The life of infants and toddlers: from theory to practice – 7 part webinar
The life of infants and toddlers: from theory to practice – 7 part webinar
This series covers some of the key areas that are critical to transforming programs for infants and toddlers. Comprehensive knowledge of these topics is required if educators are to provide environments that help very young children to thrive and develop. Content of the sessions will help infant and toddler educators to connect theory and practice and respond to questions such as:
- What is curriculum for this age group?
- What are the factors that support wellbeing and learning?
- What does the EYLF mean for children under three?
- How does ‘agency’ apply to infants and toddlers?
Questions such as those listed above, and others will be discussed over 7 online sessions
Part 1: Foundations: infant and toddler relationships and wellbeing
Presented by Toni Christie
Date: Wednesday 24 February
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
The first years of life are a period of rapid growth and development – not just physically but emotionally and socially. The relationships formed at this time have a profound impact on a child’s wellbeing then and into the future. This session will explore:
- Relationships as the foundation of the program
- Attachment theory in practice
- The meaning of respectful care
Part 2: Trust and security: taking a key educator approach
Presented by Lynn Farrell
Date: Wednesday 14 April
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
Consistency and continuity of caregiving has long been accepted as an important aspect of quality care – particularly with infants and toddlers. However, also important is a relationship of trust and security. This session explores how the key educator approach can provide a secure base for very young children. It covers:
- A key educator framework
- Building the child/educator relationship
- Implications for everyday practice
Part 3: Building on respectful care
Presented by Toni Christie
Date: Wednesday 12 May
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
Respect is an often-used word in relation to care for young children. However, we do not often examine what it means in practice. During this session we explore:
- Intentionality of practice
- Being present with children
- Respect for people and place
Part 4: Discovering play
Presented by Fran Bastion and Jan Faulkner
Date: Wednesday 16 June
Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm
The Early Years Learning Framework lists ‘learning through play’ as an opportunity for children to learn as they discover, create, improvise, and imagine (P. 15). Play is critical for the development of imagination, cognitive skills, language, social skills, and physical growth. In this session we will explore.
- Development of thinking skills
- Agency of infants and toddlers
- Schema and loose parts play
Part 5: Terrific toddlers and two’s
Presented by Toni Christie
Date: Wednesday 14 July
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
Toddlers and two-year old’s are at an exciting age. They are developing language and movement and becoming assertive in expressing their ideas and wants. During this session we will:
- Unpack the characteristics of toddlers and two-year old’s
- Discuss thoughtful, creative, and stimulating programs
Part 6: Learning Language
Presented by Fran Bastion and Jan Faulkner
Date: Wednesday 11 August
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
The first two years of life are a period of extraordinary development. During this time infants gain the ability to communicate, comprehend and produce spoken language. Even before words, infants have a remarkable ability to communicate. During this session we will discuss:
- Developing language
- Relationships and language
Part 7: Sustainable connections with infants and toddlers
Presented by Environmental Education in Early Childhood (EEEC)
Date: Wednesday 15 September
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
This interactive session aims to explore how we connect younger children with sustainability concepts, nature and environmental ways of knowing. We will investigate questions such as:
- How do we meaningfully engage with younger children in Education for Sustainability (EfS)?
- What strategies may work, have worked and what are the challenges faced by educators?
This event is suitable for all early childhood professionals
