An online workshop series for educators, leaders and coordinators working in family daycare, early learning centres and outside school hours care settings who want to set up inspiring outdoor learning environments but aren't sure where to start or what to do to create change...


How To Design, Setup & Program For Outdoor Spaces

That Consistently Promote Learning, Exploration, Independence, Spontaneity & A Connection To Environment.

I'm So Excited For You To Discover...

The simple steps you can follow to take your outdoor environment and program from boring to inspired and interesting through ‘outside the box’ ideas and the addition of low cost, recycled and everyday resources, more nature based materials, open ended learning opportunities and a simple play based program that combines with your outdoor environment to intentionally and incidentally extend learning and engage children daily.

Without Worrying You Are Going To Need...

A pair of those steel capped boots (so handy for play in the sandpit 😂), a tradie toolbox packed with things (you have zero time or inclination to use), a magic money tree (that you’ve had the kids looking for to keep them busy 👀 ) and 2 extra days a week (let’s keep it real and just say the weekend shall we?) to fit in what must be additional prep and writing to create this new outdoor environment and program.

Nope, you won’t need to worry about any of that because I like keeping things simple - Don't you?

Access the earlybird discount AND special BONUSES when you enrol in this workshop series by 20th May at 10pm AEST

 Pay $97 instead of $197 for this week only & grab access to 2 x bonus workshops & lifetime access to all workshop videos and materials 

YOUR BONUS 2 HOUR WEBINAR RECORDINGS...

Lifetime Access To Bonus Workshop #1

Lifetime Access To The 2 Hour "How to Embed Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Fun into
Early Learning Environments"
Workshop Video

(Bonus unlocked 21st May)

Workshop Learning & Reflection Action Pack

($199 Value)

Lifetime Access To Bonus Workshop #2

Lifetime Access To The 2 Hour "How To Create Simple DIY Resources For Playful Learning" Workshop Video

(Available to watch immediately)

Workshop Learning & Reflection Action Pack

($199 Value)

Choose The Payment Option Perfect For You...

I’m NOT prepared to waste money on expensive resources and equipment just to tick a box...

I’ve worked as an educator and leader in Family Day Care, Early Learning Centres, Occasional Care and Outside School Hours Care settings and although I’m passionate about setting up engaging outdoor learning environments and experiences for children of all ages and stages….I’m NOT prepared to spend all my money on expensive resources and equipment or spend time I don’t have to write separate outdoor programs... just to look good on paper as ‘evidence’ or tick off a few learning outcome boxes.

And Neither Should You.

You don’t have the time, patience or budget for that. And I’m guessing that you’re probably not earning big bucks as a Pinterest or Instagram ‘influencer’ so you don’t need to spend hours creating perfect invitations to play or outdoor elements to snap a money shot or two before the children touch anything or ‘wreck’ it.

So Instead...

I’m going to show you how to simplify outdoor learning and link to the planning cycle just by using practical steps and strategies that don’t require you to study for a degree in outdoor landscaping, photography or writing.

If I can use all of the ideas I share with you in this workshop series in my own backyard without a single green thumb, landscaper or tradie in sight (well I did have my toddler twins helping but they certainly weren’t very professional so I chose not to pay them 😂) then there is no reason you can’t do it too...whether your space is large, small or lumpy.

Before I tell you more about how this self paced workshop series is going to help you simplify your outdoor planning and set up interesting outdoor learning environments that children AND YOU enjoy spending time in....

Let’s Decide If This Workshop Series Is The One For You

Supporting and encouraging outdoor play for children isn’t difficult - we just open the door right?

If that was true why does it so easily cause moments of uncertainty, frustration or rolling of the eyes when educators have to set up the outdoor space, embed sustainability, think of outdoor activities that lead to learning outcomes, capture children’s voices and meaningful moments then reflect on all of the above to inform our future programs?

Because The Truth Is…

People in the community tend to think all we educators do is open that door to outside then we get to sit back with a cuppa in the sun chatting while the kids go do their thing...and we get a nice break.

But YOU know that the reality is very different. You are an early childhood professional and you know a lot about children and early learning. 

You’re told to...

Provide a balance of intentional and incidental playful learning opportunities.

You know you need to...

Put thought and time into how to set up the outdoor space so it meets and also challenges each child’s individual developmental, social, sensory and physical needs.

