The Educational Leaders gathered for their first meeting of the year, engaging in thoughtful discussions aimed at enhancing curriculum and practices, supporting their commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and rich curriculums across their services.
A key focus of the meeting was an exploration of Storypark’s different features, and their ability to strengthen curriculum collaboration between educators and families. The educational leaders examined additional ways to foster authentic partnerships with families through Storypark’s various functions, exploring how family voices and children’s home lives can be meaningfully integrated into the curriculum through this platform.
The educational leaders attended the Storypark AI launch webinar, which provided insights into the platform’s newest features and functionality. Reflective discussions on the platform’s newest development, focused on how Storypark’s AI functions can support high quality evidence of children’s learning and development, whilst increasing efficiency in documentation processes. Critical reflection on the implications and benefits of using Storypark’s various AI tools will support our community in evaluating the use of these applications.
The Educational Leaders continued their deep inquiry and research into learning through play, within the context of an emergent, child-directed and centred curriculum. Educators engaged in hands-on, play-based exploration of the company’s pedagogical documentation, reflecting on how children’s play, interests and spontaneous learning moments guide reflective and responsive assessment and planning cycles.
Discussions also included ongoing research into Sustainability and STEM approaches, emphasising how these are integrated into curriculum and practices to enrich children’s learning opportunities and outcomes.
“Promoting and Engaging with ECA’s Statement of Play”
The meeting also featured an inspiring presentation from Sarah, the Educational Leader at Tanunda. She shared her centre’s journey of unpacking the ECA Statement of Play, focusing on how engaging in professional development sparked a centre-wide inquiry. This encouraged educators to reflect on their practices and engage in continuous professional growth. Sarah also shared strategies for involving educators in reflective practice, which helps shape ongoing professional development efforts.
