Anita Bhusal - 2143465729

I also follow Seman and Slaterry page which is amazing for educators for training and leadership and I have myself been a part of two trainings from here.

The Early Education Leadership website has lots of amazing webinars, blogs and resources that we can sign up for and very useful articles for us as leaders. Here I have also attached one discussion resource on the topic "The space between Us." This resource is designed to support

early childhood teams to explore how pace, presence, and leadership behaviour shape the emotional climate of their service. This reflection tool can be used during team meetings, leadership circles, mentoring sessions, or professional learning days.

From this, I am able to understand what strong leaders do:

• Sets clear communication by explaining the reasons behind the decision that are made.

• Ensure everyone is valued and encourages teamwork

• Always open to new ideas as part of brainstorming and learning opportunities

• Being reflective on their practice and look better ways to do things

• Support, train, and help others to grow professionally

• Advocating the Early Childhood Sector, children, families and fellow educators.

Great leadership is not being kind, fair, competent and confident but it is also about being able to support, learn together, and grow with the team every day.

One highly recommended leadership and education resources that i have found is Inclusion Solutions. Their workshops and webinars focus on building inclusion practices, leaderships skills, and awareness around diversity and accessibility.These resources support early childhood leaders and educators by providing practical day to day strategies to create inclusive learning environment and lead with collaboration,empathy and equity. I believe that this resources is valuable for developing strong educational leaderships which aligns inclusive value and practice and support professional growth of both leaders and the team.

This calendar provides all of the incoming professional development courses.

I also visit Early Education Leadership because their coaching and blogs teach me how to build trust with my colleagues and manage stress in a positive way. When I practice their strategies, I feel like I’m growing into a leader who supports others well, even though I’m still a student. It has helped me a lot during my ongoing intership as well. I find their guidance clear and easy to follow, which helps me set goals and solve problems calmly at work.

Both of these resources make me feel prepared and give me skills I can use now to improve my leadership abilities.

Ramandeep kaur

When I first started unit EDEC 309, I thought leadership is being a manager. My goal was to become a manager of a childcare service. However, as I progressed through this unit, my perspective have had a significant transformation. This video by Seth Godin perfectly relates with the evolution of my thinking about what it truly means to lead rather than simply manage. In this video, Godin shares this amazing example about a cyclist who was dead last in a race. Instead of giving up, he tried different aerodynamic methods and ended up winning. This shows that management is just doing what you are told. It doesn't work when things change. That's when you need leadership. Watching this video I reflected the big difference . It is that the Management is about following instructions, doing what's been done before whereas leadership is  trying new things, taking responsibility when change is needed. In 8:06 min he he specifically talks about Education,  which made this video particularly relevant to our field. The education sector, including early childhood services, is experiencing different changes. We are navigating new pedagogical approaches, diverse family structures, technological integration, and evolving understanding of child development. In this context, we cannot simply manage our way through using old methods. We need leaders who are willing to experiment, take responsibility for outcomes, and create new pathways forward. This has challenged me to reconsider my career goals. Rather than aspiring to be a manager who maintains operations, I now aspire to be a leader who takes responsibility for creating positive change, experiments with new approaches when old methods aren't working

In the early learning sector where children's emotional and social wellbeing are crucial, I chose the Pyramid Model Consortium, Australia because it is a leading resource for early childhood education and care (ECEC), especially in the areas like inclusion and emotional wellbeing. This model provides educators with evidence-based strategies to proactively prevent challenging behaviors, aligning to EYLF principles and NQS quality area 5. Likewise, for leaders this article offers diverse ranges of training that promotes trauma-informed practices and cultural safety which are crucial for diverse communities. It's focus on universal supports helps build resilient services, reducing exclusions and enhancing equity. Additionally, the availability of free toolkits and peer networks makes it an accessible resource, empowering leaders to foster inclusive cultures and nurture every child's potential. Overall, the Pyramid Model Consortium Australia offers a practical roadmap for transformative, compassionate leadership in ECEC.

