When children have opportunities to make decisions about the curriculum, their sense of agency and self-esteem is enhanced. A strong sense of agency enables children to influence the world around them and develop the capacity to be confident, successful learners.  Educators play a key role in supporting children’s agency through intentional planning, curriculum and pedagogy.

 LINKS to APST  Knowledge 2.3, 1.5   Practice 3.3, 3.2    Engagement 6.2, 7.4

 LINKS TO NQS QA1  QA5  QA6

 This session will support participants to increase their knowledge of children’s agency and reflect on their image of children. As they reflect on current practices, they will develop ways to plan for children as active contributors to the curriculum. Participants will gain insights into creating environments, routines and teaching strategies that support children’s agency.

Presenter: Debbie Cole

Debbie Cole is currently working as an early childhood trainer and consultant.  In this role, she works with a range of organisations to develop and facilitate professional learning programs and resources.

She is a qualified kindergarten teacher and has a number of early childhood qualifications, including a Master of Education.  She has extensive experience in children’s services, including management of the children’s program at Gowrie Victoria (North Carlton). She has also worked as a teacher and course coordinator at Swinburne University and a casual lecturer at RMIT.

She has a strong interest in the development of high quality curriculum and pedagogy and uses her experience in these areas to inspire change and innovative practice.