VEYLDF Alignment
Item uses these practice principles: Reflective practice, High expectations for every child, Integrated teaching and learning approaches, Partnerships with professionals.
Item responds to these sub-outcomes: Children become strong in their social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.
Description
The Bush/Nature kindergarten training packages from the ECO Learning Network are designed to assist and guide educators and services to establish place-based outdoor learning programs in Victoria. The training packages are run by teachers who are currently running
nature programs in their services. Training options include:
Option 1: Training package (dates set by the ECO Learning Network)
This three-session package provides pedagogical knowledge and practical information about setting up a nature program. It includes a site visit to a nature kindergarten. Participants learn how to develop a place-based outdoor learning program, including tools to:
- create a program in their local environment (such as the bush, the beach or a park)
- meet regulatory obligations
- develop relationships with land managers
- develop the program and documentation
- foreground First Peoples perspectives in outdoor programs.
Option 2: Individual service training package
This includes all aspects of option 1 but is delivered at a single
service and personalised for a team of educators. This training package can be run over two days without site visits, or three days with site visits. Training can be delivered in any region in Victoria.
Option 3: Community training package
This training package includes all aspects of option 1 but delivered
within your local area with other local services over two consecutive days.
Option 4: Onsite support
Professional support to select a nature site and/or work with a teaching team as they establish the nature program. Site selection and mentoring for program development occurs in the first month.
Option 5: Practice improvement for existing nature programs
This includes working with educators who have already started to develop a nature program and are interested in further support through critical reflective practice.
Option 6: Whole-community engagement
This includes presentations to families, teaching teams, local councils and/or land managers that support the development of nature programs in a local area, outlining the benefits for children and communities.
Option 7: ECO Learning Network annual conference
Participation in the annual conference held in March or April. The conference draws together local and international speakers who support educators' interest in nature programs and embed First Peoples perspectives.
***COVID-19***
During COVID-19 restrictions training packages 1-3 can be delivered over two days without the visit to a nature kindergarten.
Detailed Costs
Option 1: $600 per person
Option 2: Total cost $6000
Option 3: Cost $600 per person, with a minimum attendance requirement of 10 people
Option 4: Cost $ $150 per hour, plus travel (see travel costs outlined below)
Option 5: Cost $150 per hour, plus travel (see travel costs outlined below)
Option 6: Cost $750 per hour, plus travel (see travel costs outlined below)
Option 7: $250 for two days
ECOLN charges travel and accommodation costs as follows:
Within a 250km radius of Melbourne - 70 cents per km, plus a $40 fee per presenter to cover any additional costs incurred
For services outside if the 250km radius there may be additional costs if an extra night's stay is required or if presenters are required to fly to the site
Accommodation is charged at $400 for two nights for two presenters
Services should also consider backfill costs
Implementation Considerations
Target population: early childhood education and care services.
Program/practice descriptions and details: training delivered over three days is broken down as follows: day one is an introduction, day two is a site visit and day three concentrates on planning.
Staffing: services should consider the cost of backfill when determining the cost of accessing this program.
Training requirements: there are no pre-requisites for participants to attend this training.
Priority Area
Wellbeing (social and emotional)
Strength of Evidence
Level 5 – Foundational research evidence