Thank you

One important quality is vision. In regard to childcare, the objective is to understand the type of learning environment we want to see in children and work with educators to make it a reality. I intend to follow this by setting appropriate goals for children's growth and development. Honesty, or being honest and fair, is another key quality. As a childcare leader, I must always be fair, respectful, and trustworthy so that both educators and children feel valued and secure.

Dr Kalam also mentions confidence and courage, both of which relate to the ability to stand up for what is right even when it is tough. In early childhood care, this may involve promoting children's needs or supporting educators during challenging times. Further skills that my profession will require are kindness,  positive and caring relationships with my team and families.

Finally, there needs to be communication and dedication. I will be able to listen to others' ideas, provide comments in a polite manner, and remain determined to improve the service. Vision, honesty, confidence, empathy, communication, and commitment are the six attributes that will help me to become a positive, supportive, and inspiring childcare sector leader.

The article also shows that reflective supervision and executive coaching are powerful effective methods to support leaders wellbeing. The author has shared his experience of how structured, confidential support can help to reduce the feeling of isolation.

The article also have challenged education sector to rethink how they are promoting leaders wellbeing.

Reflecting on this, I feel I have learned that leadership in early childhood education is about supporting and encouraging others rather than just giving orders. I think if I were in this role, I would try to focus on positive communication and showing appreciation for people’s strengths. I have realized that leadership is about working with others and inspiring them, helping create a happy and productive environment for both children and educators. From my EDEC309 studies, this video reinforced the importance of strength-based leadership and how it helps transform educational settings by building trust and motivation within the team. This understanding is crucial for creating quality learning experiences for young children.

As a teacher, I create calm, inviting and nurturing environment where the educators, children and families feel safe, supported and valued. By practicing mindfulness in my everyday allows me to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting on it. I believe that having patience, calm, and emotional awarenss helps to establish a secure based and create comfortable space to collaborate to achieve a shared goals.It aligns with National Quality Standard(NQS) Quality Area 5 'Relationship with children' and Quality Area 7 collaborative partnerships with families, and communities.

This podcast has highly influence my leadership style where I support and value my colleage's effort and their inputs. When the staff members are going through challening moment, I always offers some time off the floor or if they would like to share their ideas, I open for any suggestions/feedback. I listen to them attentively and be available for them as needed. This approach has helped me to foster a postive team culture that aligns with NESA Graduate Standards 6 'Engage in professional learning' and standard 7 'Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community.

Karuna lama

 When I watched her story, I felt like it was quite similar to me and how I jumped from being an assistant educator to RP and room leader. As a mother of 2 children, I came to Australia to gain more experience. Where I continued studies for certificate III, diploma and now the final year of ECT. I started working in early childhood education from 2022 as an assistant educator. My centre leader was quite impressed with my work on my first day. I worked in the same preschool room over the 2 years, where I am constantly excited to work with children and have inspired many of my coworkers. They also mentioned how positive I am, always speaking in a respectful tone and being honest, patient, and committed in working with children. I continually work hard and try to do my best. Within two years, it was my best experience dealing with children. After that, I wanted to flow more, so I went to another centre. I had interviews, and they offered me work as a preschool room leader, but I didn’t agree with the offer because of studies and the full-time work requirement. When I started my 1st year, they offered me to work as an RP and room leader; now, I could see my ups and downs because of my part-time work commitments. However, I always balance my room and my amazing team. I am a thoughtful and purposeful room leader as well as well organised with everything and love lists and learning experiences. When working as a team, I don't like conflict, and I prefer to ask someone rather than tell them. I am neat, tidy and detail-focused. For example, I still remember that I went to visit my family for 2 weeks last time. Before I came back, my team wrote in the communication book, 'Damanta will be back after 3 days. Make sure everything is tidied up and well organised. Team have to do everything on time and follow the same pattern, which I continue to follow in my room.' I was inspired by it. I always feel proud of myself for how I achieved it from the first year until now. When I was in the first year, I was struggling to communicate in a professional way. I hesitated to speak in front of the large group, but throughout the journey, it shaped my mind. Nothing is impossible; focus on what we do with dedication, and we can achieve everything.

