Facilitator: 
Robyn Papworth - Paediatric exercise physiologist and developmental education specialist

Description:
This workshop aims to empower educators with the knowledge and skills to design and implement inclusive play environments for children with special needs and development delays. 

Workshop Outline: 

• Understanding the importance of inclusive play 
• Types of special needs and their impact on play 
• Challenges faced by children with special needs 
• Adapting existing spaces for inclusivity 
• Strategies for promoting interaction 
• Building empathy and understanding 

Facilitator: 
Niki Moodie - Director, The Rumpus Room

Description:
Niki Moodie explores the transformative approach of grouping children by interest rather than age, to cultivate a community of learners rather than a traditional classroom. This session delves into the journey towards an inclusive setting that embraces all ages, recognising children as unique individuals leading their own learning journey.

Workshop outline:

• Benefits of mixed-age grouping: Exploring the advantages for children and educators, including enhanced learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
• Implementing interest-based grouping: Practical strategies for creating an environment where children can lead their learning, and staff can draw upon their strengths and passions.
• Tailoring mixed-age grouping to fit the unique needs of your service and community.
• Navigating the path toward change: Tips on maintaining momentum through reflective practices and open communication within your team.

Facilitator:
Kirsty Piendl and Melanie Elderton, Explore & Develop 

Description:
Working closely with an occupational therapist to support a specific child in managing their emotions inspired the implementation of the Zones of Regulation at Explore & Develop Annandale. Zones of Regulation, created by Leah Kuyper, has now become a teaching tool for the whole preschool group at Explore & Develop Annandale. Kuyper’s work transforms the complex notion of self-regulation, as developed by Stuart Shanker, into a child-appropriate tool to support children in understanding their emotions and associated behaviours.

Workshop outline: 

• Learn about the Zones of Regulation and how the program’s success at E&D Annandale prompted the teaching team to consider how the Zones could support younger children’s developing emotional literacy, while also providing a framework for the team to talk about their own mental health and emotional well-being.
• Find out how the Zones of Regulation have become an embedded practice and the tools the team use to support self-regulation.
• Hear stories of how the Zones have supported families at home. 

Facilitator:

Lisa Walker, Cultural Advisor in conversation with CELA's Jannelle Gallagher

Description:

"Cultural safety is the positive recognition and celebration of cultures. It is more than just the absence of racism or discrimination and more than ‘cultural awareness’ and ‘cultural sensitivity’. It empowers people, enables them to contribute, and feel safe to be themselves.” (SNAICC, 2021)

Cultural safety is essential for the well-being of First Nations children, families, communities, and team members, representing a lifelong journey of mutual cultural learning. Unlike simply avoiding racism or discrimination, cultural safety celebrates diverse cultures, empowering individuals to fully participate and be themselves. Neglecting cultural safety can have detrimental effects on First Nations communities.

During our yarn with Lisa, we will unpack what cultural safety looks and feels like in an early learning service and the cultural harm that can impact on First Nations families, children, and team members when there is a lack of cultural safety.

Lisa will share her vast experience in creating a culturally safe environment, gifting educators practical examples of how their service can begin and sustain their journey toward being an authentic and culturally safe space where First Nations peoples feel welcomed, respected and valued for who they are and what they bring to your space.

Facilitator:
Dr Rachel Chapman, Lecturer and Curriculum Specialist, Melbourne Polytechnic

Description:
This workshop delves into the effects of gender representation in media and popular culture on children and early childhood education. Rachel will explore key questions surrounding the importance of addressing gender representations in educational settings, the selection of resources mindful of these representations, and the overall impact on young learners.

Workshop outline:

• Examine contemporary research in this area, including Rachel's research study that examined early childhood educators’ perceptions and understandings of gender identities, and their roles within early childhood settings.  
• Explore the need for the enactment of gender-inclusive and expansive practices through addressing gender holistically in practice, including an understanding of the messages being delivered through media, including popular culture and books. 
• Understand implications for future practice in early childhood education.  
• Gain practical guidance on analysing, selecting and utilising resources. 

Facilitator:
Travis Saunders, autism advocate and keynote speaker

Description:
Autism advocate, mentor and keynote speaker Travis Saunders will take you on a journey to provide a deep dive into autism and family life. He explores what all parents wish teachers understood about their child from day one. Teachers will leave with strategies to support effective communication and develop long-term relationships with children and their whole family. 

Workshop outline:

• How and why Travis and his family cycled 5,600 kms across the USA with their autistic son Patch, and how he learned to communicate via spelling on a letterboard. 
• What an autism diagnosis looks and feels like for the entire family 
• The importance of embracing autism and thinking differently 
• How presuming competence changes lives 
• Why words matter 
• The importance of community 
• Communication: Choice and control 
• Meaningful participation, equal rights and active inclusion 

"This presentation is emotional, it's uplifting, it's thought-provoking… and ultimately help you build a community for the neurodivergent children that you support." 

Hear from Autism advocate and keynote speaker, Travis Saunders: