them, use their imagination and develop language and literacy skills. When we connect children to stories, they get to know the characters, can expand their worlds and have the opportunity to try out new and wonderful ideas.

During this workshop we will explore questions such as:

Why are books important?

Which books are suitable for our bookshelves?

How do we promote children’s thinking, learning and imagination through literature?

What about digital books?

Join us on country with Traditional Custodians as we listen to stories of their place. Feel the heartbeat of the land as you walk on country and hear the voices of the environment and understand how the environment talks to you.

Participants will make their own way to a designated location to begin a day of walking and feeling, as they connect with country and listen to the Elders.

As the location will not have facilities for us to provide catering, please bring enough food and drinks for the day. You will need sensible walking shoes and clothing, a hat, sunscreen and a wet weather jacket is advisable for any unpredicted changes in weather.

THE POWER OF THE BOOK: CONNECTING CHILDREN AND LITERATUREKU Professional Learning Team

CONNECTING WITH COUNTRY – WALK, LISTEN, FEELLocal Elders

Wednesday 27 May or Tuesday 25 August

9:30am – 1:00pm


$160

Thursday 18 June

9:00am – 3:00pm

Location TBA

$220

Completing ‘The Power of the Book: Connecting Children and Literature’ will contribute 3 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 2.5.2 and 3.5.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW



Belonging Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia is the framework that guides curriculum decision making in our services. It is important to consider how this framework applies to the unique aspects of working with children under two. During this workshop participants will examine:

Links between belonging, being and becoming and the learning and development of under twos

Ways of avoiding the push down preschool program with infants and toddlers

Planning for the important moments and creating a place of engagement for infants

How to make meaning of the unique aspects of working with children under two

Listening and Learning with Elders is a gathering where you will meet, sit and listen to the stories of local Elders.

Many Australians have been denied the opportunity to learn the truthful stories about the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived, nurtured each other and sustained the land for its resources and life.

This is a unique opportunity for you to think and reflect on the way Aboriginal knowledges preceded modern teaching, technologies, engineering, sciences and community development. Understand the resilience required to keep these agendas successful for over 60,000 years and consider the significant impact this had on the ‘new colony’ and its economy and that the privileges now enjoyed by many, wouldn’t be possible without the First Peoples knowledge and support.

Small groupings will allow the flow of respectfully facilitated discussions between Elders and educators. Questions will be answered as stories and knowledge is shared – listening and observing will be key to your learning.

CREATING INVITATIONS FOR LEARNING WITH INFANTS AND TODDLERSKU Professional Learning Team

LISTENING AND LEARNING WITH ELDERSLocal Elders

Wednesday 22 July

9:30am – 1:00pm


$160


10:00am – 1:00pm

National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, 180 George St Redfern

$160

Thursday 22 October

10:00am – 1:00pm

North Sydney

$160

Completing ‘Creating Invitations for Learning with Infants and Toddlers’ will contribute 3 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 1.1.2 and 3.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW



Learning through play is an underpinning practice within the Early Years Learning Framework. Play allows children to belong and be and gives them agency to explore, make decisions and form relationships.

This workshop is an opportunity to reflect on and re-discover the importance of play in children’s lives. Drawing on contemporary thinking about play in early childhood we will explore:

Children’s learning and development during play

Contemporary thinking about superhero play and fantasy play

The educator’s role in play

Environments to support play

Strategies for talking with families about play and learning

PLAY FANTASY AND LEARNINGKU Professional Learning Team


9:30am – 3:30pm


$190

Completing ‘Play Fantasy and Learning’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 1.1.2 and 3.3.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW


Education for Sustainability

This 1 day workshop consists of the following two parts:

Part 1: Education for Sustainability Principles

Why is sustainability important to each of us, what is sustainability and how does the interrelationship of our decisions impact on the planet?

During this workshop participants will explore why these questions are important in early childhood education. Utilising multimedia, case studies, research and discussion, participants will begin to:

Articulate why living more sustainably is important for the Planet, now and into the future

Apply this learning to future decision making

Part 2: Creating a Living Philosophy

How does your philosophy guide your actions? Participants will explore this question through guided discussions supported by contemporary research and theoretical frameworks. During the workshop participants will also reflect on their current practices and revise their personal philosophy to ensure it is inclusive of “Education for Sustainability”. The objective is that participants will go away with strategies to influence the development of their service philosophy so that it is a living document that sits at the forefront of their educational decision making.