My strengths include effective organisation and process direction, fostering equity in practices, providing clear instruction, and leading and mentoring educators. During a room meeting, my manager and education leader also mentioned to me that I work hard, am well-detailed and structured, am a good planner, have excellent time management skills, have a high level of patience, and have a thorough understanding of various strategies for working with children. For example, when children are frustrated or overwhelmed, ques use the strategies to use in the messy situation. I am always exploring my roles and responsibilities for the purpose to grow and gain confidence in allocating duties and dealing with difficult discussions with colleagues. I've always believed that a great team is made up of people who are reflective, adaptable, and eager to learn.

My weakness is sometimes I find it difficult to manage communication with new peers, because some of the new ones have language barriers and lack of training and working style. To achieve this one, I will spend time observing teams and how they communicate during the classroom meeting and daily routine while asking them for feedback in their own style. Keep a journal reflection with peers on what went well and could be implemented and strategies to apply next time.

My long-term goal is Becoming an educational leader, currently as a room leader and RP, I am planning to work with the educational leader to observe her leadership practices, decision-making and reflective strategies. I will review more details about the centre policy and producer of the educational leader practices. I will engage with team meetings, reflection sessions, webinars and collaborative planning to foster a positive, reflective and empowered team culture.

Damanta Basnet Basnet

I believe this blog is genuinely important for any leader in Ealry Childhood Education care (ECEC) as it goes beyond theory and shows what true leadership is about which is about people not the process. I believe that leadership in ECEC is not only about ticking boxes or managing routines. Its about inspiring the team, building real trust and creating an inclusive, safe environment where children and educators can grow and feel supported. Leaders are the role model who shapes the team culture , guide the team on how they think and practice with respect and empathy. I believe this five leadership style are not just an nice ideas they are the practical way of putting those principle in action every day. I believe when ECEC leader use these combined leadership styles according to situation and circumstances, they can support inspire their educators. Building trust and relationship with children and families, think and reflect based on what children really need by encouraging adaptive thinking and lead with both vision and compassion.

This link has both paid and unpaid resources that support educators in developing leadership and educational skills through free professional resources and practical guides. It has their own blog. When you log in, you can also receive some free resources. You can access some "why" answers like “Can a doctor’s clearance certificate override our policies? Where?” It also provides useful links under national advocacy organizations for community services and families. CCCA also helps educators learn about their duties as leaders and management of services. Overall, it encourages educators to be confident, reflect, and work together as collaborative leaders in early childhood education

I chose the article " Leadership redefined: What is educational leadership and why is it important?" from the University of Canberra's blog because it provides a modern viewpoint on the changing role of leadership in education. According to the article, good educational leadership entails directing, motivating, and creating a supportive learning atmosphere in addition to handling administrative duties. This supports my view that inclusive, dynamic, and child-centered leadership is essential in the educational field. The post aligns with my principles and goals in the field of educational leadership by emphasising the value of flexibility and a people-first approach.

·       Do more of certain things: Do more things of what have greater value to you and more important to achieving positive results as a leader.

·       Do less of certain things: Deliberately reduce amount of time you spend on activities that take you nowhere.

·       Start to do things you aren’t doing that you need to be doing: Identify the skills and knowledge that you need to be a great leader and start working on them.

