Montessori is one of the most widely recognised but also most misunderstood approaches in early childhood education. Too often, the name is used without the depth of understanding or daily practice that gives the pedagogy its power.

In this relaxed, podcast-style webinar, **Hayden Rolls** (Head of Partnerships, Mana) is joined by **Jessica Langford**, Community Coordinator at SA Montessori for a thoughtful conversation on what *meaningful* Montessori looks like in practice, and how the holistic combination of pedagogical theory and applied practice contribute to outcomes for children.

In Jessica's role at SA Montessori, she mentors over 100 educators and has developed nationally recognised resources like *Montessori & the NQS* and *Montessori & the EYLF,* now used in more than 170 centres across Australia. She recently received a 2025 Innovator Award from Montessori Australia for her contributions to Montessori education through teaching, leadership, and innovation.

Lightly guided and intentionally conversational, this session offers space for nuance, reflection and the realities of leading Montessori practice in today’s ECE landscape.

Whether you’re deeply embedded in Montessori or questioning what meaningful implementation really requires, this webinar is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the purpose behind the pedagogy.

**This session will explore:**

*   Where Montessori truly comes from, and what it’s really about beyond materials, shelves, and activities
*   Common parent misconceptions about Montessori and practical ways educators can explain the Montessori difference with confidence
*   The key mindset shifts educators experience when entering Montessori training and practice
*   How Montessori compares with Reggio Emilia, including the core differences between the two and guidance for educators deciding how to work with (or across) different philosophies

**Who this webinar is for**

*   Montessori educators and leaders
*   Centre owners and pedagogical leaders
*   Educators curious about Montessori beyond the label


Meaningful Montessori: Putting pedagogy into practice 

Join [Nathan Wallis](https://www.nathanwallis.com/) and Mana CEO Himal for the second conversation in our brain development series, this time exploring the complete picture of how children's brains develop and what this means for your leadership in ECE.

Understanding the stages of brain development isn't just fascinating science, it's essential knowledge that empowers you to guide your team and educate families with confidence. This session takes a "train the trainer" approach, equipping you with practical insights you can immediately share with your educators and the families you serve.

**Perfect for ECE leaders including:**

*   Centre Managers & Directors
*   Area Managers
*   Educational Leaders & Head Teachers
*   Operational & Compliance Managers
*   Centre Owners

**What you'll take away:**

*   Practical coaching points to help your team understand children's behaviour and development
*   Communication strategies to help families make sense of what's happening in their child's brain
*   Simple explanations of complex neuroscience that you can pass on to others
*   Tips that make supporting children (and their families) easier and more effective

This isn't just professional development for you—it's knowledge you'll use to uplift your entire team and strengthen relationships with families.

**Part 2 of our 3-part Brain Development Series with Nathan Wallis**


From science to practice: leadership lessons from the developing brain

Easter is a familiar celebration in early learning, but finding fresh, meaningful ways to bring it to life each year can take time and thoughtful planning.

Many services are looking for Easter ideas that go beyond the usual activities and instead create engaging experiences children genuinely enjoy and educators feel confident delivering.

In this short, sharp webinar, host Sithmi Rajapaksa is joined by guest speaker Sellina McCluskey to explore **Easter in Early Learning**, sharing practical ideas and examples drawn from real service experience.

Together, they’ll unpack:

*   Ways to plan and deliver engaging Easter-themed experiences in early learning settings
*   Activity ideas that support creativity, play and learning
*   How to move beyond one-off activities to more meaningful Easter experiences
*   Opportunities for sharing practice and learning from others

The session will run for 45 minutes, including time for audience questions, discussion and shared ideas.

This is a practical, idea-focused session for early childhood educators and leaders looking for inspiration and confidence when planning Easter in their services.


Easter in Early Learning

Join [Nathan Wallis](https://www.nathanwallis.com/) and Mana CEO Himal for the final conversation in our brain development series, exploring why play-based learning isn't just best practice, it's brain science.

This session is designed for pedagogical leaders who shape the learning environments in their centres. Discover the neuroscience behind why free play between ages 2-5 is critical for developing creativity, problem-solving, and genuine engagement and how to translate this understanding into your programming and curriculum decisions.

**Perfect for ECE pedagogical leaders including:**

*   Educational Leaders & Heads of Pedagogy
*   Room Leaders & Head Teachers
*   Heads of Curriculum
*   Centre Managers & Directors
*   Anyone responsible for programming decisions

**What you'll take away:**

*   The brain science that proves play-based learning works (and why formal academics can wait)
*   How to think about play from a programming perspective for 2-5 year olds
*   Practical insights for creating environments that develop creativity and problem-solving
*   Confidence to advocate for child-led, play-based approaches with families and stakeholders
*   Understanding of how engagement drives learning outcomes

Walk away equipped to defend and refine your play-based programs with compelling neuroscience and practical application strategies.

**Part 3 of our 3-part Brain Development Series with Nathan Wallis**