You’re aware of...

The framework, standards, regulations and planning expectations. 

But in reality, and despite your best intentions... sometimes you DO just want to open that door and let them out to play.

Without doing any of the other ‘stuff’.

It’s absolutely normal, I’ve been there too and I’m pretty sure that most educators reading this right now would say they have felt the same way at some stage.

You're not doing anything wrong when you ‘just let them play outside’ or decide not to ‘write every single activity on a program’ when children are enjoying free play and spontaneous learning.

But the real truth here is that there must be BALANCE.

You ARE a professional educator and although they might not be able to tell you...children are relying on you to provide the opportunities and outcomes for early learning that they deserve.

If there’s not you can easily find yourself lacking the confidence to explain to parents, assessors, leaders and members of the community how just ‘opening the door to outside play’ is actually
supporting, challenging and extending a child’s learning journey.

The good news is that there are some very simple strategies you can use to create a balance between environment and documentation.

Just because we are professionals, it doesn’t mean we can’t embrace simple or choose not to overcomplicate the basics so there is no judgement here. 

So how do you know if you have that environment and assessment balance happening when it comes to the outdoor program and play?

Is This 

Scroll down now to read the statements with me below and as you do, see if you find any that cause you to start nodding a little insanely... you know...like someone just asked you if you would like a full hour’s break from the children to put your feet up and eat a leisurely lunch...😂

You’re an educator who...

Values outdoor play but sometimes finds it challenging to think of new ways to creatively use the same materials, equipment and outdoor spaces day after day.

You know you need to...

Do something more interesting with your current outdoor environment but lack the time and confidence in your skills.

You don’t understand how...

Embedding sustainability and showing children how to respect and care for the world around them can be FUN and easy to do - no green thumb, room for chickens or hefty budget for expensive natural materials required.

You’re waiting until you...

Have a smaller/larger/easier outdoor space or more storage space to start setting up a more engaging outdoor environment.

You’re working with...

Babies or toddlers at the moment and just not sure how to plan or offer meaningful outdoor play opportunities in between all the toilet training, nappy changes, different sleep times and feeds...so you don’t venture outside as much as you’d like to.

You’re not sure how to...

Use the outdoor program as an extension of the indoor program and learning...so you find yourself writing 2 different programs.

You’re a leader or coordinator...

Who has tried everything to motivate other educators to plan for and extend learning opportunities during outdoor play...but there is always a different excuse ..it’s too hot/too cold/too wet/too windy/too loud/kids are bored... 

You’re waiting until you know...

More about how to find, store, incorporate loose parts and natural resources before you regularly include open ended materials and opportunities into your outdoor learning environment.

You’re just setting up...

The outdoor space with whatever you pull out of the shed each morning and don’t really know what action you could take or where you’d even start to increase engagement and extend learning.

You're not entirely sure how to...

Connect all the observations, analysis of learning, assessment, forward planning and learning outcomes to your outdoor environment and activities...so you don’t. Showing evidence of a planning cycle and extension of learning relies heavily on what you plan and observe indoors.

You’re already confidently...

Embracing outdoor play and the learning opportunities it provides for children and now want to make a few tweaks to include more nature based play spaces, risk, challenges and open ended experiences.

Most importantly, you want to know what to do first, how to do it cost effectively, how to make the most of what you already have and how to bring all the necessary elements together to ensure you offer not just outdoor play but an engaging outdoor learning environment that supports and informs your planning cycle.

I Saw Those Head Nods...

#justsaying

...So first let me give you some good news and reassure you that no matter your role in early childhood, the How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces course will give you all the information, inspiration and tools you need to transform your current outdoor spaces into empowering and playful natural learning environments that also help you balance and meet all steps of the planning cycle.

The Thing is...

You WILL be able to take the next step and climb up out of that procrastination hole you find yourself digging into deeper whenever you even consider making a change to the outdoor program.

WHY?

Because the difference with this course is I’m giving you the activity ideas, design tips, resource suggestions, action guides, step by step strategies AND page after page of visual inspiration from my own outdoor learning environment that will clearly show you how to make it achievable and modify for your own outdoor spaces.

So if you’re ready to join an exclusive group of early childhood educators, leaders and coordinators who now confidently balance their outdoor documentation and assessment with a well set up, engaging outdoor environment that provides consistent opportunities for children to learn, explore, socialise, lead their own play and challenge emerging skills.