·       Make changes to your goals: What you considered important in the past might not be important for you anymore. Take a step back and re-evaluate those steps and time you spent on the previous goals and change or replace them wisely.

https://shop.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/product/rip2104/?srsltid=AfmBOops0ZCDiHZX_Ljl3JSNUNbylQX3PHyeSo-t6TKMJllXuuAmYhcf

They mentioned that program should be linked to children outcomes which deepens heavily on practioner skills, by creating safe environments, intentional teaching and family partnerships. In program standards, NAEYC often address general quality but lacks specific indicators to high-quality inclusion. High-quality inclusion combines general recommended practices with specialized strategies (e.g., Universal Design for Learning, embedded interventions, tiered instruction) plus strong collaboration across stakeholders. Infuse inclusive program quality into professional development, give practitioners opportunities to assess and improve standards, and align with evidence-based instructional and collaborative practices. Here is a concise diagram summarizing the NPDCI professional development framework linked with key components of high-quality early childhood inclusion:

Komal.K

Dhriti Deswal

Why it’s great:

• It’s an Australian platform dedicated to inspiring and developing educational leaders through podcasts, blogs, and interviews with real school and early education leaders.

• Focuses on authentic leadership, innovation, and personal growth rather than compliance.

• Features practical discussions on team culture, mentoring, wellbeing, and change management in education.

It’s ideal for educators looking to expand leadership thinking beyond regulations and frameworks.

https://www.aitsl.edu.au

blog- https://www.cela.org.au/publications/amplify!-blog/jun-2017/welcome-to-community-early-learning-australia

webinar- 

https://beyou.edu.au

Inclusion agencies-

https://www.ku.com.au/what-we-do/external-inclusion-programs/inclusion-support-program

Allied health proffesionals-

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhood-approach-children-younger-9

Social Media page- https://www.instagram.com/kooricurriculum/

Child Australia Webinars (https:// childaustralia.org.au/training) offer great professional development for educators. Their sessions include topics like educational leadership, child wellbeing, inclusion, and service quality. The webinars are practical, affordable, and designed to help early childhood professionals strengthen leadership skills and teamwork within their centres.

Inclusion Agency - KU Children's Services ISA

The KU Inclusion Support Agency (https:// ku.com.au/childcare/ISA) helps educators include all children by offering professional guidance, resources, and workshops. Their support helps teachers create inclusive learning environments and confidently support children with additional needs.

KU also promotes teamwork and reflective practice in early education.

I chose this resource because it focuses strongly on early relationships and emotional development, which are essential in early childhood education. I also like that the information is evidence-based but still easy to understand and practical to use in real learning environments. It helps educators better understand children’s behaviour, support inclusion, and build responsive relationships with children and families.

What stands out about this organisation is its emphasis on “conscious leadership”, where leaders are encouraged to be self-aware, emotionally regulated, and intentional in their decision-making. The website highlights how leadership in early childhood is deeply relational, requiring strong communication, trust-building, and the ability to support team wellbeing while maintaining quality practice in centres.

The programs offered include one-on-one coaching, group leadership programs, and tailored workshops for early childhood teams. These are designed to support educational leaders, directors, and educators in managing real workplace challenges such as difficult conversations, team dynamics, and sustaining quality improvement.

A key idea from the site is that effective leadership is not just about management or compliance, but about creating emotionally safe, connected, and reflective environments where both educators and children can thrive. It also strongly connects leadership development to wellbeing, communication skills, and professional growth rather than just documentation or frameworks.

Overall, this is a valuable resource because it provides a more human and relational approach to leadership in early childhood education. It supports educators in building confidence, strengthening team culture, and leading with purpose in complex and changing environments.

https://reimagine.org.au/practitioner/inclusion-in-practice/

I recommend Reimagine Australia’s Inclusion in Practice resource because it supports early childhood educators to understand inclusion as a basic right for every child. It provides helpful information about how educators can create environments where children with developmental delays, disability, or diverse learning needs feel a strong sense of belonging and can participate meaningfully.

This resource is useful for educators and educational leaders because it encourages reflective practice, inclusive planning, collaboration with families, and working alongside allied health professionals. It also supports leaders to advocate for children’s rights and guide other educators in creating inclusive learning environments.

