Your educators attend a professional learning session. Feedback is positive, everyone has useful ideas, and the team feels enthusiastic. Several weeks later, very little has changed.
That does not necessarily mean the training was unsuccessful. Knowing something and applying it in a busy early childhood setting are different tasks.
Knowledge and implementation are two different things
Educators can understand a concept during training yet find it difficult to apply while supporting many children, managing transitions and responding to unexpected situations.
Professional learning is more likely to become part of practice when the team identifies achievable changes, has opportunities to try them and receives supportive feedback.
Educational leaders can connect new knowledge to familiar routines, encourage small changes and make time for short reflective conversations.
Rather than expecting a single workshop to transform practice, organisations can combine professional learning with follow-up coaching, practical examples and implementation support.
Let's make this practical
What could you try tomorrow?
Choose a situation and turn the card over to reveal a practical idea.
IDEA 1Educators enjoyed the workshop, but routines are unchangedWas there an implementation goal?Reveal the strategy
Choose one clear action before the workshop finishes. Decide when the team will try it and when they will reflect on what happened.
Close strategyIDEA 2Educators say there is no timeCan learning fit existing routines?Reveal the strategy
Adapt an existing group time, transition or play experience rather than adding a separate activity that creates more preparation.
Close strategyIDEA 3Confidence differs between roomsWhat can leaders do after training?Reveal the strategy
Hold short, supportive conversations about what educators observed, what they adjusted and where they need further guidance.
Close strategyBefore booking another workshop, ask: 'What will help educators apply and reflect on this learning afterwards?'
Implementation depends on the service context and educator support. Explore Play Move Improve organisational partnerships: https://www.playmoveimprove.com/partnerships.
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR TEAM
Want more ideas for your kindergarten?
I have professional learning and practical resources covering this topic, alongside movement, play, sensory development, regulation and learning readiness.
If your educators are experiencing similar challenges, my free PD Needs Check can help identify two professional learning sessions relevant to your team.
Two live, 30-minute staff meeting webinars are currently available for $850 including GST under the early-booking offer.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Ask me about your kindergarten's challenges
If something in this article sounds familiar, you're welcome to send me a quick message. Tell me what your team is noticing, and I'll read your question personally.
Please don't include children's names or other identifying or sensitive information.