Here’s how we’ll get you there:

Introducing...

How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces...

That Consistently Promote Learning, Exploration, Independence, Spontaneity & A Connection To Environment.

The most comprehensive yet easy to follow, go at your own pace workshop video series that not only gives you the step by step strategies, handouts, tools and templates to simplify the outdoor planning process AND the set up of engaging outdoor learning spaces, it INSPIRES and SHOWS YOU HOW with real photos and visual examples.

After watching the workshops in this series you'll know how to…

engage & extend learning

👉 Use intentional and incidental teaching moments outdoors to inform future planning.

👉 Capture children’s voices and use that information to extend their learning.

👉 Use the outdoor environment as an extension of indoor learning.

source & setup materials

✅ Creatively source, store and present loose parts and open ended play opportunities.

✅ Use household items, simple elements from nature and common recycled materials to equip and set up your environment and activities. 

make sustainability fun

🌳 Initiate simple projects and engage children to help you create a learning environment that invites birds, bugs and other living creatures to care for and investigate.

🌳 Introduce fun activities and routines that will embed sustainable practice outdoors.

meet sensory needs outside

🍃 Plan and set up meaningful invitations that encourage children to explore and investigate outside.

🍃 Set up smaller spaces in your outdoor area to nurture children’s wellbeing, independence and sensory needs.

connect planning cycle steps

✔️ Follow a process that consistently identifies, measures, documents and builds engagement - then use this information to inform forward planning.

✔️ Combine the environment set up with your program planning to provide a range of play based activities & experiences that will incorporate maths, science, drama, social, language, music and movement learning outdoors. 

empower & challenge

🚩 Create a unified approach to manage risk and create challenges in the outdoor spaces to allow for greater learning opportunities.

🚩 Find & incorporate children's voices, interests and preferences when making changes to your outdoor environment.

reflect & improve

🏡 Assess and evaluate your outdoor environment then make improvements.

🏡 Update older outdoor spaces and phase out plastic equipment sustainably.

🏡 Think outside the box to solve common challenges to outdoor learning.

You can take the REAL ideas and examples you see in the workshop videos and modify them for use in your own unique early years environment.

But Above All Else...

How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces will show you how to bring all of the workshop ideas, tools and your planning cycle together to create change, identify gaps, initiate improvements, give children a voice, remove barriers to engagement and support individual learning journeys.

Learn HOW to make outdoor play interesting again and create more natural learning spaces using low cost and recycled materials, simple ideas, action steps to kickstart progress, real examples, printables, workshop videos and colourful, visual e-guides.

If you can follow basic steps using everyday resources and practical strategies then you will easily be able to improve or extend upon your outdoor environment & planning with this series of workshops.

I’ve helped thousands of family daycare, outside school hours care, preschool and early learning centre educators, coordinators and leaders to simplify their outdoor program writing and confidently create change by setting up interesting outdoor spaces and providing playful activities that create active learning opportunities with the use of everyday materials.

 

But don’t just take it from me ... 

Here’s what some of those Empowered Ed’s have to say:

Karen T

Educator

Visual learning combined with examples was the key for Karen...

"Jodie, you provided all participants with such relevant detail that went beyond the square. The blend of visual aids with the extremely informative detail provided ...so much food for thought. Thank you. "

Diane G

Educator

Diane now knows that engaging doesn't have to mean expensive...

"Most helpful for me were the tips for using what I have at home around the house to save me money and ideas for different areas to create for the children."


Alia M

Educator

Alia now understands how to begin using loose parts & inviting open ended play...

"I've been asked to add more loose parts and natural elements to our outdoor yard and wasn't sure where to start, now I have lots of ideas I feel I can try pretty easily and even some thoughts on storage solutions which has been annoying all of us!"

Kerry V

Educator

Kerry is now ready to try something new when setting up her yard...

"I liked the way you presented this . All of the ideas, small and large. The different ways to set up the yard. This was my first online training session and I really enjoyed it."

Christine P

Pre School Teacher

Christine is now more confident embedding sustainable practice into her service...

"Reaffirming that I am on the right track in my preschool environment...learning that I am already doing things that help with sustainability (that it is not just chooks and compost)."

Emily O

Educator

Emily feels more confident connecting & collaborating with families...