1..The Empowered Educator Online
it is a website with practical ideas about behaviour guidance, play-based learning, and supporting children’s development.

2.Teach Starter Blog
Provides us educators with creative learning experiences, classroom ideas, and educator wellbeing strategies.

3.Raising Children Network
provides us  evidence-based information for educators and families about children’s learning, behaviour, and wellbeing

4.Big Life Journal

Focuses on growth mindset, resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing in children

• Real educator voices, reflection, pedagogy, and leadership insights

1. Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA)
   https://www.ecia.org.au

• Inclusion strategies and early intervention support for children with additional needs

1. The Conversation – Education Section
   https://theconversation.com/au/education

• Research-based articles written by academics in an easy-to-understand format

1. Raising Children Network (Australia)
   https://raisingchildren.net.au

• Evidence-based child development, behaviour, and family engagement strategies

Websites such as Learn Play Thrive, for examples, guide educators about leadership, reflective practice, and fostering happy learning environments. These resources help me gain more self-assurance when working with groups and encouraging kids to learn via play. Learn Play Thrivehttps://learnplaythrive.comLearn Play Thrive

I may also easily and flexibly continue my professional education with the aid of podcasts and webinars. I get new perspectives on relationships, leadership, and care for children in early childhood settings from listening to podcasts like Shine On Podcast. Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.comShine On - an Early Childhood Education Podcast

Social media sites like Learning Through Play Australia and The Empowered Educator provide me with innovative play setups, games, and curriculum ideas that I can modify for children who are in my service. The Empowered Educatorhttps://theempowerededucatoronline.comLearning Activities

Supports ECEC services to build inclusive practices and address barriers to participation.

KU Children’s Services

Runs Inclusion Agencies in several Australian states and provides professional inclusion support.

Gowrie SA

Provides tailored inclusion support and multidisciplinary guidance for educators.

Yooralla

Offers specialist inclusion supports and equipment services for educators and children with additional needs

Raising Children Network

Very practical information for educators and families around disability, behaviour, development, trauma, and wellbeing.

WholeFlow Inclusion Co

A newer inclusion platform focused on connection-centred and trauma-aware practice. Strong emphasis on behaviour as communication and emotional regulation.

The ECA Podcast

Surprisingly good discussions around inclusion, diversity, and leadership.

Teaching with the Body in Mind

Focuses on movement, regulation, sensory needs, and neuroscience.

The Imperfects

Not education-specific, but incredible for leadership, wellbeing, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence.

Raising Good Humans

Great for understanding co-regulation and respectful communication.

• The Sector – ECEC leadership news and sector updates

• Inspired EC – Inquiry learning, pedagogy, leadership

• The Empowered Educator – Reflective practice and wellbeing

• Reimagine Australia – Inclusion and family-centred practice

Webinars & Professional Learning

• Spot Training Hub – Neuroaffirming and inclusion training

• Noah’s Ark Training – Inclusive education webinars

• Koorana – Inclusion workshops and educator support

Inclusion Agencies & Allied Health

• Koorana Child & Family Services

• Allies for Autism

• The Whole Child Allied Health

Social Media Pages

• Inspired EC Instagram

• Mr Chazz Instagram – Behaviour and emotional intelligence

• Mona Delahooke Instagram – Trauma-informed behaviour support

• PreK Partner Instagram – Autism and inclusion strategies

Outside-the-Box Ideas

• TED Talks by Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, and Rita Pierson

• Follow content on psychological safety, restorative practice, and trauma-informed leadership, not just education pages.

The Spoke is an online early childhood blog created by Early Childhood Australia. It shares articles, research, reflections, and professional learning resources for educators, teachers, leaders, and families in the early childhood sector.

The Spoke - Early Childhood Australia

Website - The Sector

The Sector is a popular Australian early childhood education news and professional learning website used by educators, leaders, and services across the sector. It includes the below-

• Reading about leadership, curriculum, and pedagogy

• Learning about ACECQA, EYLF, and NQF updates

• Finding professional development opportunities

• Accessing sector news, opinions, and research articles

• Latest news/changes in ECEC services.

