Professional Development & Capacity Building Programs

At Play and Beyond, we offer relationship-based, evidence-informed professional development and capacity-building programs designed to support educators, professionals and carers working alongside children and young people.

Grounded in Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT), Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), Learn to Play Therapy, relational practice and neurodevelopmental understanding, our programs combine therapeutic insight with practical, real-world strategies that can be implemented immediately within educational and care environments.

We understand the increasing complexity professionals face — emotional dysregulation, trauma impacts, developmental differences, social challenges, and behaviour that communicates unmet needs.

Our workshops and capacity-building programs are designed to strengthen educator confidence, emotional wellbeing, inclusion, participation, and relationship-based practice within early childhood and educational settings, and may support Kindy Uplift priorities including:

  • social and emotional learning

  • communication and engagement

  • executive functioning

  • play-based learning

  • inclusive and responsive practice

Programs align with relevant frameworks including EYLF, QKLG, NQS and ACARA, with tailored professional learning available for kindergartens, schools, early childhood services and care environments.

Our programs are designed to strengthen:

✦ Emotional safety and connection
✦ Relationship-focused practice
✦ Emotional regulation and co-regulation
✦ Educator and caregiver confidence
✦ Play-based and relational understanding
✦ Inclusive and neuro-affirming practice

Flexible & Tailored Programs Available

Programs may be delivered as:

✦ Whole-staff professional development workshops

✦ Small-group training sessions

✦ In-service observation and mentoring

✦ Capacity-building support

✦ Ongoing reflective practice and consultation

We understand every team, setting and organisation is different. Tailored professional development packages and customised training programs are available on request to suit the unique needs of your environment, staff and children.

Programs may be suitable for …

✦ Early Childhood Centres

✦ Schools

✦ OSHC Services

✦ Foster & Kinship Carers

✦ Support Workers

✦ Community Organisations

✦ Educators & Wellbeing Teams

Professional Programs may include:

Relational Practice Intensive

✦ In-service observation and tailored professional learning designed to strengthen relationship-focused practice and educator confidence.

Educator Professional Learning – Early Childhood

✦ Play-Based Strategies for Emotional Wellbeing
✦ Brain Development, Stress & Play
✦ Learn to Play: Supporting Pretend Play Development

Educator Professional Learning – Schools

✦ Using Play to Support Student Wellbeing
✦ From Survival to Learning
✦ Pretend Play & Literacy: The Missing Link

Connected Classrooms: Relationship-Focused Educator Training

✦ 2-Hour Foundation Training
✦ 4-Hour Core Skills Workshop
✦ 6-Hour Intensive Implementation Training

Social Capacity Program

✦ Connect Through Play (across 8 sessions)

We have a comprehensive Professional Development & Programs Booklet available outlining our workshops, educator training programs and relationship-focused capacity-building supports.

Please reach out if you would like a copy of our booklet or would like to discuss a tailored professional development program for your team or organisation.

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