This 2 day learning experience will provide an opportunity for participants to explore the theory and benefits of increasing children’s connections with nature.

Day 1: Participants will work through a range of situations to design, plan and evaluate the management of regular routine excursions within their community.

Day 2: Participants will share Indigenous ways of caring for country and apply the learning from Day 1 to a practical situation. This includes reviewing risk assessments and experiencing the natural space from both a child and adult perspective. This day will be based in a natural space and participants will be able to choose from several locations.

EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY 1-DAY WORKSHOPKU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

WHERE NATURE WAITS BEYOND THE GATE: ADVENTURES IN NATURE PEDAGOGYKU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

Tuesday 17 March

9:30am – 3:30pm


$190

Day 1 Friday 19 June 9:00am – 3:00pm

Day 2 Saturday 20 June 9:00am – 1:00pm

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre, 220 Pittwater Rd East Ryde

$350

Completing ‘Education for Sustainability 1-Day Workshop’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 2.1.2 and 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW

Completing ‘Where Nature Waits Outside the Gate: Adventures in Nature Pedagogy’ will contribute 8 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 2.1.2, 3.7.2 and 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW



This 1 day workshop consists of 2 parts that sit within the Becoming Eco Smart suite of workshops.

Part 1: Head Heart and Hands for Transformation

Bringing sustainable change to an early education community can be very rewarding, but also frustrating. In this session participants will unpack the Head Heart and Hands model for sustainable transformation. Consider why living more sustainably is critical for our Planet and how this might be actioned beyond compost and worm farms.

Part 2: Wellbeing for People and Planet

In this section of the workshop we will identify factors of wellness for people and the planet as an essential element within our work in early childhood communities. Utilising several resources including The World Happiness Report, we will consider what wellness could look like and how well we are. We will also discuss the competencies children need to engage and thrive in a well world and explore strategies to help children gain these competences while recognising the cultural and historical aspects of each community.

This workshop will introduce participants to the wonders of soil, and how it is one of the foundational elements of our planet earth and supports our existence. We will consider how we can improve our soil with compost and worm farms. If you are a beginner or someone who has tried to get it right but struggled, this hands-on workshop will support you to bring healthy soil to your garden.

BECOMING ECO SMART – BEYOND THE WHY AND HOW IN ACTION 1 DAY WORKSHOPKU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

LET’S TALK: SOIL , WORM FARMS AND WICKING BEDS

Thursday 16 July

9:30am – 3:30pm

KU Training Room, 129 York St Sydney

$190

Tuesday 31 March

9:30am – 1:30pm

Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises, Kimbriki Rd Terrey Hills

Presented by Peter Rutherford, Senior Ecologist, Kimbriki Eco House & Garden

$70

Tuesday 30 June

4:00pm – 6:30pm

KU Revesby Preschool, 123 Sphinx Ave Revesby

Presented by KU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

$70

Wednesday 1 July

4:00pm – 6:30pm

KU Hebersham Preschool, Lot 21 Howard Pl Hebersham

Presented by KU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

$70



LET’S TALK: BEES AND BUTTERFLIES AND ALL GOOD INSECTSKU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

Wednesday 29 April

4:00pm – 6:30pm

KU Chester Hill, 157-159 Waldron Rd Chester Hill

$70

Thursday 10 September

4:00pm – 6:30pm

KU Randwick Coogee Preschool, Frances St, Randwick

$70

Thursday 5 November

4:00pm – 6:30pm

KU Chatswood Community Preschool, 9 Victor St Chatswood

$70

LET’S TALK: WATER KU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

Australia is not a water wealthy country yet many of us take water for granted. What do you know about water in our everyday lives, how the water cycle functions and what we can do to conserve and protect this foundational element of our planet Earth? Participants will explore ways to present this knowledge to early education communities.

If you want the beauty of a butterfly you must accept the habits of a caterpillar. In this session we will reflect upon the interconnectedness of our world, recognising that the tiniest of insects can act as pollinators within our gardens. But how do we attract them in? Come along and join us as we plan for an insect’s dream garden.