  Early Childhood Education & Child Care News

Website - Starting Blocks

It is an Australian government website that provides trusted information for families and educators about early childhood education and care. It is run by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Home | Early Childhood Education & Care | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Website - AEDC

It is a national Australian government website that provides information about children’s development when they start school. The site explains the purpose of the AEDC, the five key developmental domains, and how the data is used to support early childhood education and improve outcomes for children. It also offers reports, resources, and tools for educators, schools, and communities to better understand and support children’s learning and wellbeing.

Home | Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)

• The Inspired Treehouse

Website link: https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/

I like this website because it gives fun play-based ideas that support children’s physical development, sensory learning and inclusion through everyday activities.

• Childhood101

Website link: https://childhood101.com/

This website shares simple and practical ideas about behaviour guidance, play experiences and creating positive learning environments for young children.

• The Imagination Tree

Website link: https://theimaginationtree.com/

I found this blog very creative because it includes sensory play, messy play and hands-on activities that encourage children’s curiosity and imagination.

• Visible Child

Website link: https://visiblechild.com/

This blog focuses on building respectful relationships with children and understanding children’s behaviour through emotional connection and support.

• CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research

Website link: https://www.canchild.ca/

This is a useful inclusion and allied health resource that supports educators with ideas and research about inclusive practices and supporting children with additional needs.

2. Zero to Three – Leadership in Infant–Toddler Program: Zero to Three offers research‑based guidance on leading high‑quality programs for infants and toddlers, with a strong focus on brain development, relationships, and responsive caregiving. Their leadership resources help educators strengthen program quality, family partnerships, and reflective supervision.https://www.zerotothree.org/

3. CELA (Community Early Learning Australia) – Leadership Courses: CELA provides practical leadership training tailored to directors, educational leaders, and emerging leaders in ECE. Their courses focus on team culture, compliance leadership, communication, and building confident, capable leadership across services. https://www.cela.org.au

4. KU Children’s Services – Inclusion Agency NSW/ACT-KU’s Inclusion Agency supports leaders to embed inclusive practice through coaching, capability building, and tailored professional guidance. Their approach strengthens leadership confidence in supporting children with diverse needs and fostering equitable, high‑quality learning environments. https://inclusionagencynswact.org.au

5. Raising Children Network:  It provides evidence‑based information on child development, behaviour, and family support that leaders can use to guide practice and mentor teams. The resources help leaders make informed decisions and support educators in delivering developmentally appropriate, inclusive programs. https://raisingchildren.net.au

The next wesite that we have is Wholeflow.com.au

WholeFlow Inclusion Co is a values-led practice framework and resource hub designed to support people across the lifespan.

At its core, WholeFlow Inclusion Co honours the understanding that behaviour is communication and that meaningful change begins with connection.WholeFlow Inclusion Co exists to bridge that gap.

Their approach draws from:

• Child development theory and lived practice

• Social-emotional learning and regulation research

• Inclusive, strengths-based and trauma-aware frameworks

Blog/Article: Teacher magazine - Teacher

Teacher Magazine is published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and features articles about leadership, wellbeing, classroom practice, and educational innovation. The articles are research-based but written in a clear and practical way for educators.

Educational leadership organisations: ACEL

ACEL is a professional organisation that supports leadership development in Australian education. It provides leadership programs, conferences, webinars, and articles that help educators grow into effective leaders.

Professional learning resources: VISIBLE LEARNING - Information About What Works Best For Learning

Visible Learning focuses on evidence-based teaching and leadership practices that improve student outcomes. The platform shares research, professional learning resources, and strategies widely used in Australian schools.

Inclusion agencies: Inclusion Support Program - Department of Education, Australian Government

Supports early childhood services to create inclusive learning environments for children with additional needs.

