Professional Development
Here at Learn Play Thrive we love nothing more than creating inspiring, interactive and impactful professional development for educators and leaders in the sector.
We have a range of dynamic Early Childhood Education and Care topics. Our unique online, on-demand courses are designed and delivered by sector leaders with current knowledge and expertise in mind to support your learning journey.
What makes our professional development different?
✅ Led by passionate sector leaders from across the globe.
✅ Includes educator insights, podcasts and videos.
✅ Shares inspiring, play-based learning ideas.
✅ Interactive, self-paced and run for just 1-2 hours.
✅ Accessible for 3 months.
✅ Course workbook and certificate provided.
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2 hour online course
This essential course offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamentals of child development from birth to 3 years. You’ll delve into the science of early brain development and investigate theoretical perspectives that underpin the facilitation of meaningful play for infants and toddlers. Empower yourself with the knowledge to enrich learning and advocate for the youngest learners in your care!
Presenter Lizzie Seargent
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2 hour online course
This course delves deep into the key developmental domains and milestones specific to the preschool age group, exploring how they relate to the principles and practices of the EYLF V2.0.
You’ll learn ways to intentionally support children's individual strengths, abilities, and interests in alignment with developmental progression. You’ll also discover evidence-informed strategies based on early brain science to nurture healthy neurological development during this critical stage.
Presenter Lizzie Seargent
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1 hour online course
This introductory professional development course is designed to deepen your knowledge of the foundational importance of language and literacy development in early childhood. You'll discover effective ways to nurture print awareness, foster emergent reading and writing skills, and strengthen children’s oral language. You’ll learn innovative ideas for developing literacy-enriched environments that align with the EYF V2.0 and NQS.
Presenter Simone Brand
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2 hour online course
This course comprehensively explores how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) can be meaningfully embedded into early childhood education. It will equip you to create engaging STEM-based learning environments where children naturally develop confidence, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills through play.
Presenter Simone Brand
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1 hour online course
This professional development course shares ways to embed mindful movement into everyday rhythms and routines, focusing on its benefits for children’s wellbeing, focus, and emotional regulation. Linked to the EYLF V2.0, it provides play-based experiences including simple breathing techniques, yoga, and movement-based storytelling to help educators create calm, supportive learning environments.
Presenter Lindsay Laing
2 hour online course
This course will reignite your passion for connecting young children with the outdoors! We dive deep into nature play pedagogy, uncovering its benefits to foster holistic development and well-being. You’ll explore ways to design and integrate nature play spaces into your early education setting; discover the benefits of risky play; and learn how to ethically source and utilise natural, play-based resources.
Presenter Lizzie Seargent
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1 hour online course
This course is your guide to understanding and positively influencing children's behaviour in a way that is respectful, relational, and effective. Discover how to embrace a responsive, rights-based approach that sees behaviour as powerful communication.
You'll gain an understanding of core theories and practical strategies, empowering you to confidently navigate challenging moments and create a supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and understood.
Presenter Simone Brand
1.5 hour online course
This is your essential guide to understanding, nurturing, and embedding social and emotional learning (SEL) into your everyday interactions with young children. This course is a powerful blend of theory and practice, designed to deepen your understanding of how SEL shapes a young child's development. You'll take away a toolkit of practical play-based strategies to confidently foster empathy, resilience, and positive relationships.
Presenter Simone Brand
1.5 hour online course
Unlock the transformative power of the Montessori method and its core principles to foster independence and a lifelong love of learning in young children. You’ll discover the origins and philosophy of Montessori education, including how the prepared environment, the absorbent mind, practical life and child-led learning can support holistic growth.
Presented by USA Montessori Teacher Cara Zelas, you’ll learn ways to integrate key Montessori philosophical pillars into daily routines and classroom flow in any early childhood setting.
International Presenter Cara Zelas
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1 hour online course
Elevate your practice by gaining a deeper understanding of the types and effects of trauma in young children. Discover how the core principles of trauma-informed care align with the EYLF V2.0 and NQS. You’ll explore how trauma-aware practices can foster safety, regulation, calm, and connection. Acquire the tools and confidence to implement effective trauma-informed strategies in early learning environments that help ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Presenter Rachael O’Brien
1.5 hour online course
Designed to empower educators and sector leaders to leverage critical reflection for enhanced teaching and learning practices in early education. You’ll explore the foundational principles, unpack why critical reflection is essential in ECEC settings, and learn how to apply reflective frameworks. This course offers a clear, practical pathway into critically reflective practice. You’ll take away tools to help you slow down, analyse play experiences with intention, and engage in richer dialogue with your team.
Presenter Angela Andonopoulos
8 hours over 4 weeks
in-person course
This course is designed specifically for educators motivated to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routines to create calmer, more resilient environments for both themselves and the children in their care.
Participants will gain knowledge about mindfulness, mindful movement, and ways to create calming, inviting spaces for young children. You'll discover ways to embed mindfulness into play-based experiences that enable children to learn age-appropriate mindfulness techniques in an interactive and engaging way.
Presenter Lindsay Laing