With staff shortages on teams across many early childhood services and a whole bunch of responsibilities, it can often feel like there’s not enough time to get through everything. While creating space in the days and weeks for planning and programming can seem challenging, it’s vital. And, it can actually help you to be more productive and save time and energy in the long term.
Why planning and programming are so vital
Planning stimulating programs that engage each child at their level are needed to support optimal learning and development in early childhood education.
The National Quality Standards Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice outlines the importance of planning and programming, stating:
“Standard 1.1 Program – The educational program enhances each child’s learning and development.
Standard 1.2 Practice – Educators facilitate and extend each child’s learning and development.
Standard 1.3 Assessment and planning – Educators and co-ordinators take a planned and reflective approach to implementing the program for each child.”
The right amount of planning time
Deciding on the right number of hours to allocate for planning depends on a few different factors. b It’s very important to understand the regulations around planning too. According to the National Regulations, Australian early childhood education services are required to provide at least 2 hours for planning for each Lead Educator every week. But remember: this is just the minimum.
Keep in mind that planning hours might be different for Lead Educators and Early Childhood Teachers, averaging 2 to 6 hours per week for educators and 4 plus hours for ECTs. The total number of children and supporting staff will also have an impact on the number of hours required for effective planning.
In efforts to attract high quality teachers, some services are offering up to 12 hours per week for planning! However, many kinders and centres simply can not afford so many hours for one educator and it highlights the drastic discrepancy across services.
Special Offer to Support ECEC Planning and Programming
We understand firsthand the challenges faced by educators and centre owners and directors. That’s why we have created this very special offer to help you level up your early childhood education programs and get more from your planning.
For a limited time, take 40% off Bonkers Beat Ready-to-Use Educational Resources Pack!
This offer combines four educational packs — the resources have been designed to support you with enhancing your curriculum and supporting children’s learning.
Get more from your planning time! Reduce the need to research and develop your own tools and take advantage of our tested and proven resources that are trusted across centres all over Australia.
These four packs will provide you with 4 original songs plus 4 ready-to-use printable resources to support children’s learning. From Auslan to literacy and numeracy, multicultural celebrations and families, life cycles, animals and more, we’ve got you covered!
This offer is only available until 15 July, 2022, so don’t miss out — grab yours here right away!
Get the most from your planning
Educators are expected to create meaningful educational experiences, organise indoor and outdoor settings, find resources to support children’s interests and enhance curriculum! Not to mention taking the time for observations and ongoing reflections for continual development.
Bonkers Beat Ready-to-Use Educational Resources Packs help to make planning and programming more effective and FUN for everyone. Enjoy your special discount before time runs out, and get more from your planning.
