Nature Play and Beyond – Showcasing Good Practice

Presented by: City of Whittlesea Children and Families and City of Whittlesea Conservation and Biodiversity

Quality Area 3

Join us for this interactive and engaging session where we will showcase three services who actively engage in extending nature play or bush kinders beyond their facilitates.   The services will share information on how their outings work, practical information on how they happen and some of the barriers they have overcome to ensure good practice and safety for all involved.   Use this as an opportunity to feel inspired and skilled to move forward in your planning for stepping out to your local area beyond the building and ask the questions to overcome what has been holding you back. 

We encourage you to also link into the bus tour on Tuesday 25th March

When: Tuesday 4 March, 6:30pm -8pm

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Bookings: Booking is essential via www.trybooking.com/CWZEQ

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Guiding Behaviour

Presented by: Anthony Semann

Quality Area 2 and 5

This session on Guiding Children’s Behaviour is designed to help early childhood educators understand and support children's social-emotional development through positive guidance techniques as well as teaching prosocial skills. We’ll explore proactive strategies that encourage respectful and constructive interactions, fostering an environment that balances empathy with clear expectations. Participants will learn how to interpret behaviour as a form of communication, identifying underlying needs and developmental stages that influence children's actions. The session will also address common challenges, providing tools to help children develop self-regulation skills, make choices, and build resilience. Through practical examples educators will gain confidence in responding calmly and consistently to behaviours, using guidance as a teaching opportunity to build children’s emotional intelligence. By the end, educators will feel equipped to create a nurturing and respectful environment that supports positive behaviour, strengthening relationships and fostering a community of mutual respect and growth.

When: Thursday 13 March, 6:30pm -8:30pm

Where: Online

Cost: $40

Bookings: Booking is essential via www.trybooking.com/CWZER

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Nature Play Bus Tour for Educators

Presented by: City of Whittlesea Children and Families and City of Whittlesea Conservation and Biodiversity

Quality Area 3

Following on from our Showcasing Nature Play (Tuesday 4th March) session, we encourage you to join us outdoors to network and engage with like-minded nature play enthusiasts to build ideas and gain connections on how to use the outdoor space.   We will visit areas ideal for nature play or bush kinders where we will show fun activities with the support of Eco Explorers which you could add to your plans for outings or in your own outdoor spaces. 

Use the time to be creative to consider what can happen when out in nature, what learning can take place and how the outdoor space can be as important as what learning happens indoors at your centres. 

You will also have an opportunity to connect with the City of Whittlesea team to hear about the networks of natural reserves right on your doorstep. 

Join us for an afternoon of fun, exploring and play and remember to dress for the outdoors and for easy walking. 

When: Tuesday 25 March, 12pm – 4pm

Where: City of Whittlesea, Council Offices, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Cost: $20

Bookings: Booking is essential via www.trybooking.com/CWZEU

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Embedding Inclusion Before You Need To

Presented by: Victorian Inclusion Agency (Community Child Care Association)

Quality Area 1

Join us for an insightful professional discussion on proactive measures for including children with additional needs in your classroom. Explore the art of preparing well in advance and learn more about creating effective strategies (and adapting them) to ensure inclusion within your learning environment and service.  Engage in meaningful dialogue with experts in inclusion support who will share ideas that will help you ensure that every child’s educational journey is one of learning, support and growth.

When: Thursday 27 March, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where: City of Whittlesea, Council Offices, Fountain View Room, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Cost: Free

Bookings: Booking is essential via www.trybooking.com/CXCDA

For more information: Contact Council’s Family Services Education Officer on 9217 2170 or email familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au