LET’S TALK: REDUCING OUR WASTE KU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

Have you watched the “War on Waste” series and thought it’s time to do something about all this waste within my early education community? Are you aware that reducing food waste is one of the major ways in which we can contribute to a lower carbon footprint? Come along and join like-minded people as we develop a plan to reduce our waste.


Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths (STEAM)

This project undertaken by the learning community at KU Bradfield Park Children’s Centre across a twelve-month period showcases what can happen when educators trust children as co-constructors of curriculum. The evolution of ideas, testing of theories and the active participation in thinking, dialogue and learning enabled a small community of learners the opportunity to reframe their practice, reshape the learning landscape and imagine new ways of being with children as pedagogical companions. Inspired by the words of Ann Pelo (2019) who suggests “Great Ideas have wings. They take you somewhere. With them, you can raise questions that can’t be answered…” educators embraced the children’s ideas and questions as the catalyst for sophisticated research.

Unpacking the birth of a big idea, participants will explore a culture of sustained shared thinking and learning and will engage with some of the practical skills and knowledge required to support children’s evolving theories. With each new contemplation, new lines of inquiry were launched and educators offerings expanded to include resources such as MakeDo, Circuits, Green-Screen technologies, animation and digital book making.

This workshop will invite educators to view children as agentic thinkers and theorists and support educators to effectively engage with STEM learning as a significant asset to children’s complex thinking.

The yearlong investigation into Mary Elizabeth’s House is an example of what can happen when children lead curriculum decisions, and educators remain open to listen and find the resources and skills to make magic happen.

‘There’s a rainbow in the bathroom’

This statement was an open invitation to walk with Josh as a companion in inquiry; to question, ponder, explore, and theorise together. How then could I miss it? How could I let this opportunity slip away?

This hands-on workshop will implore educators to pause, to consider those missed opportunities, to become cognisant of and alert to, the intricate threads of children’s thinking and questions and explore the possibilities for thinking offered by light.

This workshop will include ‘Lights Camera Action’, where participants will start to de-mystify film making and create green screen movies and stop motion animation videos. The focus in this session is on creating not consuming media and exploring how video can be used as a tool for inquiry-based learning.

INSIDE MARY ELIZABETH’S HOUSEKU Professional Learning Team

THINKING WITH LIGHT: THERE’S A RAINBOW IN THE BATHROOM – FOLLOWING A CHILD’S LINE OF INQUIRYKU Professional Learning Team

Wednesday 24 June

9:30am – 3:30pm


$190

Wednesday 12 August

9:30am – 3:30pm


$190


Attachment and Relationships

GUIDING CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOURKU Education Support Team

GUIDING CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR IN PRACTICE: A TEAM APPROACHKU Education Support Team

This workshop addresses the area of behaviour, based on a philosophy of the social and physical environment promoting positive behaviour in children. The approach uses an understanding of child development and includes preventive, responsive and proactive approaches. It supports the implementation of KU’s Guiding Children’s Behaviour Practice Guide which participants receive as part of this workshop.

This workshop will identify the key components related to promoting positive behaviour in children using the Guiding Children’s Behaviour in Practice Resource Guide.

This is designed as a practical resource to support the implementation and understanding of the strategies identified in KU’s Guiding Children Behaviour Practice Guide and workshops. The Resource Guide is divided into easy to use chapters that support Early Childhood Educators understanding of child development. They also provide key strategies to help establish positive social and physical environments and to address the behaviour of children which educators find challenging. Team tasks provide opportunities for collaborative shared discussion and reflection related to key concepts that support a positive approach to guiding children’s behaviour.

Wednesday 22 April or Wednesday 7 October

9:30am – 3:30pm


$230

Wednesday 10 June

9:30am – 1:30pm


$160

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS – THE KEY TO CHILD SAFETYKU Child Wellbeing Team

Early childhood educators can do a lot to keep young children safe. This workshop explores strategies and practices for educators to promote the basic human rights of children – including the right to feel safe and be safe, to have a voice, the opportunity to learn and thrive, and freedom from discrimination. A ‘child’s rights’ approach recognises that even at a young age, children have the capacity to understand and communicate their needs – it is important that we listen to them about issues affecting them and take their views seriously. There are many teachable moments where educators can promote these rights and empower children to be resilient, confident and connected to their world.