Webinar: Free On-Demand Leadership Webinars | Real Learning Experience

These short leadership webinars provide practical strategies that educators and leaders can apply in real workplace settings. The sessions focus on communication, teamwork, staff wellbeing, and effective leadership skills in education. They are easy to access, concise, and useful for ongoing professional learning.

1. The Empowered Educator Podcast
This podcast talks about real experiences in early childhood education, including leadership, teamwork, educator wellbeing, and confidence.

https://theempowerededucatoronline.com/2025/06/podcast-ep-02-sensory-integration.html

2. Teacher Tom Blog
This blog shares different ideas and reflections about children behaviour, play, and relationships in early childhood settings. It gives real and honest perspective about working with children and being a thoughtful educator.

https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com

3. Early Childhood Australia – Leadership Resources
This website has useful leadership articles, resources, and professional learning materials for educators and room leaders.

https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

4. Semann & Slattery
Semann and Slattery provide professional development, training and consultancy related to leadership, inclusion, trauma, practice and educator wellbeing.

https://www.semannslattery.com

5. Inspired EC
Inspired EC shares practical ideas, webinars, training, resources and practical ideas for educators and leaders in the sector.

https://www.inspiredec.com

6. Aussie Childcare Network
This website has articles, activity ideas, templates, programming support, and professional information for early childhood educators.

https://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au

The video also highlighted how reflection and collaboration are important for improving teaching practices. I could relate this to my own experience while working in childcare because educators often work together to solve problems, support children’s needs, and create better learning experiences. Another important message from this video was that everyone can demonstrate leadership, even student educators. Leadership can be shown through being responsible, supportive, positive, and willing to learn from others. This video encouraged me to become more confident in contributing ideas and working collaboratively with my team. I think this video is very useful for educators because it reminds us that good leadership helps build stronger relationships, better teamwork, and positive outcomes for children.

Spencer, R. A., Joshi, N., Branje, K., Murray, N., Kirk, S. F., & Stone, M. R. (2021). Early childhood educator perceptions of risky play in an outdoor loose parts intervention. AIMS public health, 8(2), 213–228. https://doi.org/10.3934/publichealth.2021017

Risky play and outdoor pedagogy is an approach to early childhood education that recognises the importance of children taking manageable risks through play and exploration. It encourages children to engage in challenging experiences such as climbing, balancing, exploring nature, and problem-solving in outdoor environments. Rather than eliminating all risks, educators support children to develop confidence, resilience, independence, and decision-making skills in a safe and supervised way.

This approach strongly aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework through promoting children’s wellbeing, agency, and active learning. It also connects with the National Quality Standard by supporting safe environments, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for physical and cognitive development. Risky play helps children build self-confidence, persistence, and resilience while encouraging curiosity and engagement with the world around them.

I explored RARE training which helped me to refresh and enhance my understanding knowledge about children safety and educators' wellbeing which I found really useful and beneficial.

• Behavior support grounded in psychology, not just ECEC compliance

• Practical, real‑world strategies for trauma, behavior, and emotional regulation

• High‑energy presenters who use humor, storytelling, and real case examples

• PD that educators actually enjoy, not dry theory

• A strong inclusion lens that aligns with your EAL/EALD and wellbeing focus

• Workshops that challenge traditional thinking about behavior, triggers, and educator response

  
  

  1. Strengthens your ability to lead behaviour practice across the team

  Rare Training gives you:

  • A shared language for behaviour

  • Clear frameworks you can teach to others

  • Practical strategies you can model and coach

    2 Builds confidence in having difficult conversations

    Their approach helps leaders:

    • Understand triggers (child AND educator)

    • Respond without blame

    • Reframe behaviour as communication

    This makes it easier to guide colleagues who may be struggling, without conflict or defensiveness. A strong Educational Leader needs this emotional intelligence.

