Quality

The Compass of Practice: Navigating a Child-Centered Journey

Child-centered practice is shaped not only by what we say we believe, but by the small, often unseen decisions we make every day.

This self-paced course invites early childhood professionals to pause, reflect, and re-orient their practice through a powerful compass metaphor, examining the beliefs, language, power dynamics, environments, and interactions that guide daily choices.

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Language(s)
English + Italian
Format
Self-Paced
Schedule
3 study hours 
Modules
8 modules
Certification
Knowledge Certificate
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What this offering explores

The course is structured around five compass points that influence child-centered practice:
NORTH
Core Beliefs: 
Examining the assumptions
thatguide unseen decisions
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WEST Environment: 
Reading the messages learning spaces send about competence and freedom
CENTER Interactions:
Exploring adult presence as a guiding, relational force
EAST Language: 
Understanding how words shape children’s sense of agency and belonging
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SOUTH
Power & Participation: 
Reflecting on who holds influence
in daily routines and choices
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Participants move through these dimensions and conclude by identifying micro-shifts — small, realistic changes with meaningful impact — and committing to a personal action plan

After completing the course, participants will be able to:
  • Articulate a clearer, more intentional image of the child
  • Identify gaps between personal beliefs and daily practice
  • Adjust language, environments, and interactions to support children’s participation and voice
  • Navigate the complexity of child-centered practice with greater confidence
  • Commit to a realistic, values-driven action plan centered on children’s needs and rights
What you will receive:
  • A fully self-paced reflective learning journey
  • Guided prompts and downloadable
  • Reflective Journal Practical tools, including language and environment audit checklists
  • A Certificate of Completion and a Compass of Reflective Practice poster

This offering is designed for

  • Early childhood educators and practitioners

  • Pedagogical coordinators and coaches

  • Trainers and professional development facilitators

  • Professionals seeking to strengthen child-centered, rights-based practice through reflection

  • Parents

Meet the instructors 
and learn more about the course:

Meet the instructors and learn more about the course.

Course contents

Meet your instructors

Facilitators Bios

Aljoša Rudaš

Programme Manager, International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI)
Aljoša Rudaš is an early childhood specialist working at the intersection of educational design, transformative professional learning, inclusion, and democratic practice. His work spans programmes, learning ecosystems, and system-level initiatives that bridge practice, research, and policy. Formerly with ISSA, he is now Programme Manager at International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI), contributing to the strengthening and reimagining of the early childhood ecosystem.

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Meet our Knowledge Partners

The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a leading international learning community and dynamic member association, powered by Europe’s and Central Asia’s foremost early childhood experts. Our shared, unwavering goal is to ensure that every child reaches their full potential and our work is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. With a steadfast commitment to advancing early childhood development based on principles of inclusivity and equity, we champion holistic and integrated systems, policies, and high-quality services for all young children. In fostering purpose-driven collaborations among members, partners, and supporters, ISSA creates a collective synergy that significantly amplifies our impact on early childhood development in diverse, dynamic, and multi-faceted environments. 

Develop your passion,
take your skills to the next level!

Join us in ensuring a brighter future for every child through continued learning and connection with the ECOS community.