Early Years Expert in Broken Hill
Early Years Discussion Group
An internationally renowned expert in the area of children’s learning through play will be in Broken Hill this weekend to train local early childhood educators and carers.
The Early Years Discussion Group (EYDG), a group made up of representatives from all of the early childhood education and care services in the Far West, has engaged independent UK play specialist Marc Armitage.
Mr Armitage will be in Broken Hill this Sunday and Monday for the training which has been organised by Ange Trembath from Rainbow Pre-School on behalf of the EYDG.
EYDG Chair, Lesley Harvey, from Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, said the training will be cutting edge and it’s a rare occasion that the Far West gets to have a trainer of such a high caliber.
“Marc has been an expert in his field for more than 30 years.
“Now based in Melbourne, he regularly travels around the world lecturing, researching and consulting on the importance of the role of playing in learning and is well respected for saying “play must happen before learning can occur”.
“Marc first lectured in Australia in 2012 and the impact he had on the early childhood and education professions at that time saw him return for three more highly successful tours in Australia in 2013 before permanently basing himself here.
“We are very privileged to welcome him to Broken Hill for this training which has been heavily subsidised by funds set aside some years ago for professional development for the early childhood education and care sector in the Far West” Ms Harvey said.
Ms Trembath said the training has been planned for more than 12 months.
“We’ve had a fantastic response with more than 50 people registered to attend.
“The full day session is on this Sunday 6th September and will be on “The DO Approach” and an evening session on Monday the 7th September will be on “The Play Cycle”.
“We would also like to thank the Musicians Club for donating their function room for the event. We are really grateful for their support.” Ms Trembath said.
The EYDG is passionate about ensuring that all children in the Far West have access to quality programs and services that help them to develop to their full potential. The group works to provide:
- quality playgroups where children learn through play;
- pre-school and early learning opportunities for children in the years before school;
- activities during National Children’s Week in October that highlight the rights of children, the importance of play, and the importance of the early years;
- a good transition between pre-school and school to ensure children have the best possible start to their primary school education;
- opportunities to share with, and learn from each other, and share in professional development opportunities such as this.
The EYDG and local services are also working with researchers at Macquarie University. They are providing professional development on maths and science in the early years to educators, families, health professionals and children across the Far West region.
ENDS:
4th September 2015
For more information / available for interview
EYDG Chair, Lesley Harvey (after 3pm Friday 4th September)
08 8082 9888
0488131881
Ange Trembath: Rainbow Preschool
80872122
0419 479 565