  • 3. Enhances reflective practice and team culture

    Rare Training encourages:

    • Reflecting on your own responses

    • Understanding educator stress cycles

    • Creating psychologically safe teams

    This directly supports transformational leadership.

    . Boosts educator wellbeing.

    Social media-Digital Child /Educators - Digital Child

  • Instagram

    👉 https://www.instagram.com/digitalchild_au/ (instagram.com in Bing)

    LinkedIn

    👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/centre-for-digital-child/ (linkedin.com in Bing)

    Educator Resource Hub (their main site)

    👉 https://digitalchild.org.au/educators/

  • Digital Child is one of the few Australian research centres producing fresh, practical, evidence‑based insights on:

    • digital wellbeing

    • children’s online behaviours

    • educator digital capability

    • AI, technology, and early learning

    • family digital habits

    • safe image‑sharing and privacy

    • STEAM and digital play

      Webners

    • Semann & Slattery – Leadership, Culture & Reflective Practice

      Focus: Transformational leadership, team culture, identity, ethics Why it’s out of the box: Deep thinking, provocations, not compliance‑based Link: https://semannslattery.com

      -Practical, flexible learning created by specialists in education and leadership. Explore topics like pedagogy, communication, team culture and strategic change. Choose formats that fit your goals and support real impact on your work.

    • The Kindness Curriculum – Compassionate Leadership

      Focus: Mindfulness, wellbeing, emotional intelligence Why it’s out of the box: Leadership through kindness + neuroscience Link: https://thekindnesscurriculum.com

    • -practical, flexible learning created by specialists in education and leadership” strengthens YOUR leadership — especially as an emerging Educational Leader.

      #Blogs

    • Visible Child (Lisa Murphy)

      Why it’s powerful: Focuses on relationships, emotional connection, behaviour, and respectful leadership. Link: https://visiblechild.com

    • Why it’s practical: Reflective practice, team culture, wellbeing, and leadership confidence. Link: https://theempowerededucatoronline.com

    
    

Early Childhood Education Resources

Websites / Blogs

• https://blog.storypark.com

I would recommend this website because it provide practical ideas for early childhood practice. It also support reflective thinking, play-based learning and strong partnerships with families. It help educators understand children’s learning through real examples from practice.

• https://www.cela.org.au

 This is useful because it supports educators with professional learning and leadership development. It helps to  improve teaching quality and give practical strategies that can be used in everyday practice.

·       https://www.education.gov.au/download/2409/early-childhood-literacy-and-numeracy-building-good-practice-resources-cards/3344/document/pdf

I would recommend this resource because it gives simple and practical ways to support children’s early literacy and numeracy. It shows how learning can happen through play and daily routines.

·       https://qrto.org/o17NcG

This resource is helpful because it provides additional professional learning support. It helps educators strengthen their knowledge and improve their practice in early childhood settings.

Inclusion / Behaviour Support

·       https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/student-wellbeing/whole-school-approach/media/inclusive-engaging-and-respectful/Student_Behaviour_fact_sheet.pdf

 I would recommend this because it guides educators in using positive behaviour support. It  also promote respectful, safe and inclusive learning environments for all children.

• https://inclusionagencynswact.org.au/about/the-inclusion-support-program  – This is important because it support inclusive education for all children including those with additional needs. It help educators to use appropriate strategies so every child can participate and feel a sense of belonging.

Documentation & Family Communication Tools

• https://blog.storypark.com

I would recommend this because it support communication between educators and families. It also allows educators to share children’s learning and involve families in the learning process. This is useful because it supports planning, observation, and reflection. It helps educators connect children’s interests with intentional teaching and learning outcomes.

On their website and platform, educational leaders may join their membership for education workshops, professional development events and supporting research, books or online programs for professional development.

https://www.earlyeducationshow.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com The conversations are honest, reflective and practical. It discusses the “real” side of working in early childhood education, including challenges educators face, leadership pressures and improving practice for children and families.