This workshop presents a 2020 vision of what it means to be a child safe organisation. It incorporates the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (released in February 2019) and references ECA’s Supporting young children’s rights – Statement of Intent (2015-2018).

Thursday 25 June

9:30am – 12:30pm


$140

Completing ‘Guiding Children’s Behaviour’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 1.3.2, 3.5.2, 4.3.2 and 5.5.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW


Attachment and Relationships

ONE OF THE KIDS: UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH ASD IN MAINSTREAM SETTINGS KU Education Support Team

WHY MINDSET MATTERS: SEE THE MEANING IN CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOURKU Education Support Team

This is an intensive workshop that is based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for understanding and supporting children with autism. The ESDM has a strong and growing evidence-base, promoting best practice for those working with young children.

This workshop will disseminate the ESDM into early childhood settings, ensuring that every child is included and engaged across a variety of early childhood services (preschool, long day care, playgroups, early intervention etc.). It will also empower teachers and educators in their work with young children with autism, to deliver a high quality educational program that is individualised and responsive to each child’s needs.

This workshop explores the question: How does the way we think about children, especially those who are behaving in ways we might find challenging, affect our ability to provide the nurturing relationships they need for true inclusion and emotional wellbeing?

Participants will identify ways in which authentic and secure relationships with children help when things go wrong and identify responsive, positive strategies that support children’s self-regulation.

Thursday 9 July

9:30am – 3:30pm


$190

Tuesday 18 August

9:30am – 3:30pm


$190

Completing ‘One of the Kids: Understanding and Supporting Children with ASD in Mainstream Settings’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 2.1.2, 3.2.2, 4.1.2 and 4.3.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW

Completing ‘Why Mindset Matters: See the Meaning in Children’s Behaviour’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 4.1.2 and 4.3.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW

Proudly a not for profit organisation

Events in Regional Locations


Regional Locations

Tuesday 21 July

9:30am – 3:30pm

Mercure Canberra, Cnr Ainslie & Limestone Ave Braddon

$220

Thursday 21 May

9.30am – 3.30pm

Bathurst RSL, 114 Rankin St Bathurst

$220

Thursday 6 August

9.30am – 4.00pm

Bathurst RSL, 114 Rankin St Bathurst

$220

This workshop explores the question: How does the way we think about children, especially those who are behaving in ways we might find challenging, affect our ability to provide the nurturing relationships they need for true inclusion and emotional wellbeing? Participants will identify ways in which authentic and secure relationships with children help when things go wrong and identify responsive, positive strategies that support children’s self-regulation.

This day consists of two parts. Start the day by critically reflecting on your practice. Explore questions such as how can critical reflection drive curriculum decision making and how can it be integrated into everyday practice?

In the second part of the day you will take the time to apply your reflections in a practical way to creating engaging environments. Participants will consider the way in which they can trust the power of play and design environments that support a play based curriculum that is alive with questions, theories, and discussion. There will be practical opportunities to talk about ways to inspire children toward exploration, collaboration and problem solving in as many ways as possible.

This workshop focusses on children’s behaviour as communication. Participants will have the opportunity to use attachment theory as a framework to structure transitions and plan support for children who have difficulty settling into a group environment and playing with peers. This workshop is suitable for educators working with all age groups of children from birth to school age.


CRITICAL REFLECTION ON PRACTICE AND CREATING ENGAGING ENVIRONMENTSKU Professional Learning Team

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF ATTACHMENT THEORY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL AGE EDUCATION AND CARE SETTINGSRobyn Dolby

ACT

Bathurst


Regional Locations

Wednesday 20 May

9:00am – 3:00pm

Blue Mountains

$220

Wednesday 23 September

10:00am – 1:00pm

Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke St Katoomba

$160

Join us on country with Traditional Custodians as we listen to stories of their place. Feel the heartbeat of the land as you walk on country and hear the voices of the environment and understand how the environment talks to you. Participants will make their own way to a designated location to begin a day of walking and feeling, as they connect with country and listen to the Elders.


Listening and Learning with Elders is a gathering where you will meet, sit and listen to the stories of local Elders. Many Australians have been denied the opportunity to learn the truthful stories about the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived, nurtured each other and sustained the land for its resources and life.


