An Education POD - Pedagogical, Operational Development & Support

Life update! I realised that updating social media is a full time job, and requires a lot of skill that I don't have, so as you can tell, this page has been quiet for a while.

I am pleased to announce I am working as a contractor with Coactive Education as a PLD facilitator, working online and face to face. Take a look at their website to find workshops in your area. If you want me to come to your centre, feel free to complete the online form to book me or one of the other talented facilitators.

If you wish to work with me independently, please email me on [email protected] to find out more.

Exciting times and new learning awaits 🥰

Rebecca Hellowell | Coactive Education With 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector, I haveworked in a variety of roles, from teacher and tutor to curriculum leader, and for thepast seven years, as the operations manager for a group of community-basedcentres in Auckland. My diverse background allows me to emp...

In their own time.

Need someone to talk to?

I can support you with all your curriculum, governance, management and leadership needs.

Contact me for a free 15 minute chat to find out more
Email [email protected] or PM me here

Care is the curriculum.

We often focus on activities and keeping children entertained, which creates pressure and stress on the kaiako, and overwhelmed tamariki.

It is possible to slow down, have happy, safe, and engaged children, and kaiako who are present head, heart and hands.

Contact me to find out how I can help you, bring this vision to life.

Have you created your quality practice template yet?

This can be a valuable tool for setting expectations on what good looks like in your centre.

While it takes some time to develop, the conversations among leaders and kaiako is invaluable for understanding where each member of the team determines their practice and best practice.

You need to be prepared for some courageous conversations during the discussion and also the silences where you can see their might be tension or conflict that needs unpacking.

Once you have had a robust conversation and the team have agreed to this as a guide (I see it as somewhere to bounce off, it should always grow and develop), it can be a great tool for kaiako to remind each other what was agreed to, and revisit it as a team if practices start to move in a different direction.

I can support you facilitating this conversation. Contact me for a free 15 minute chat to see how I can help.

You can find it here
https://teachingcouncil.nz/.../Quality-Practice-Template...

(Old example from centres I worked at in 2021)

Thanks for the great review Anjum

"Bec passion speaks with an action. She continues to thrive and share her knowledge that helps the teachers to grow and be confident. She supports when needed at all times. Her knowledge to help in ECE sectors brings out the best quality practice"

Teacher

As we start thinking about Easter rituals, it's always good to remember your WHY?

A previous centre I worked with reframed their intentions around centre parties/events to:

"it's time to be WITH children and families" rather than do things to or for them".

This changed their approach from activities, entertainment, stress and overexcitement to slowing down, creating space to be with families, have time to talk, eat, play and connect.

Our philosophy (our why) should be grounded in all that we do, and it's ok to question
Why are we doing this?
Whose it for?
How does this align with our vision?

How are you acknowledging Easter this year?

Another lovely review. Working alongside likeminded people is always inspiring

"Rebecca is an outstanding educational leader with a deep passion for working with young children and enhancing their learning experiences. I will highly recommend her".

Shweta - Teacher

How can I help?

Curriculum
• Infant and toddlers - Care as curriculum, with a focus on respect based approaches and the importance of the first 3 years of life
• Social competence - understanding and supporting tamariki behaviour and emotional needs
• Play based learning - uninterrupted, child led play
• Learning stories - planning and assessment
• Environments - safe, homely and meeting the needs of all

Leadership, governance and management
• Internal Evaluation
• Professional growth cycles that make sense
• Developing a strategic plan and working towards a shared vision
Leadership and leading change

I can also tailor something to meet your needs, send me a message and we can have a free 15 minute chat to find out how.