How one ECE team transformed their planning and documentation
Are you feeling stretched by learning stories, portfolio requirements, and the time it takes to document children’s learning well? Do you wonder whether there is a more efficient approach that still honours quality, compliance, and meaningful assessment?
This practical and inspiring webinar explores how one ECE team undertook a focused internal evaluation and reimagined their planning, assessment, and documentation systems from the ground up. What emerged was a streamlined, sustainable approach that not only meets licensing and regulatory expectations, but has also been positively acknowledged through ERO feedback, while strengthening teaching practice and improving overall workload balance.
Christine will share the journey her team took in shifting away from lengthy, time-intensive learning stories toward a more purposeful approach that uses photos, short video clips, and concise written observations, all clearly linked to children’s learning outcomes. Within this model, teacher analysis and planning are embedded in robust individual plans, while children’s learning pages remain clear, accessible, and genuinely engaging for whānau.
Developed through a 2021–2022 pilot and refined through input from ECE practitioners, ERO, Ministry of Education advisors, university lecturers, and PLD facilitators, this approach reflects current, evidence-informed practice in early childhood education.
This workshop will particularly benefit leaders and kaiako who are seeking to refine or reimagine their documentation and planning systems. It offers practical strategies, real-world examples, and the confidence to implement meaningful, sustainable change in your setting.
Date: 8 October
Time: 2.00–3.30 pm
Delivered: Via Zoom. A link will be sent out two days prior to the workshop
| Montessori Aotearoa School Member | $55 +GST |
| Montessori Aotearoa Individual Member | $70 +GST |
| Register and Join Montessori Aotearoa NZ as a NZ Individual Member | $136 +GST |
| Register and Join Montessori Aotearoa NZ as a Student Member | $100 +GST |
| Register and Join Montessori Aotearoa NZ as a Individual International Member | $195 +GST |
| Non Montessori Aotearoa member | $110 +GST |
Facilitator
Christine Kirkeby
Registered, experienced teacher, centre owner and mentor
(MEd Leadership, BTchLn, Dip T ECE, Aperfield Montessori)
An experienced educator with a focus on management, leadership, and Montessori education.
Christine is qualified in Montessori education and holds a Master’s degree in leadership and education. Three of the four Montessori early learning services that Christine has owned were founded by her.
Christine served as a Senior Adviser for the Ministry of Education, a Review Officer for the Education Review Office, and a mentor (contractor) for Teachers Council. She is a trustee of the Aperfield Montessori Trust, and a board member of a community preschool. Christine also serves as a mentor and coach for new teachers on a voluntary basis.
“I have worked in early childhood education for more than thirty years and during my visits to many, many early childhood services I have always come back to Montessori education. I believe it makes perfect sense. Montessori teaching is intentional. Children’s learning is purposeful. Children’s independence and learning are promoted. Children learn in a calm, kind and peaceful learning environment. Since children are unable to choose the preschool they attend, it is our responsibility to create the very best learning environment possible.”