"I liked how to keep it simple with ideas to include the parents, get children involved and how to show what we do and the help they give."

Access an earlybird discount AND special BONUSES when you enrol in the workshop series by 20th May at 10pm AEST

Take $100 off the normal $197 retail price at the checkout right now - no coupon required.

No quizzes, no deadlines, no difficult questions to decipher - just strategies and ideas you can begin taking action on at a time it suits you...

Ready to meet your outdoor play and planning mentor?

If we haven’t met while looking for our buried feet in a sandpit or climbing through a tunnel that is obviously too small for adults before...

Hi, I’m Jodie - an early childhood educator, mentor and blogger, always tired Aussie mum to 3 girls with a *mature & appropriate* crush on the boys from Supernatural.

When I’m not working you’d most likely find me sipping on a glass of crisp chilled white with a wedge of castello white cheese within reach and watching a tv show with some sort of vampire action... I used to want to BE Buffy way back in the day.

Too much information? 

Ok. Let me tell you why you’d want to train with me instead.

I’m getting wrinkly.

Most of those wrinkles and frown lines were caused by children. True story (although I must admit having twins when nearly 40 with a teenager already at home and used to being an only child also caused more than their fair share).

Seriously though, I’ve been working with children and families in some way for over 35 years and that means a whole lot of lessons learnt, mistakes made and knowledge gained.

And now you get the benefit of that learning journey… and also the mistakes, did I mention the mistakes?

Yep, we all make them, but what I enjoy is helping educators to NOT make the same mistakes I have over the years.

I commit to this by supporting and mentoring thousands of educators every year through my popular website The Empowered Educator and practical blog posts, activity ideas, factsheets, free e-guides, online training, membership hub, e-courses, Facebook community, webinars and e-books.

I have worked in many different roles across the human services and early childhood professions over those past 35 years so it's likely I have already walked in similar shoes to your own. I know what is helpful (and definitely NOT helpful or useful) to educators because I am one too.

I’ll let you in on a little secret…

Follow me on:

I’m not perfect, nor do I have everything always figured out.

In fact, around the time we were all bracing for an impending apocalypse and chaos at midnight because of a computer clock (google it if you have no idea what I’m talking about and get ready to laugh!) I actually decided to give up working in early childhood.

Perhaps you’ve had a similar thought at some time


I'd had enough and just couldn't do it anymore. I went back to uni again, got a degree in social work and human services and loved the career change. But I missed the children....missed setting up play experiences....missed feeling like I was making a difference in the early years of a child's life.

I learnt from that experience and found ways to reignite my enthusiasm for the job.

And now I’m sharing some of those with you. By offering this e-course I can now take you step by step through the basics of creating simple outdoor play spaces, equipment and budget friendly learning experiences.You will leave the course with plenty of actionable ideas to try and be inspired by photo examples, handouts, mini guides, printables and posters.

I hope to meet you soon. Bring a little Buffy or Spike Style Confidence with you.

What's Inside?

No need to worry about feeling overwhelmed inside this series of online workshops because I break everything down for you in my signature 'KEEP IT SIMPLE ' style... so you can actually USE the information I give you AND take ACTION in YOUR OWN environment!

  • Access to 18 quick view, easy to understand, on demand workshop sessions so you can fit in training around work hours. View from home OR work anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
  • Mini E-books packed with photo inspiration and information.
  • Certificate for 10 hours professional development.
  • Factsheets with important tips & strategies.
  • No quizzes, no deadlines, no difficult questions to decipher - just inspiration and achievable ideas you can begin taking action on at a time it suits you.
  • Templates, posters, printables, checklists and examples to help you take action.
  • The choice to learn when you want, where you want  & HOW you want - Consume the course content all at once or stretch it out slowly. Watch videos, listen to MP3 audio or read through the text video transcripts when not online. 
1

 Outside Play - Why Is It So Important?

In this module we look at the importance of outdoor play to development, theorist influences and what makes an engaging outdoor learning environment.

  • How a simple outdoor space can be transformed into an evolving learning environment.
  • How & Why different theorists and perspectives might influence your outdoor environment
  • Why outdoor play MUST mean more for educators than just 'go play outside'.
  • Clarification of what a 'natural & engaging' outdoor space might include.
2

Evaluating & Planning Outdoor Spaces

In this module we explore how to assess your outdoor environment, evaluate what is working, seek the child's perspective then use tools to take action.

