THE CASE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOLS:
POSITIONING EARLY YEARS IN THE SCHOOL ECOSYSTEM

If we want children to flourish we need to consider how we enable them to learn well and be well. This starts from the early years, however school leaders seldom hold knowledge and experience of teaching young children and are challenged in making informed decisions about how to best nurture young learners. Additionally, early years educators face pedagogical dilemmas as they grapple with how to nurture children’s holistic development while meeting academic demands. Support for both school leaders and educators is made possible with early childhood leadership. This spotlight session will unpack the opportunities that result from the presence of effective early childhood leadership in schools and how this pivotal role supports school leaders and early years educators to enhance the quality of pedagogical practices to enable children to thrive. In the follow up interactive workshop, participants will explore practical strategies for selecting and enabling early childhood leaders to be effective and influential in their school setting.

Amie Fabry

Dr Amie Fabry is a passionate early childhood educator, facilitator and researcher who is committed to empowering leaders to transform pedagogical practice. A rising star in the education sector, Amie uses a strengths-based approach to build the confidence, knowledge and skills of early childhood educators, teachers and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures in which educators and children can thrive.

In 2023 Amie was recognised as a forward-thinking leader in Early Childhood Education when she was awarded a New Voice Scholarship by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.

Empowering others to believe in and use their own unique capabilities to lead meaningful work is Amie’s strength and passion. At the Learning Future, Amie draws on her 17 years of multi-faceted experience in early childhood education. She uses her knowledge and skills working as an early childhood teacher, academic, consultant and researcher, to design and facilitate professional learning programs and projects, powerfully sharing useful and inspiring insights that ignite transformation in the education of our youngest citizens. She has an appreciation for beauty and enjoys finding the magical moments of joy that each day presents.