Building Strong Reader Identities is grounded in evidence-informed early childhood research highlighting the vital role of early language and literacy experiences in children’s development. When children see themselves as readers, they are more likely to engage with texts, strengthening their language, literacy skills and understanding of print. Rich interactions during play and shared picture book experiences support the development of oral language, vocabulary, concepts about print and positive dispositions towards reading. These intentional teaching practices build the emergent literacy skills that underpin later reading success.

This professional learning program adopts a strengths-based approach that values children’s agency and right to play. Educators deepen their understanding of emergent literacy, learn to recognise early reading behaviours and oral language development, and explore evidence-based strategies that enhance everyday interactions with young readers.

The workshop component can be delivered in person, online or through a self-paced eCourse, providing flexible access for a range of settings. Three follow-up site visits enable consultants to tailor support to each context, personalise learning and assist teams to embed new knowledge into shared pedagogical practice.

Expected outcomes include:

• Deeper pedagogical knowledge about the language, cognitive skills and behaviours of emergent readers
• Sharpening of educators' observational skills in regards to children’s emergent reading behaviours
• Increased focus and intentional teaching to support emergent readers in their play
• Increased engagement with texts, leading to growth in children's emergent language and literacy skills, dispositions and understandings

This PL program has 2 components: workshop and site-visits. The workshop can be delivered in person, online or through a self-paced eCourse, of approximately 6 hours duration. Three follow-up site visits enable consultants to tailor support to each context, personalise learning and assist teams to embed new knowledge into shared pedagogical practice. When possible, the site visits will be in-person and of 2 hours duration each. A resource pack is included.

This program is delivered for $5,000 per site (5 and under staff) or $6,500 per site (6+ staff). If travel is required, this will be charged based on location. Travel of over hour from Adelaide CBD, incurs travel fee at ATO 2025-26 rate of 88 cents/km. Airfares invoiced if driving to site visits is not time efficient or appropriate. Accommodation costs when travel is more than 1.5 hours from Adelaide CBD. Travel time is not invoiced. All fees are GST exclusive.