Small groupings will allow the flow of respectfully facilitated discussions between Elders and educators. Questions will be answered as stories and knowledge is shared – listening and observing will be key to your learning.



Blue Mountains


Regional Locations

Illawarra

Wednesday 8 April

9.30am – 3.30pm

Port Kembla Golf Club (Wattle Rom) Golf Pl, Primbee

$220

Tuesday 2 June

9:00am – 3:00pm

Illawarra

$220

Taking on the role of Educational Leader can be exciting, rewarding, challenging and at times mystifying. Mystifying because the role is not explicitly defined and does not look the same in every service. However, if we consider that effective educational leadership inspires critical and reflective thinking as well as opportunities to work and learn alongside others; the co-construction of rich, relevant and innovative curriculum should become the reality. In this workshop we will examine the many aspects of educational leadership including:

How to determine a vision for educational leadership

Sorting out the myths for the educational leadership role

Setting the stage for critical reflection

Strategies for guiding the practice of new educators

Taking up the challenge to inspire and empower others in their practice



WHO’S DRIVING THE BUS? EDUCATIONAL LEADERS SHIFTING PRACTICEKU Professional Learning Team


Completing ‘Who’s Driving the Bus?’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW


Regional Locations

Tuesday 16 June

9.30am – 1.30pm

Port Kembla Golf Club (Wattle Room) Golf Pl, Primbee

$180

Thursday 27 August

9.00am – 3.30pm


$220

Tuesday 15 September

9.30am – 3.30pm


$220

This workshop will identify the key components related to promoting positive behaviour in children using the Guiding Children’s Behaviour in Practice Resource Guide.

This is designed as a practical resource to support the implementation and understanding of the strategies identified in KU’s Guiding Children Behaviour Practice Guide and workshops. The Resource Guide is divided into easy to use chapters that support Early Childhood Educators understanding of child development. They also provide key strategies to help establish positive social and physical environments and to address the behaviour of children which educators find challenging. Team tasks provide opportunities for collaborative shared discussion and reflection related to key concepts that support a positive approach to guiding children’s behaviour.

This workshop focusses on children’s behaviour as communication. Participants will have the opportunity to use attachment theory as a framework to structure transitions and plan support for children who have difficulty settling into a group environment and playing with peers.

This workshop is an opportunity for an in-depth exploration of documentation and addresses questions such as:

What expectations do we have about documentation including those of the NQS?

How does documentation fit into the NQS Exceeding themes?

What should we be documenting?

What about digital documentation?

GUIDING CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR IN PRACTICE: A TEAM APPROACHKU Education Support Team

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF ATTACHMENT THEORY IN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTINGSRobyn Dolby

DOCUMENTATION: FIND THE STORY WORTH TELLINGKU Professional Learning Team

Completing ‘Documentation: Find the Story Worth Telling’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 5.4.2 and 5.5.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW


Regional Locations

Newcastle and Central Coast

Tuesday 29 September

10.00am – 1.00pm

Location TBA

$160

Thursday 2 April

9.30am – 3.30pm

Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd Argenton

$220

Listening and Learning with Elders is a gathering where you will meet, sit and listen to the stories of local Elders. Many Australians have been denied the opportunity to learn the truthful stories about the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived, nurtured each other and sustained the land for its resources and life.


Small groupings will allow the flow of respectfully facilitated discussions between Elders and educators. Questions will be answered as stories and knowledge is shared - listening and observing will be key to your learning.


EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY 1-DAY WORKSHOPKU Education for Sustainability Facilitator

This 1 day workshop consists of the following two parts:

Part 1: Education for Sustainability Principles

Why is sustainability important to each of us, what is sustainability and how does the interrelationship of our decisions impact on the planet? During this workshop participants will explore why these questions are important in early childhood education. Utilising multimedia, case studies, research and discussion, participants will begin to:

Articulate why living more sustainably is important for the Planet, now and into the future Apply this learning to future decision making

Part 2: Creating a Living Philosophy

How does your philosophy guide your actions? Participants will explore this question through guided discussions supported by contemporary research and theoretical frameworks. During the workshop participants will also reflect on their current practices and revise their personal philosophy to ensure it is inclusive of “Education for Sustainability”. The objective is that participants will go away with strategies to influence the development of their service philosophy so that it is a living document that sits at the forefront of their educational decision making.

