WEBINAR: Transforming Early Childhood Education Through Play-Based Learning and Teacher Training
On November 18, 2026, this webinar will showcase successful transformations in early childhood education practice that move away from rigid, lecture-based instruction toward structured play-based learning. Through examples from two award-winning programs operating in different contexts, speakers will discuss program design, teacher training, implementation, results, relatively low-cost delivery, and lessons for adaptation and adoption elsewhere.
Objectives and expected outcomes:
- Present practical examples of successful transformations toward play-based early learning.
- Examine teacher-training models that equip educators to facilitate structured play effectively.
- Share evidence on implementation, results, costs, and scalability across different contexts.
- Identify practical lessons for policymakers, practitioners, and organizations seeking to adapt similar approaches.
- Strengthen knowledge exchange and collaboration between KIAEL, ECDAN, and the global early childhood development community.
Speakers
Candice Potgieter , Chief Executive Officer, The Unlimited Child
Candice Potgieter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a postgraduate degree in Applied Physics. She also participated in the National Astrophysics and Space Science Program at the University of Cape Town.
In recognition of her leadership potential and commitment to making a difference, Candice was selected from more than 50,000 applicants across Africa as a Mandela Washington Fellow, enabling her to further her studies at the University of Notre Dame in the United States.
Candice has a strong commitment to creating opportunities for children to thrive and advancing a more equitable society. In 2016, she joined The Unlimited Child, where she has led efforts to advance the organization’s goal of improving the lives of more than one million children. Her work is driven by a vision of creating a better world for children through equitable access to opportunities and support.
Prof. Nirmala Rao, Professor Emeritus, The University of Hong Kong
Nirmala Rao is Professor Emeritus at The University of Hong Kong (HKU). Until July 1, 2026, she served as Serena H C Yang Professor in Early Childhood Development and Education, Chair Professor of Child Development and Education, and Director of the Consortium for Research on Early Childhood Development and Education (CORE) in HKU’s Faculty of Education.
Her interdisciplinary research bridges early childhood education and developmental psychology, with a particular focus on preschool quality across Asia. A globally recognized scholar, her award-winning research has been published in leading academic journals. She is Editor-in-Chief of Early Childhood Research Quarterly and serves on the editorial boards of several leading journals.
Committed to knowledge exchange and evidence-informed practice, Nirmala has provided expertise and consultancy to UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Bank, OECD, and WHO, and serves on nonprofit boards. She also brings extensive senior leadership experience through her administrative roles at HKU.
Susan Place Everhart, Chief Operating Officer, Sabre Education
Susan has been CEO of Sabre Education since July 2020. She is an experienced global leader with extensive experience across the international development and private sectors, having worked across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Susan is passionate about education, women’s and girls’ empowerment, and community-led development. Throughout her career, she has developed innovative experiential education programs for adult learners, served on educational boards, led education and health systems strengthening initiatives, and supported community-led approaches to gender equality and empowerment.