ECE Workshop: Environment & Classroom Design / Infant & Toddler Development / Creative & Sensory Development

Discovering Loose Parts and Upcycled Materials with Toddlers: Fostering Creativity, Fine Motor Skills, and Cognitive Growth

Join us for a hands-on professional development workshop designed to explore the incredible potential of loose parts and upcycled materials in fostering young children’s growth. This session will demonstrate how everyday objects, from buttons to bottle caps, can spark toddlers’ creativity, enhance their fine motor skills, and support language and cognitive development.

Workshop Hosted By

Julie Hansen

Early Childhood Educator, Consultant, and Author

Through guided invitations and discussions, you’ll learn how to:

Encourage Creativity & Imagination: Discover how open-ended materials provide endless opportunities for toddlers to create, problem-solve, and express themselves in innovative ways.

Support Fine Motor Skills Development: Explore activities that promote hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and control through manipulation of small objects and materials.

Enhance Cognitive and Language Skills: Understand how playing with loose parts fosters early mathematical concepts, language acquisition, and critical thinking.

Incorporate Upcycled Materials: Learn how to transform everyday recyclables into valuable learning tools, teaching sustainability while inspiring curiosity and exploration.

Promote Hands-On Learning: Create dynamic learning environments where toddlers can engage in sensory exploration, collaborative play, and independent discovery.

Whether you’re working in a classroom, home daycare, or community center, this workshop will give you the tools and inspiration to incorporate loose parts and upcycled materials into your practice, helping toddlers develop essential skills while fostering a love for hands-on learning.

Workshop Details

All workshops include a certificate and supporting resources.

WORKSHOP FORMATS

In-Person, Virtual (Zoom)

AGE GROUPS

Infant Toddler (6 to 36 months), Preschool (3 to 5 years)

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ECE Workshops for Individuals

Inspired ECE understands that not everyone can participate in our professional development workshops as part of a group or team. We do our best to accommodate everyone’s needs. Periodically, we run ECE workshops for a group of individuals when we have enough interest.

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Explore creative outlets—art with diverse materials, hands-on cooking, and dramatic play—to support children’s problem-solving, collaboration, social development, and meaningful self-expression.

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Testimonials

Management and leadership courses offered by an Early Childhood Educator truly is a gift in this line of work. Julie Hansen’s insight and understanding of childcare and early learning dynamics developed my skills and confidence as a manager. Her ideas are innovative, thoughtful and easy to implement for myself and my team. I enjoyed my one to one coaching calls, team workshops and leadership series I have taken with Julie. I recommend her to any new or veteran ECE or ECE Manager.

JENN CARMAN

Manager
À:lmèlhàwtxw Early Education Centre – Stó:lō Service Agency

We were blown away by how amazing Julie’s Skype workshop was! She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about early childhood education.

JEN DIDORA

Assistant Director
Oakbank Kids Korner Co-op Inc.

I would recommend Julie Hansen, Inspired ECE to anyone in the Early Childhood Education field! Julie has been a positive influence in my life with all of her workshops and resources. Julie has so much knowledge of all of the areas of Early Childhood Education and quality early learning experiences. I always walk away with something new and many ideas to take back to my own programs after attending a workshop with Julie . I’ve also done a consultation with Julie regarding recruiting ECE’s and she had so much advice to offer. Thanks to Julie’s advice, I was able to hire not one but TWO Educators for my center. If you’re looking for professional development opportunities and/or professional consulting, I highly recommend connecting with Julie!

BRIANNA WINTERS

Owner/Operator
Early Childhood Educator
Colour My World Childcare

Thank you Julie for sharing your wisdom, time and resources with me.
I truly appreciate it.

LORRAINE SKELTON

Early Childhood Educator