Links to The Shine Bright Way: keeping the joy, professionalism, every moment matters, collaborative generative thinking, open to complexity, foregrounding Aboriginal perspectives.
Quality areas
1.3.2 Critical reflection – critical reflection on children’s learning and development, both as individuals and in groups, drives program planning and implementation.
Description
Reflective Practice using Arts-based processes to support reflection provides Educators an opportunity to critically reflect on their practice, approaches, beliefs and assumptions. Case discussion forms a core component of this facilitated Reflective Practice. The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework identifies Critical Reflection as a key practice principle – prioritising time for this in a supported environment impacts directly on all practice principles, builds capability and team cohesion and ultimately improves outcomes for children, families and Educators.
Reference
The National Quality Standard (NQS, QAs 1 & 4) and the EYLF recognise that reflective educators are more likely to:
- develop greater self awareness about the values and beliefs informing their practice and decision making
- understand the ethical nature of their work
- examine the theories underpinning practice
- engage in a continuous cycle of inquiry and improvement
- challenge taken for granted practices
- identify and take action about gaps in their professional knowledge.
Well-supported educators and staff are critical to quality education and care and outcomes for children, families and communities across Australia. When approved providers and service leaders prioritise the wellbeing of their team, they can positively inspire the confidence of all involved. ACECQA has developed a poster series to support and promote educator wellbeing. Posters | ACECQA
Thoughts from Educators
As a staff group, we have found Amelia’s session extremely valuable, enjoyable, relaxing, and full of knowledge.
Georgina (Marong)
Each one of us look forward to these bi-termly sessions (we wish we could have them every week!). We have found that we have become even closer as a staffing group, we feel comfortable and confident to speak our minds during these sessions and love to chat. Amelia allows us to speak our minds, allows our thoughts to be heard and allows us time to reflect.
Package costing
Option 1 – Two x 1.5 hour sessions per term
Total cost of Shine Bright Allied Health professional = $4,200
Plus staff backfill/additional hours = 12.5 hours per staff member
Option 2 – One x 1.5 hour session per term
Total cost of Shine Bright Allied Health professional = $2,100
Plus staff backfill/additional hours = 6 hours per staff member