Understanding and Enhancing Executive Function Skills in Early Childhood Education (3-part series)

This series of sessions will provide you with an understanding of the development of executive functioning skills in young children, and how executive functioning impacts on their success as learners, aligned with neuroscience and brain development.
‘In this series of workshops, you will learn about what executive functioning is and how it supports children’s social and emotional development. We will unpack research informed by neuroscience and discover practical ways to enhance the development of executive functioning skills in programs.  
 

 

Session 1 

In this session we will focus on understanding what executive functioning is and how executive functioning skills contribute to children’s learning, development and wellbeing. The importance of planning to support executive functioning skills will be introduced. 

In Session 1 you will: 

  • Learn what executive functioning is 
  • Learn about neuroscience research in relation to executive functioning 
  • Discover how the development of executive functioning skills contributes positively to children’s learning, development and wellbeing, particularly in relation to social and emotional development.  

 

Session 2 

In this session, we will learn about higher-order thinking skills, working memory, and cognitive flexibility and how executive functioning supports the development of these critical skills. We will also consider practical strategies for building these skills in the program. 

In Session 2, you will: 

  • Learn more about the key executive functioning skills of higher-order thinking, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. 
  • Consider practical ways to support the development of these skills in your day-to-day program. 

 

Session 3 

In this session, we will learn about inhibitory control in children as a key executive functioning skill. We will unpack strategies to support inhibitory control in centre environments and bring together a range of strategies to support the development of executive functioning skills. 
 
In Session 3, you will: 
  • Learn more about the key executive functioning skill of inhibitory control. 
  • Unpack strategies to support the development of inhibitory control in day-to-day practice and programs. 

 

 

Recommended audience:  Teachers and Educators 

    • $250

    • Date

      Mon 12 October – Mon 26 October
      • Session 1
        12 October 2026
        6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
      • Session 2
        19 October 2026
        6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
      • Session 3
        26 October 2026
        6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

    • Location

      Online via Zoom

    • Presented by

      • Jennifer Ribarovski
    Register

About the presenters

  • JR bio pic
    Jennifer Ribarovski

    Jennifer is the Managing Director of JR Education Consulting Services Pty. Ltd, providing support, guidance, professional development and presentations to the education and care sector nationally and internationally. She has over 40 years’ experience, including extensive teaching in a range of settings, and in executive roles with the NSW Regulatory Authority, ACECQA, peak organisations and providers. Jen has taught at and provided consultancy services to the University of Western Sydney and Sydney University. She holds a Bachelor of ECE and a Master of Educational Leadership and Management with Distinction. Jen co-authored Professional Communication for Early Childhood Educators, published by Oxford University Press. In 2024, she won the Australian Childcare Alliance State of the Sector award for the most significant contribution to teachers and educators. Jen is renowned for making theory and research accessible and practical, and for building educator’s confidence so that they are in the driver’s seat!