  • How to gain valuable information on your current outdoor space from a child's perspective.
  • How to collaborate with other staff, children, families and community.
  • How to evaluate what's working and what might be missing. How to break it down into action steps.
  • How to document these steps clearly in a simple quality improvement plan (QIP).
  • What to consider when planning outdoor environments for babies and toddlers.
3

Designing & Maintaining Outdoor Spaces

In this module we explore essential elements, low cost ideas for equipping spaces, storage tips, strategies for OSHC & Baby/toddler needs, safe planting, natural materials & design features then complete an action plan.

  • Ideas to help educators create smaller engaging areas within the larger outdoor environment.
  • How to be aware of and support children's sensory and wellbeing needs when outside.
  • Essential elements that will invite open ended play.
  • Tips to source and equip spaces with low cost but engaging materials.
  • Outdoor storage ideas & shared space solutions.
  • Fixed & non-fixed equipment ideas to help you create smaller, separate spaces.
  • Strategies for working with smaller outdoor spaces.
  • How to source & introduce simple natural resources.
  • What NOT to plant in your outdoor environment & other safety considerations.
4

Sustainability In Outdoor Environments

In this module we discuss gardening with children, water conservation, recycling & upcycling materials, inviting and caring for living creatures in the outdoor space, pets, open ended play outdoors, sourcing, storing & using loose parts outdoors.

  • How to help children become active learners as they take responsibility for the environment around them.
  • How to encourage living things into outdoor spaces.
  • Tips & ideas for gardening with children
  • How to collaborate with children to use and conserve water responsibly in the outdoor environment
  • Easy project and activity ideas to try with children.
  • The power of recycled and upcycled materials as a learning opportunity. 
  • How to provide opportunities for open ended play and offer 'loose parts' in outdoor environments.
5

Creating & Managing Risk & Challenge

In this module we look at the benefits of risk & challenge outdoors, talk risk management strategy, risk v benefit and explore ideas to create a unified and clearly defined approach service wide to benefit children.

  • What risk and challenge might look like in different outdoor environments.
  • How to know when the benefits of learning and play possibilities outweigh the risk.
  • How to identify risk in your current environment and manage this risk without going overboard!
  • How to create a unified approach and set clear guidelines and expectations.
  • Why the outdoor environment and setup can become a risk management strategy in itself.
6

Outdoor Play - Planning For Learning

In this module we get practical with activity ideas for playful learning outdoors, intentional teaching tips, using outdoor display, 3rd teacher theory, baby & toddler/mixed age group strategies & how to show evidence of outdoor planning and extensions of learning.

  • How you can invite and use both intentional and incidental learning opportunities outdoors.
  • How to quickly show evidence of outdoor planning on a program - even if spontaneous. 
  • How to create engaging displays of children's work and voices outside.
  • Outdoor play experiences that consistently connect to learning outcomes in the areas of math, language, science, dramatic, social, gross and fine motor play. 
  • Strategies to simplify outdoor engagement opportunities for babies and toddlers.
7

Looking Ahead - Bringing It All Together

In this module we recap the essentials from previous modules and work through examples of action guides and tools to continue on with so you can confidently make those changes or improvements following your reflections.

  • A step by step overview of all the main topics covered throughout the course.
  • Tips to help you choose & use the course handouts that meet your individual needs and service type.
  • Simple steps you can take to document your action plan and make real progress in your own environment.

When you enrol during this special introductory registration period you'll be getting...

Immediate access to everything inside the entire workshop series so you can start watching videos and feeling inspired TODAY if you want to.

Video, text, audio, visuals - consume the information in the way YOU learn best.

This way you can go at your own pace and have all the resources, action steps and motivation right there at your fingertips before you have to write that next program or set up the sandpit again.

INTRODUCTORY BONUS

Obviously, the level of confidence and value from just those 7 modules I've mentioned above and all of the content we cover in each are worth way more than $97… But since I know exactly what you get paid as an early childhood educator and how frustrating it can be to gain access to affordable AND useful professional development that leaves you feeling empowered, I’ve decided to give you over $500 worth of must have bonus workshops and resources... completely FREE.

Why? Because I’m a gal from regional Australia who has given up one too many hours after work or on weekends to attend conferences and workshops that promised so much but left me disappointed and feeling like I’d just wasted the little ‘out of work’ time I had.

And that’s one of the reasons I’m pretty obsessed with making sure educators like you get the opportunities you need to build confidence and grow your skills - no matter if you live in the city, in the middle of nowhere or just inbetween. 

Lifetime Access To Bonus Workshop #1

Lifetime Access To The 2 Hour "How to Embed Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Fun into
Early Learning Environments"
Workshop Video

(Bonus unlocked 21st May)

Workshop Learning & Reflection Action Pack

($199 Value)

Lifetime Access To Bonus Workshop #2

Lifetime Access To The 2 Hour "How To Create Simple DIY Resources For Playful Learning" Workshop Video

(Available to watch immediately)

Workshop Learning & Reflection Action Pack

($199 Value)

These bonuses are ONLY available if you enrol in the workshop series before 10pm May 20th - so please don’t wander down the procrastination hole and miss out on them.


How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces

You Get ALL of this:

👍 The 18 quick view, easy to understand, on demand video workshop presentations. ($199 Value)

👍 Templates, posters, printables, checklists, factsheets and the ENTIRE Empowered Educator simple series collection of outdoor play e-guides.($500 Value)

👍 2 x exclusive bonus workshops and reflection packs($400 Value)Lifetime access to the outdoor play course (pay in full bonus only)($97 Value)

When you add it all up, that’s a total value of $1196

But because I am more excited to help you create change in your outdoor environment and program than a toddler who has just discovered an open jar of sudocream to use as hair gel, you can enrol in How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces for the earlybird price of just…

$97 (or 2 payments of $48.50)
Enrolment Expires On May 20th At 10PM AEST

Enrol in How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces Today

You CAN take action that will help you to create the outdoor environment & experiences you really want to without needing a big budget.

What have educators being saying about Jodie's outdoor play workshops? Let's take a look....

QUESTIONS? i HAVE ANSWERS FOR YOU

Things you’d be smart to ask before grabbing your workshop series login details on the next page:

How long will the course take?

The course is made up of 7 modules with 18 mini video workshops and accompanying action guides, handouts and printable tools. Each video is between 15 - 20 minutes long. It shouldn't take you any longer than half an hour to watch each lesson within a module and complete any action steps using the handouts for that module. You can pause the videos at anytime and stop and start.

Embracing outdoor play and natural spaces is designed so you can squeeze the video's into your day without having to set aside big chunks of time. That is why each video is only 15 to 20 minutes in length.

It is your choice whether to go through and complete the action guides and suggestions or just watch the video session.

Do I have to attend live?

Not at all - this is an online 'virtual training' - so you can login and view each session online when it works for your busy schedule. You have a full 12 months to access all of the modules, action guides and other handouts (if you pay in full you have even longer with lifetime access!) Start the course and watch the videos when it works for you and the time you have available.

Where is the course being held?

This is an online training course so you can attend from the comfort of your own home or workplace anywhere in the world as long as you have access to a computer or tablet device with an internet connection.

Will I get access to everything right away?

You certainly do. After you complete the 1 page checkout process, pop over to your inbox and you’ll see an official receipt (make sure to claim as professional development on your tax return!) and then another email that contains all of your course login details.

When you login you will land on your course homepage - a launchpad you can use to jump to any module and all of the handouts at any time. There is no waiting around for me to decide when you are ready for each new module...the power is in your hands.

How long do I have to complete the course?

If you choose to pay your course registration with 2 monthly instalments, you have a full 12 months to access the training course videos and action guides from the date of your purchase. That is plenty of time to run through the course 2-3 times if you wish to revisit, reflect and get things clear in your mind as you begin to put in place what you have learnt.

If you choose to pay in full today you receive bonus lifetime access to all course materials!

I'm still completing my studies - is this course suitable for me?

It certainly is. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming to decipher and understand the barrage of information you are receiving while studying and doing assignments. It can also be difficult to grasp ideas and action steps without real examples from experienced educators. This course walks you step by step through simple processes, ideas and strategies to help you make the most of planning for outdoor play.

I've already been working in EC for years now - is this course suitable for me?

The short answer is YES! No matter how experienced you are - feeling frustrated, unmotivated, needing new ideas or just lacking in confidence to make the changes you have been told are required can happen at any time in our work cycle.

This course will help you clarify what to do first, how to do it cost effectively, how to make the most of what you already have and how to bring all the necessary elements together to ensure you offer not just outdoor play but an outdoor learning environment!

Do I receive a certificate?

You will receive a certificate for 10 hours professional development completed in the area of outdoor play, learning & creating natural spaces.

Will Jodie be available and accessible to answer questions if I get stuck?

Frankly I'd be hurt if you didn't reach out because I really enjoy connecting with educators participating in my courses! I'm not 'on call' 24/7 (I don't what anyone would call a social life but I do have a family who like to see me occasionally 🤣😉), but I am here to help you over email or through voice and video messages.

I've even set up a special form on your course homepage so you can ask your question, give feedback or just seek a little reassurance you are on the right track. It's my goal to see you come away from this course feeling empowered and motivated to enjoy your outdoor environment and extend children's learning...so I'm not just going to leave you hanging.

But let's be clear....I'm also not your lecturer, coordinator or Mum...I'm not going to 'check up' on you or judge your progress. But I will do everything I can to help keep you moving forward toward your outdoor play goals. Sound fair? 👍

Computers and I are not yet friends - do I need to be good with ‘tech’ to do this course?

Awesome! Why? Because I create all of my online courses with you in mind! I’ve kept the course pages as simple to navigate as possible – if you can click a big green button and hit save or tap play on a video then you are good to go!

And I’m not trying to be flippant with you - I know from talking regularly to my Empowered Ed Community that being asked to do something online can send a shiver down your spine because it’s SO out of your comfort zone and you don’t want to look silly or feel frustrated. But you are certainly not alone in that feeling and I totally get that!

That’s why I set up a special ‘help me’ section that has videos where I walk you through some simple yet common questions like how to download and save your certificate. There are even videos showing you how to unzip files or insert photos into your templates….nothing fancy, just me showing you step by step the process using my own screen as an example for you.

In the unlikely event, you find yourself still having difficulty with something, I’ll even record a personal step by step walkthrough video for you so your question is always answered (and never seen as silly).

Rather than saying ‘you should know how to do this’ I see ‘not being good with computers’ as just another way I can simplify your work and grow your skills - let’s face it…computers are not going anywhere soon…but I can help you to use them for your outdoor planning and professional development needs ;-)

Can You Remind Me What I Get Again?

Sure - there is absolutely no need to worry about feeling overwhelmed inside this course because I break everything down for you in my signature 'KEEP IT SIMPLE & ACHIEVABLE ' style... so you can actually USE the information I give you AND take ACTION in YOUR OWN environment!

You can choose to pay with 2 instalments of $48.50 and gain access to everything inside for 12 months

OR

You can join us with a one time payment of $97 and gain lifetime access to all course content PLUS bonus printable poster pack highlighting the learning outcomes outdoor play provides.


IN ADDITION, WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE YOU RECEIVE:

Access to 18 quick view, easy to understand video sessions so you can fit in training around work hours. View from home OR work anywhere in the world with an internet connection.


Mini E-books packed with photo inspiration and information


Certificate for 10 hours professional development


Factsheets with important tips & strategies.


Templates, posters, printables, checklists and examples to help you take action.


No quizzes, no deadlines, no difficult questions to decipher - just inspiration and achievable ideas you can begin taking action on at a time it suits you.


The choice to learn when you want, where you want & HOW you want - Consume the course content all at once or stretch it out slowly. Watch videos, listen to MP3 audio or read through the text video transcripts when not online.

PLUS SPECIAL BONUS ACCESS TO 2 X TWO HOUR WORKSHOP VIDEOS

**If you register with a one time payment of $97 you also receive OUTDOOR PLAY POSTER PRINTABLE PACK & LIFETIME ACCESS TO ALL COURSE VIDEOS AND RESOURCES.

To take $100 off the regular course price and only pay $97 you MUST enrol before 20th May. This is an introductory course special event and it will expire.

If you are a visual learner with limited time for professional development, then you will appreciate the flexibility and practical resources this series of workshops & handouts provides...

Feel inspired to make changes, try new activities, plan and make your own easy DIY resources for outdoor play. See real examples & ideas from educators just like you.

Enrolment Closes Thursday 20th May @ 10pm.