Completing ‘Education for Sustainability 1-Day Workshop’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 2.1.2 and 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW


Regional Locations

Tuesday 30 June

9.00am – 3.00pm

Newcastle/Central Coast area

$220

Thursday 2 July

9.00am – 3.30pm

Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton

$220

Thursday 14 May

9.00am – 4.00pm


$220



This workshop focusses on children’s behaviour as communication. Participants will have the opportunity to use attachment theory as a framework to structure transitions and plan support for children who have difficulty settling into a group environment and playing with peers.

As we observe children in play we know they are natural problem-solvers and creative thinkers. Our goal as teachers is to recognise these learning opportunities and extend and enable learning. However, when we consider young children’s learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sometimes this can be challenging.

This hands-on day will explore each of the content areas in STEM, looking at how we can facilitate deep learning for 3-5 year olds. The session will explore the pillars of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and then focus on STEM processes for learning. Come prepared for some hands-on fun as you become a play-based STEM expert!

This day is suitable for all early childhood professionals working with children 3-5 years.


PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF ATTACHMENT THEORY IN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTINGSRobyn Dolby

YOUNG CHILDREN ARE ENGINEERS: EXPLORING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) Laure Hislop

Completing ‘Young Children ARE Engineers: Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)’ will contribute 6 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 2.6.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW


Regional Locations

Wednesday 5 August

9.30am – 1.00pm

Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton

$180

Tuesday 8 September

9.30am – 3.30pm


$220

Routines and transitions are an intrinsic part of the day in early childhood settings. They provide predictability and a sense of belonging. When they work well, children will feel ownership and have a positive learning experience. However, if not done well, they can be a source of anxiety and stress for children and educators. One of the keys to planning an inclusive and appropriate environment is to understand the way in which routines, rituals and transitions impact on children’s wellbeing.

During this workshop we will discuss:

Moving from routines to rituals

Giving children voice, agency and a sense of belonging

Understanding responsive and respectful environments

Supporting children’s wellbeing during routines and transitions


WHAT’S THE TIME? RITUALS, TRANSITIONS AND RELATIONSHIPSKU Professional Learning Team


Completing ‘What’s The Time? Rituals, Transitions and Relationships’ will contribute 3 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 4.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW



Regional Locations

Port Macquarie

Thursday 30 July

9.30am – 3.30pm

Rydges Port Macquarie, 1 Hay St Port Macquarie

$220

Friday 31 July

9.30am – 3.30pm

Rydges Port Macquarie, 1 Hay St Port Macquarie

$220


This workshop will help participants to think critically about the value of exploring our communities beyond the centre environment. It will support educators to plan safe, interesting excursions into nature with groups of young children. It will also equip educators with new understandings of place based educational pedagogy to enliven and enrich curriculum. The session will include a walk to a local space to consider risk management planning and the learning opportunities afforded by the site.


STEPPING INTO NATURE – THE PRACTICE AND PEDAGOGY OF NATURE PLAY BEYOND THE GATEKU Professional Learning Team


Completing ‘Stepping into Nature: The Practice and Pedagogy of Nature Play Beyond the Gate’ will contribute 5 hours of NESA registered PD addressing 3.2.2 and 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW


Webinars


WebinarsWebinars

These popular series of short webinars are an opportunity to stop and take a brief time out of the day to reflect on some of the fundamentals of your practice. The webinars are suitable for new educators and for experienced teachers wanting a space to reflect and refresh.

SERIES 1: PROJECT BASED LEARNINGKU Professional Learning Team

PART 1: PROJECT BASED LEARNING – WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN’S IDEAS?

PART 2: PROJECT BASED LEARNING – CHILDREN’S AGENCY

PART 3: PROJECT BASED LEARNING – CHILDREN’S THEORIES

Element 1.1.2 of the NQS states that each child’s knowledge, ideas and interests should be the foundation of the program. During this webinar we will explore:

Which of children’s ideas do you progress?

How do you decide in which direction to take the idea?

Element 1.2.3 of the NQS states that each child’s agency is promoted enabling them to make choices and decisions. In this webinar we will discuss the way in which, in the course of children’s projects we:

Relinquishing power in decision making

Trust children’s knowledge and ability

Democracy in action

The EYLF states that educators need to value and respond to children’s knowledge and be partners in their learning. During this webinar we will discuss:

How educators value and respond to children’s theorising

Big picture curriculum questions and high level thinking skills

You can participate in our webinars from anywhere in Australia. All you need is a computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection. This year we are offering a series of “short stop” webinars for educators and a series especially designed for cooks.

