This workshop provides early years professionals with a foundational understanding of curriculum planning, programming, and the educator's role in supporting children's learning through responsive, play-based experiences. This workshop introduces participants to the key concepts, tools, and practices used to plan, implement, document, and reflect on programming within early learning and childcare settings.

Participants will be introduced to the five developmental domains (social, emotional, communication, cognitive, and physical) and explore how these domains influence the planning of meaningful learning experiences. The workshop highlights the role of the educator as a facilitator, co-learner, and guide who supports children's growth through observation, scaffolding, modelling, questioning, and responsive interactions. Participants will gain an understanding of how children's interests, developmental needs, and emerging skills inform curriculum planning and classroom programming.

The workshop also introduces foundational programming tools and processes, including interest webs, program plans, pedagogical documentation, learning stories, environmental design, small group experiences, circle time planning, and reflective practice. Participants will learn how these components work together to create engaging learning environments that support children's exploration, creativity, and development. 

By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed a foundational understanding of curriculum planning, responsive programming, and the educator’s role in supporting children’s learning through meaningful, play-based experiences. Participants will recognize how observation, developmental knowledge, children’s interests, intentional environments, documentation, and reflective practice work together to inform program decisions. This foundational knowledge will prepare participants to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences that support children’s development across all five developmental domains while continuing to strengthen their curriculum-planning skills.