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The Power of Play in the first 2000 Days - a Sector Development Event by Playgroup NSW

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Anne Cutler Seminar Room Level 4 , Western Sydney University, Westmead Innovation Quarter
westmead, australia
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PLAYGROUP NSW INC
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Mon, 21 Oct, 9:30am - 2:30pm AEDT

Event description

The Power of Play in the First 2000 Days 

Event Description: 

Join us for an insightful event dedicated to exploring the critical role of play during the first 2000 days of a child's life. The Power of The Play brings together early childhood experts, educators, and sector professionals to discuss the importance of connection and co-participation in early childhood development. This event will provide practical strategies, evidence-based insights, and an opportunity to network with peers committed to the well-being of young children. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your professional practice and support the growth and development of children in their formative years. 

Key Highlights: 

  • In-depth sessions led by leading experts in early childhood education. 
  • Focus on the significance of connection and co-participation during the first 2000 days. 
  • Practical takeaways to apply in your professional practice. 
  • Networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. 


Keynote Speakers

Event Host - Georgie Dent

Parenthood's Georgie Dent is a passionate and prominent advocate for children, parents, families and women. The former lawyer is the CEO of the Parenthood, a not for profit advocacy organisation that represents over 80,000 parents, carers and allies around Australia.

She is a regular media commentator and the author of Breaking Badly, her best selling memoir recounting the nervous breakdown she suffered when she was 25.


Keynote Speaker - Susan Hespos


Developmental psychologist Professor Susan Hespos runs a research program on understanding the earliest evidence of cognitive capacities in infancy and what changes during development. As the leader of Babylab, the foremost infant research laboratory in Australia that conducts research with infants and children focusing on language acquisition, cognitive development and learning, Susan champions a different position in her work, called core knowledge. The key tenet of this approach is that underneath all the things that vary across humans, there exists a set of perceptual and conceptual capacities that are common. 


Keynote Speaker - Gen Muir

Gen Muir is an Obstetric Social Worker, Parent Educator, LEGO DUPLO ambassador and mum to four boys. With a deep passion for early childhood development, she is dedicated to supporting families, caregivers, and educators in fostering strong, nurturing connections during the crucial early years. Over her career, Gen has guided over 40,000 parents through the joys and challenges of raising young children, offering practical insights and compassionate advice. Her recent book, Big People, Little Feelings (2024), and her co-hosted podcast, Beyond the Chaos, provide valuable resources for those working with or raising little ones, emphasising the importance of emotional resilience and play in early childhood. 


What's in store for the Power of Play Event...

- Speaker + Q&A: What do babies know? Studies about social and cognitive development at the BabyLab 

Sue Hespos, MARCS Babylab 

- Panel: Together We Play: Building bonds through connection and co-participation with the following guests:

Jo Ubilla, Karitane 

Nat Pereira, Playgroup NSW 

Kellie Murray, Ngurra Hub 

Ashley Scott, Rainbow Families 


- MC Address 

Georgie Dent, The Parenthood 

- Speaker + Q&A: Building the EQ of Children through the Ups and Downs of Play 

Gen Muir, Connected Parenting and DUPLO Ambassador 

- Keynote and Q&A with Melo Kalemkeridis, Kindred 

Speaker: Baby Map: Engaging Caregivers with Refugee Experience in Exploring the Importance of Play, Attachment and Joy for Early Childhood Development 


Afternoon Tea and Networking sponsored by MyTime 

In summary...

  • Expert Insights: Learn from leading voices in early childhood education. 
  • Practical Takeaways: Gain strategies you can apply in your professional practice. 
  • Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals who share your commitment to supporting young children. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your practice and contribute to the growth and development of children during their formative years.

Discounted EARLY BIRD tickets available from now until SOLD OUT!

And stay tuned for additional guest speakers and panelists to be announced!

Purchase your ticket now and be a part of this transformative event that will empower you to make a positive impact in the lives of young children. 

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Anne Cutler Seminar Room Level 4 , Western Sydney University, Westmead Innovation Quarter
westmead, australia