ECDAM 10th Anniversary: What PD sessions for ECEC should truly feel like.

The kind of Professional Development sessions we truly deserve attending too are the kind ECDAM created during their 10th Anniversary celebration.

Being part of ECDAM is not just being part of the committee but also beyond that. Yes I have been part of the fabulous team behind ECDAM as a committee member a few years ago. I stepped down to take care of someone dear to me but ECDAM is always ECDAM. Nevertheless to me, ECDAM is more than being a committee member, it is a safe space with like-minded people who are passionate about the Early Years. Once I knew about this event without a shadow of a doubt I registered and got my ticket for the 10th Anniversary celebration which was held on 18th April 2026. I expected nothing less than perfection from ECDAM and that is what they delivered.

Starting the event were speakers who spoke from the heart about how there is yet a big gap on recognition especially for Early Years practitioners. The news speaks volumes about the ripple effect of a fast economical system being pushed forward more so than the recognition of what is actually quality teaching and learning. According to SDG 4, which represents quality education, sometimes I wonder how seriously this is being taken. Yes of course quality can be interpreted in numerous ways but in my opinion this has to start from recognising ECEC practitioners as equal educators by allowing room for ECEC progression and warrants. The speakers clearly shared the same vision and while we could all feel empowered, we all secretly know that the truth is more than speeches from inspiring people who share the same passion. It takes courage, stamina and powerful teamwork to actually one day get what ECEC practitioners truly deserve. This is why ECDAM is different. They are ready to break those boundaries and walk the walk side by side with the practitioners themselves. They talk the talk and take action.

Back to the 10th Anniversary celebration, ECDAM collaborated with six incredible workshop leaders who delivered undoubtedly inspiring and breathtaking sessions. I attended three, although I wished for more time to explore the rest.

Textiles Workshop:

This was my first workshop and the workshop leader Ms. Charmaine Falzon delivered it exceptionally. Her resources provided new insights, in particular the ideas of painting on fabric lace, using traditional Maltese lace ċombini as means of music making, fabric through dances, sensorial storytellers and much much more. The highlight of course was the end surprise in which I was able to lay down on the floor and witness how it is to play. Beautiful tactile under the sea scenarios, which reminded me how little resources we need to accomplish simple playful encounters.

Clay Workshop:

Secondly I attended Ms. Marie Claire's clay workshop in relation to how clay can be used not only for creative explorations but also as a mean of building language development, friendships and of course fine motors. It taught me how wonderful our community of different practitioners truly is. This workshop gave me a chance to sit down, debate, construct and learn from other passionate members too. However it also reminded me that it is ok to get your messages across through different medias. In this case Clay representations which led to storytelling possibilitiesas to why we created such masterpieces.

Cooking Workshop:

I am a sucker for anything with food, especially since I have an A level in Home Economics study, so this workshop I had to definitely not miss. Ms. Stefania from Healthylicious taught us the importance of including healthy food in our practices, how to use fresh produce, encourage teamwork, self discipline and of course practice what we preach. Managed to create a healthy greek yogurt pizza base and with an even yummer mushroom topping which I was lucky enough to eat at home and share with my brood. New skills, improved my foundations and above all learnt how my roots can be used in class too.

I missed out on the opportunity to be part of the remaining three workshops which I heard were simply fabulous too. Mindfulness sessions by Ms. Alison Lauri Rodo were jam packed and so surreal in an outdoor environment, making us rethink how the third teacher is equally important for a great learning experience. Ms. Maria Gauci had an interesting hands on session next to our Clay workshop and I could sense the positive vibes coming our way and it showed in all the masterpieces created by the participants who were full of pride showing off their creations to their peers. The Woodwork workshop by Pete Moorehouse I skipped because I attended a similar workshop of his while in Athens with ECDAM a few years ago. Nevertheless still bummed that I did not have enough time to attend and relearn about other inspiring opportunities and increase my knowledge about woodwork in ECEC classrooms. The buzz and laughter next to our Textile workshop however confirmed that his session was banging awesome and full of opportunities too. Nevertheless there is always a next time and I can not wait to see what the next celebration unfolds.

To all the organisers thank you for trusting me in helping out during the day and have a glimpse of your behind the scenes. You introduced me to so many beautiful human being who are equally passionate in engaging more ECEC professional development. My highlight was meeting so much people and learningfrom different experiences. They are all experts in my eyes! Made new acquaintances, rekindled old flames and of course I was among a small fraction of this wonderful community which has now grown into a platform far more than just a surface level of professional learning. The warriors who started ECDAM are fearless because they never gave up and for that I thank you in tenfold, for believing in us and the future of our children.

Till the next one... we need MORE of these opportunities and can not wait to list my name in the next upcoming event.

Group photo credits to ECDAM