Still “thinking about it” and not sure whether your clicker finger wants to take the next step yet?

That’s understandable...an online workshop series isn’t the right learning option for every educator.

Truth be told, I’d prefer to help you figure out if How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces IS the right professional development option for you and the very best use of your professional development budget BEFORE you enrol rather than waste your time.

If you’ve read this far, then you owe it to yourself to honestly answer the questions below:

What if just one idea or example inside the course …

Helps you feel more confident writing a program that includes opportunities for open ended, intentional and incidental learning...consistently?

What if just one self reflection strategy inside the course …

Helps you to hear the child’s voice, recognise their preferences and use this information to set up your outdoor spaces and materials?

What if just one playful activity idea inside the course …

Helps you to embed sustainability and make it fun for children as they take on the role of active learners.

What if just one template or checklist inside the course …

Helps you reflect on your current environment and equipment and identify the changes and actions you need to take to ensure the outdoor environment promotes early learning everyday.

What if just one visual learning tool or video inside the course …

Helps you create an outdoor learning environment that becomes an extension of indoor learning...saving you valuable planning and program time.?

What if the only way to get a different result is to do things differently...no matter your role.


Here’s a sampling of the 812+ educators across a variety of early childhood roles that have previously participated in this workshop series...

  • Early Childhood Educators
  • Coordinators
  • Family Day Care Educators
  • Outside School Hours Care Educators
  • Sustainability Officers
  • Students
  • Directors of Early Learning Services
  • Parents wanting to create backyard learning spaces for their children.
  • Room Leaders
  • Early Childhood consultants and mentors
  • Early Years Teachers
  • Kindergarten & Preschool teachers
  • Occasional Care Services

A final, personal message from Jodie…

I know that 2020 and parts of 2021 has turned your role as educator inside out and often left you lacking in motivation and ideas and probably even wondering why you continue to do this job...even if everyone is telling you how ESSENTIAL you are.

But now isn’t the time to retreat from the awesome work you do with young children or cross your fingers and wish your mojo would magically reignite so you could get excited about setting up outdoor play experiences again.

This is your opportunity to ditch the self doubt, the fog of uncertainty, the lack of confidence in your skills and take back some control over your future by extending your experience and knowledge.

I know what it feels like to set up the same 3 climbing trestles and bucket of sand toys each day and then be expected to do something ‘different’ with them.

I get the frustration of having to write, observe and plan future programs when all you want is for children to ‘play’.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel sometimes to continually think of ways to creatively use the everyday materials, equipment and outdoor spaces we have access to.

I agree wholeheartedly with your reluctance to improve your outdoor spaces by spending money on ‘must have’ expensive resources just because they are ‘natural’, wooden or eco friendly.

The best thing about How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces is that your growth as an educator and boost in your confidence when it comes to all things outdoor play and learning will be inevitable if you take action from a place of confidence in your ability to succeed.

And the more motivated and empowered you become, the greater your impact on a child’s learning journey can be.

That’s the very thinking that has seen my work as an educator reach the highs and lows over the past 30 years...but STILL emerge stronger and more knowledgeable than before.

We have all experienced those ‘teachable moments’ in life and sometimes they unfortunately leave us feeling as though we aren’t quite good enough as an educator or leader.

But here’s the thing Empowered Ed -

I believe you can do this - there’s certainly no mickey mouse badge for doing things the hard way, but there is a whole toolbox of support and resources waiting for you inside this professional development series. I’ve made sure of it.

Trust that THIS is exactly where you’re supposed to be and what you put your energy and commitment into next will make all the difference with how you move forward and create change in your outdoor learning environment and activities.

No matter whether you decide today to join us in this workshop series or not, know that I care about your important work with children, your confidence and feeling of self worth as an educator and ultimately finding a balance between paperwork and play.

If you do choose to take this next step, I’d absolutely love to meet you personally inside How To Design, Setup & Program for Outdoor Spaces, and I’ll be with you every step of the way. I couldn’t be more excited to share my passion and ideas for outdoor play spaces and kickstart this journey with you.

Take the REAL ideas and examples you see in the workshops and modify them for use in your own unique early years environment....

If you are ready to embrace simple planning while also removing barriers to outdoor engagement then I look forward to welcoming you on the inside soon.

Enrolment Closes Thursday 20th May @ 10pm.