SHORT STOP WEBINARS

Cost for the series: $100

Thursday 12 March

4:15pm – 5:00pm

Thursday 26 March

4:15pm – 5:00pm

Thursday 9 April

4:15pm – 5:00pm


Webinars

SERIES 2: PEDAGOGY AND PRACTICEKU Professional Learning Team

SERIES 3: CHILD SAFE IN PRACTICEKU Child Wellbeing Team

PART 1: MAKING SENSE OF THE PLANNING CYCLE

PART 2: BACK TO BASICS – WRITING OBSERVATIONS

PART 3: PLANNING EXPERIENCES AND ENCOUNTERS WITH CHILDREN

Standard 1.3 of the National Quality Standard requires educators to have a planned and reflective approach to developing the program for children. This webinar re-explores the cycle of planning and emphasises the interrelationship between each part of the cycle. In particular, it highlights the role of documentation in supporting the process.

This webinar goes back to basics and provides tips for writing meaningful and interesting observations. The presenter will explore the why and what of observation writing, language, style and tools to support the process. It will also show the link between observations and knowing children at a deeper level.

The EYLF states that we must be deliberate, thoughtful and purposeful in our actions and that we promote learning through worthwhile and challenging experiences. This webinar explores the what and why of planning meaningful experiences for children.

Monday 18 May

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Wednesday 8 July

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Monday 1 June

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Monday 15 June

4:30pm – 5:00pm



There are many elements to ensuring learning environments are safe for children. This webinar series provides an in-depth understanding of important themes and child safe practices that assist educators to build their knowledge, skills and ability to respond effectively to children’s needs.

PART 1: SAFE ENVIRONMENTS – REDUCING THE RISK OF HARM IN PHYSICAL AND ONLINE ENVIRONMENTS

The physical and online environment puts children’s safety at risk when they are exposed to the harmful behaviours of others or inappropriate content. The challenge to educators is: how do we manage these risks without compromising a child’s right to privacy, access to information, social connections and learning opportunities?


Webinars

Wednesday 22 July

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Wednesday 5 August

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Wednesday 19 August

4:30pm – 5:00pm

PART 4: MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES WITH CHILDREN – WHAT IS TOO CLOSE AND PERSONAL?

During this final webinar we will discuss personal versus professional relationships with children. We will identify adult behaviour that might be considered too personal, unreasonable or problematic. This session will challenge you to think about actions that may be perceived to be grooming behaviour and why it is important to define acceptable and unacceptable interactions with children in a child safe code of conduct.

PART 2: GIVING CHILDREN A VOICE – PROMOTING CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION AND EMPOWERMENT

Children are very easily silenced. In the interests of children’s safety and wellbeing, it is vital that they are encouraged to express their feelings, are listened to and taken seriously. In exploring these themes, we will be focusing on the benefits of giving children a voice and how we can promote their participation and help-seeking behaviour.

PART 3: MANAGING CHILDREN’S SEXUAL PLAY – PERSONAL SAFETY CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILDREN

Young children are naturally curious about their own and other people’s bodies. Educators need to understand what sexual behaviours can be considered normal curiosity and when they are cause for concern. Most importantly, educators need to know how to respond to children’s sexual play and to make sure they are providing a child safe environment for all children. This includes teaching children some simple personal safety messages. Personal safety messages for children can begin as young as two or three years of age.

A key theme of the National Quality Standard states that practice should be shaped by meaningful engagement with families. However, what happens when you must approach families in order to have a conversation about a difficult issue? During this webinar the presenters will discuss the how, what and why of difficult conversations.

HAVING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS WITH FAMILIESKU Education Support Team

Tuesday 7 April or Wednesday 16 September

4:15pm – 5:00pm

$60

KU Children’s Services129 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Box Q132, QVB Post Office NSW 1230

Professional Learning - KU Children's Services · 2020. 1. 16. · 4 KU Professional Learning Calendar 2020 – New South Wales. FEATURED EVENTS. KU boasts a history of offering high

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