This event will explore the findings and reflections of a recent EU-funded project that focused on strengthening soft skills in practice, particularly within professional learning communities in the field of early childhood education and care.
Moving beyond theory, the project tested practical approaches to supporting these competencies, such as video-based learning, reflective practice, peer exchange and communities of practice. Partners from different countries examined how to turn soft skills into everyday habits, while also co-creating practical tools to assist facilitators and practitioners in their daily work.
Drawing on the experiences of ISSA members and practitioners who implemented the project, this session will provide honest reflections on what worked, what challenges emerged and where important gaps in supporting soft skills development across the workforce still remain.
The event will also feature an interactive element involving video reflection on how soft skills manifest in real-life situations and their impact on collaboration, facilitation, learning and professional practice.
Finally, the discussion will consider what is required for these competencies to become firmly established, spread and be adopted on a larger scale.
Live translation captions will be available.
- Why are soft skills central to meaningful professional learning, collaboration and quality early childhood practice?
- What practical approaches can be used to strengthen soft skills in everyday work, and what challenges remain?
- We will share key lessons from using reflection, video-based learning and communities of practice in different country contexts.
- What changes are needed for soft skills competencies to become widespread and commonplace across the early childhood workforce?
