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MOVERS Professional Development

The MOVERS Professional Development Program (MOVERS PD) supports early childhood educators to enrich children’s physical development and movement experiences through practical, evidence-based strategies.

Designed for educators working with children aged 2–5 years, MOVERS PD focuses on improving the quality of the early learning movement environment, helping educators create spaces where movement, exploration, and physical literacy can thrive - without requiring extra time, expensive equipment, or a change in routine.

Why choose MOVERS PD?

MOVERS PD is the only professional development program in Australia that focuses specifically on the quality of the learning environment in relation to movement and physical development.

  • Evidence-based and interactive
  • Designed specifically for early childhood educators
  • Practical strategies for pedagogical change
  • Easy to implement

Does not require:

  • Additional time
  • New or costly equipment
  • Major changes to routines

Can be:

  • Used by all educators
  • Integrated into daily practice
  • Enjoyed by both educators and children

What You’ll Learn

MOVERS PD is informed by the MOVERS Environmental Rating Scale, developed by Archer and Siraj (2017). The program focuses on four key areas:

  1. Curriculum, Environment and Resources
    Creating supportive spaces and providing opportunities for gross and fine motor skill development.

  2. Pedagogy for Physical Development
    Strengthening planning, staff engagement, observation, and assessment practices.

  3. Critical Thinking Through Movement
    Supporting conversations, movement vocabulary, risky play, and critical thinking in active learning.

  4. Family and Staff Engagement
    Encouraging consistent support for physical activity between educators and families.

How it's delivered

We offer flexible delivery options to suit your service’s needs:

Option one

Two day workshop: face-to-face

    • ideal for deeper learning and team development
    • typically delivered in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs (other locations available on request)
    • maximum of 40 participants per session
    • additional sessions may be arranged on request

Option two

Professional development workshop: online 

  • each workshop series includes two 2-hour sessions and one 1-hour follow-up
  • delivered via Zoom
  • ideal for educators across all locations
  • maximum of 40 participants per session
  • additional sessions may be arranged on request

Option three

Condensed face-to-face workshop: on-site  

  • 2-hour session delivered at your early learning centre
  • welcomes all educators
  • dates arranged by request

How much does the MOVERS PD cost? 

The MOVERS PD is currently listed on the School Readiness Menu (Victoria). 

If your early childhood setting is not located in Victoria, please contact Rachel Jones (rachel_jones@uow.edu.au) for further information.

Does the MOVERS PD align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)?

Yes, the MOVERS PD program aligns directly with the EYLF and the VEYLDF.

EYLF is a national framework for early childhood educators to support children's learning and development from birth to five years.

VEYLDF is a state-wide, curriculum for early childhood education implemented in Victoria, Australia, for working with children from birth to eight years of age to support literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing.

What are educators saying about the program?

It's been really fantastic. It's definitely been a huge success in our kinder. I completed the MOVERS program in 2021 in August, so since then we've been incorporating lots of different physical experiences and activities into our program. It has really opened like a world of possibilities for us. I can't stop going on about it- how beneficial it has been Educator Face-to-face Professional Development program

This has been one of the best PD we've ever attended because what we've gained from it is just continuing on. It's embedded into what we're telling parents, how we're sharing information and how we're planning for children.

- Educator 2022, Face-to-face PD

 

Thank you for a truly wonderful and relevant PD series with MOVERS O-PD. It definitely delivered what we were promised.

- Educator, 2024, online PD

 

The content was great and made me reflect on my program and the different ways I can offer movement throughout my day.

- Educator, 2024, online PD

Need more information?

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Jones. We look forward to hearing from you.

rachel_jones@uow.edu.au