The Shackleton Scholarship Fund - Shackleton Scholar's Report 2005

Professional Child Development Training

Heather Barnes
Australia

I feel very privileged to have spent two weeks in the Falkland Islands as a Shackleton Scholar. During my time there I enjoyed meeting children, nursery staff, child-minders, families, teachers and other professionals.

The program organised by my sponsor, Sue Wilks, included the following visits, workshops and discussions:

• Visit and mentoring discussion with the staff at Stanley Kids Zone Nursery
  
• Visit to the Infant and Junior School and presentation of a workshop for teachers on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
  
• Workshop for parents and those working with children on Tantrums and Tears - Managing the Challenging Times
  
• Workshop for parents and those working with children on Helping Children Develop Resilience
  
• A presentation to the Journal Club at KEMH on The Importance of the Early Years and Quality Child Care
  
• Visit and mentoring discussion with the staff at Rugrats Nursery
  
• Meeting with the Social Work Department and presentation on Building Children's Self-esteem
  
• Meeting with child-minders regarding their work with children and families
  
• Visit to school, nursery and playgroup at MPA and discussion with families on Helping Children Develop Resilience
  
• Workshop for parents and those working with children on Understanding Play-based Programs
  
• Workshop for parents and those working with children on Building Self-esteem
  
• An interview at FIRS
  
• Visit to Jellytots playgroup and informal chats with families
  
• Workshop for parents and those working with children on Behaviour Management - Helping Parents Understand Why Children Behave the Way they Do
  
• Workshop for parents and those working with children on Planning Programs that are Responsive to Children's Interests.

Attendances at workshops ranged from six to twenty and several people attended more than one workshop. Everyone was most welcoming and receptive.

I have really appreciated the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience gained through many years of working with children and in training early childhood professionals. I have also been pleased to be able to share information about the Australian National Childcare Accreditation Council and how it has impacted positively on the provision of all types of care for children.

Thank you for the opportunity to come to the Falkland Islands. I have enjoyed my stay immensely and hope to return one day.

Heather Barnes
December 2005