PebbleTime

Program details

Program description

PebbleTime is a specialised training for early childhood educators delivered through 3 programs, known as ‘pebbles’: drama, music, and a scaffolded 10-week social skills program. It is based upon precepts of the Play and Learning Strategies (PALS) and aims to improve educators’ capacity to support children’s learning and development. PebbleTime is presented in such a way that it has a rippling effect. Once the program content is presented to educators (the primary audience), they take this knowledge back to their individual groups of learners, which then ripples through to curriculum content and knowledge sharing with families.

PebbleTime can be delivered as workshops for educators out of hours, or as centre-based ‘pebble drops’, which are group ‘mat time’ experiences presented to children and educators during session time.

There are 6 services available:

1. Music workshop: 2-hour workshop for up to 20 participants
2. Social skills workshop: 3 x 2-hour workshops for up to 20 participants
3. Drama workshop: 2-hour workshop for up to 20 participants
4. Centre-based ‘pebble drop’ for music: 1-hour session
5. Centre-based ‘pebble drop’ for social skills: 1–2-hour session, delivered over a 10-week period
6. Centre-based ‘pebble drop’ for drama: 1-hour session.

Detailed cost

Music workshop (2-hour sessions): $1,100 (including GST) for up to 20 participants.  This includes printed workshop notes and music song card pebble set and USB.

Drama workshop (2 hour session): $1100 (including GST) for up to 20 participants. This includes printed workshop notes, 1 set of hand painted play pebbles and a copy of song cards used on the session. 

Social skills workshop (3 x 2-hour sessions): $2860 (including GST) for up to 20 participants. This includes printed workshop notes, USB of PALs songs, emotions cards, song cards used in the workshops.

Centre-based ‘pebble drop’ for music (1-hour): $550 (including GST). Up to 30 children and 3 educators. This includes 1 set of hand painted play pebbles.

Centre-based ‘pebble drop’ for social skills: $3025 (including GST). This includes:

• individual consultations as required
• question and answer opportunities throughout
• weekly information sheets
• USB of PALs songs
• emotion cards
• music song card pebbles used in the session
• consolidation of ‘skill’ with children and educators
• mentoring (where relevant).

Additional costs:

• Travel $55 (including GST) per hour from base in Olinda, Victoria
• Accommodation, $220 (including GST) per night for regional/rural presentations.

Prices include all workshop resources, participation certificate and ongoing support. Changes to payment arrangements may be made in consideration of financial circumstances and by negotiation.

Implementation considerations

• Target population: educators.  
• Program adaptability: the program can be delivered on the weekend if necessary. 
• Staffing: services should consider the cost of backfill when determining the cost of accessing this resource.
• Supervision/coaching: mentoring and individual coaching can be provided as an addition, if requested.
• Australian experience: the program can be delivered across metropolitan Melbourne. Arrangements may be considered to deliver the program to rural and regional areas. 
• Tools and systems: workshops will require the organisation of a suitable venue and associated catering. Technology needs will include audio-visual and internet connections for PowerPoint presentations and microphone (if necessary).

VEYLDF alignment

Item uses these practice principles

• Reflective practice
• Partnerships with families
• High expectations for every child
• Respectful relationships and responsive engagement
• Equity and diversity
• Integrated teaching and learning approaches

Item responds to these sub-outcomes

• Children become strong in their social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing
• Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes