This two-day workshop is designed for preschool directors and school administrators to explore the transformative power of playful leadership in early childhood education. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions that emphasize the importance of play in fostering creativity, connection, and a positive school culture. Through self-assessments, role-playing, and action planning, attendees will identify their leadership styles—insulators, conductors, or transformers—and learn strategies to implement playful practices that enhance learning environments for both staff and students.

Objectives
Participants will:

• Explore research on the significance of play in early childhood development and its impact on school culture.
• Assess and discuss personal leadership styles (insulator, conductor, transformer) to understand how they influence school dynamics.
• Create and share practical strategies for integrating play into administrative practices and daily interactions within the school.
• Engage in team-building activities that promote collaboration among administrators, enhancing communication and relationship-building.
• Develop a personalized action plan for implementing playful leadership initiatives in participants’ schools, with peer feedback for refinement.
• Establish a community of practice among participants for ongoing support, idea sharing, and collaboration beyond the workshop.

Outline

Day 1: Embracing Playful Leadership

• Foundations of Playful Leadership
• The Science of Play in Early Education
• Understanding Playful Leadership
• Hands-On Play-Based Strategies
• Creating a Playful Environment

Day 2: Practical Applications and Community Building

• Implementing Playful Leadership
• Leading with Playfulness
• Techniques for fostering a playful atmosphere among staff and students
• Exploring Playful Leadership Styles
• Developing a Playful Leadership Action Plan

Trainer’s Profile
In addition to 25+ years experience in the formal and informal education worlds, Dr. Diane S. earned her M.T. and PhD in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. She founded a preschool built on the idea that all children were natural scientists and explorers (and that picture books could connect all of the thematic units). While working in the museum education field, she developed and provided in-person and virtual hands-on STEAM programs that inspired curiosity and wonder in children of all ages. Dr. Diane currently works with teachers across the country, focusing on connecting multicultural literature with engaging and meaningful STEAM challenges. She is an adjunct professor for the University of Virginia and Shenandoah University, and hosts an Adventures in Learning podcast that explores connections between picture books and STEAM.

Methodology
This workshop offers multiple engagement opportunities, including experiential and collaborative learning practices. Participants will have the opportunity and are expected to be active participants in the discussion, both within the small and large group formats, reflecting on their own educational journey and classroom observations.

Target Audience
Administrators, program directors, and other school leadership staff that support the education of students ages 3-8.

Fees
1 person: AUD1190.00/person
2 to 4 person: AUD1090.00/person
5 person & more: AUD890.00/person

Venue
Adelaide, Australia (exact location to be advised)
Information on Entering Australia Requirements

Other Details
Duration: 2 days, 12 hours
Closing Date:  1 Apr 2025

See also Other Upcoming Workshops …

• Playful Leadership: Sparking a Joyful Learning Environment - 19 Mar 2025 - 20 Mar 2025 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Singapore
• Playful Leadership: Sparking a Joyful Learning Environment - 4 Jun 2025 - 5 Jun 2025 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Adelaide