Prof Lea Waters AM - Strength-based Framework for Early Years Learning

Educator Professional Development Workshop (0–5 years)

Monday 31 August | 4:00–6:00pm | Bradman Museum Boardroom, Bowral.

Southern Highlands Interactive workshop + Q&A with Professor Lea Waters AM

Generously supported by

Early Years educators are invited to a hands‑on, highly practical professional development session with internationally recognised psychologist and educator Professor Lea Waters AM. This workshop focuses on the science of character strengths and shows educators how to embed strengths‑based practices into everyday routines, interactions and learning environments.

Using the Strength Stars framework, Lea will demonstrate simple, effective ways to boost wellbeing, engagement and positive behaviour in children aged 0–5 — while also strengthening educator confidence, connection and professional capacity. This is essential PD for Early Learning Centres seeking evidence‑based tools that make a real difference in classrooms and across whole‑service culture.

Educators will leave with:

• A clear understanding of the science behind character strengths and why they matter in the Early Years.

• Practical strategies for spotting, naming and growing strengths in young children.

• Ready‑to‑use activities and language that can be implemented immediately.

• Approaches for enhancing wellbeing, confidence and belonging for children and staff.

• Tools that support calmer environments, stronger relationships and more consistent practice across teams.

Who it’s for:

Educators working in Day Care, Family Day Care, Playgroup, Preschool, Early Learning Centres, Pre‑Kindergarten and Kindergarten.

About Professor Lea Waters AM, PhD:

Professor Lea Waters is one of the world’s leading experts in Psychology, Education and Strength‑Based Parenting. An internationally recognised psychologist, researcher and keynote speaker, Lea has spent more than 25 years at the University of Melbourne, where she served as the Founding Director and Inaugural Gerry Higgins Chair at the Centre for Wellbeing Science. She has been named one of Australia’s Top 100 Women of Influence and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant contributions to youth mental health, education and wellbeing — recognising her impact on children, families, schools and communities around the world.

A rare opportunity for Highlands' educators

Thanks to generous local support, we are able to offer Professor Waters’ Early Years workshops at a substantially reduced cost, making world‑class professional learning accessible to Southern Highlands educators and the families they serve.