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We continue our popular 2021 online series where we explore the topics critical to transforming programs for infants and toddlers. The sessions support infant and toddler educators to connect theory and practice and provide environments where these very young children can thrive and develop.

This event is suitable for all early childhood professionals

The program for infants and toddlers: what is it and how do we create it? Presenter: Lynn Farrell

Date: Wednesday 11 May Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

The concept of a learning program for infants and toddlers can be puzzling. What is it, why do we need it and what does it look like? This session explores these questions and highlights:

• The unique characteristics of infant and toddler programs
• The importance of sensitive observation –
• Planning that is meaningful and based on an understanding of infants and toddlers

Agency counts with infants and toddlers   Presenter: Lynn Farrell

Date: Wednesday 22 June Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Agency is a much used term in early childhood today. The EYLF draws our attention to the word and defines it as ‘being able to make choices and decisions, to influence events and to have an impact on one’s world (P 45).’ The EYLF also states that children must be given the agency and capacity to initiate and lead learning, and a right to participate in decisions that affect them, including their learning (P 9).’ This session explores what agency means for our work with infants and toddlers.

Connecting with families: meaningful relationships Presenters: Fran Bastion, Jan Faulkner and Caitlin Burns

Date: Wednesday 13 July Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Families and educators share the common goal of wanting the best outcomes for children. To do this, educators must find genuine ways to connect and establish trust and shared understanding with families. In this session we explore what it means to develop supportive and meaningful relationships with families and practical ways to make connections in infant and toddler settings.

Rituals and transitions: supporting infant and toddler wellbeing Presenter: Jan Faulkner and Fran Bastian

Date: Wednesday 24 August Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Routines and transitions form a significant part of the day for infants and toddlers. They provide valuable opportunities for connections and relationships. It is important that educators are available, receptive and responsive to children’s cues at these times. In this session we focus on:

• The difference between routines and rituals
• The importance of understanding the transition process
• Providing time and space for meaningful rituals and transitions

Orientation for infants and their families Presenter: Lynn Farrell

Date: Wednesday 21 September Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Beginning at an early childhood service can be an unsettling experience for children and families. Children are anxious about being left in a new environment. Families want to know their child’s wellbeing is a priority for everyone at the service. But what is unique and special about the orientation process for infants and toddlers? This session examines what makes for a quality orientation experience for infants and their families.

Presenters

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.

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.

Fran Bastian 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.

Caitlin Burns Caitlin is an early childhood teacher, who began her career in education twelve years ago in Monterrey, Mexico. After returning to Australia in 2016, Caitlin completed her Bachelor in Early Childhood Education; achieving the TAFE NSW Higher Education Dean’s Scholar Award and Managing Director’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Caitlin has been part of the educational team at The Joey Club Sydney since 2017, working predominantly in children and families in the infant and toddler rooms.