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International Professional Recognition

Our professional development courses are designed to meet the standards of quality early childhood education across Australia, Canada, the UK, and beyond. While recognition requirements vary by region, your certificate of completion may be accepted toward professional development or ongoing learning hours with your local teaching or regulatory authority. We recommend checking with your local governing body to confirm eligibility for PD credit. At STEPPING STONES Professional Development, our goal is to ensure your learning is meaningful, practical, and globally relevant.

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$45.00

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Navigate difficult conversations, Master active listening, Structure a respectful, effective dialogue:

That is what you will get from this course.

What You Will Leave With:

Navigate Difficult Conversations with confidence and professionalism. Recognise and manage emotional triggers, ensuring productive and respectful dialogue.

You will be ready to lead with confidence

Learn and apply proven strategies to handle challenging discussions with parents, staff, and stakeholders effectively. Create a culture of open communication that supports trust, growth, and shared understanding across your team.

Enhance Communication Skills

Leaving this course you will have mastered the art of active listening and positive dialogue to build strong relationships and resolve conflicts efficiently. You will be ready to communicate with clarity and empathy, maintaining relationships while addressing concerns.

Empower Your Leadership Journey

Discover the essential tools and techniques to lead with authenticity and empathy, even in the most challenging situations. This course is designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel in your leadership role in early learning.

Course Curriculum

9 Chapters · 28 Lessons

  1. 1

    Welcome

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Having Hard Conversations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Acknowledgement of Country

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Your Trainer

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Safety Considerations

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      What to expect from this workshop

  2. 2

    Understanding the Impact of Communication in Early Childhood Settings

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Janine discusses the impact of communication in early learning settings

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The impact of communication in early childhood settings.

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Communication in early childhood settings

  3. 3

    Identifying and Addressing Difficult Conversations

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Having those difficult conversations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      QUIZ: Having Hard Conversations

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      REFLECT: Having Hard Conversations

  4. 4

    Navigating Challenging Discussions

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Strategies in navigating challenging discussions with families and educators.

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      QUIZ: Strategies for Navigating Challenging Discussions

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      REFLECT

  5. 5

    Resolving conflict

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Strategies for resolving conflict peacefully and productively

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      QUIZ Resolving Conflict

  6. 6

    Putting the pieces together

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Example of putting the Strategies in action

  7. 7

    Following Up and Monitoring Progress

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Following up and monitoring progress after having hard conversations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      QUIZ: Following up and monitoring progress

  8. 8

    Performance Managing Educators

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Performance Management

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The performance management cycle

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Mock performance review

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Conducting a performance review part one

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Conducting a performance review part two

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Conducting a performance review part three

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      QUIZ: Performance Review

  9. 9

    That's a wrap

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      That's a wrap

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Feedback form

Meet Your Instructor

With over 30 years of experience across Australia and Canada, Janine Kelly is an industry expert in early childhood education, leadership, and regulatory compliance. As the founder of STEPPING STONES Professional Development, Janine has guided countless educators, leaders, and services toward Exceeding practice, embedding reflection, communication, and child-centred pedagogy into everyday learning. Her approach bridges theory and real-world practice, empowering educators to lead with confidence, compassion, and clarity—especially when navigating difficult conversations and building strong, connected teams.

Ready to Lead with Confidence?

Join our course to gain the expertise necessary to handle difficult conversations and lead effectively in early learning environments.

$45.00

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