Leaders Lab
Network Groups
Term 1, 2026

Join the 4E's Leaders Lab, a collaborative and consultant-driven space for kaiako in leadership roles to deep dive into leadership strategy, systemic challenges, and real-world scenarios.

These sessions combine structured learning with authentic discussion, empowering leaders to strengthen capability and confidence.

This program is perfect for centre managers, team leaders, and aspiring early childhood education leaders committed to nurturing thriving teams and delivering exceptional learning experiences.

Currently only $250 for the full term of 5 sessions.
Spaces Limited. Confirm your space early

  • Spaces Limted

    Maximum of 10

  • 5 Sessions

    Fortnightly Group Sessions

    4E’s™ Professional Leaders Lab

    What makes our Leaders Lab unique?
    • Leadership-focused sessions that build strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
    • Deep dives into leadership strategy, organisational systems, and a wide range of ECE topics.
    • Structured, topic-specific learning delivered in a one-hour format for targeted development.
    • Guided by experienced ECE leaders, offering clear objectives and practical takeaways.
    • Presenter-led, with focused content on single topics per session (e.g., curriculum planning, internal evaluation, team building).
    • Certificate of attendance per term, plus annual PGC endorsement for those completing four terms and actively contributing.
    Whether you want to enhance leadership capability, navigate complex challenges, or gain practical strategies, Leadership Peer Pods provide the perfect environment for quick, targeted professional growth that makes an impact.

    Why Choose the 4E’s™ Leaders Lab

    Values-based framework

    tailored to ECE leadership.

    Real-world application

    strategies you can use immediately.

    Supportive peer community

    fostering shared growth.

    Flexible options

    join live sessions or access recorded content.

    How it works:

    Fortnightly Sessions

    Five interactive peer sessions
    (60 minutes each), live online.

    Small group peer pods

    Limited to 6-10 participants for connection and collaboration.

    Practical Resources

    Practical resources, handouts, and templates for immediate application.

    Course Lessons

    Get to know us

    Meet Your Facilitators

    Vanessa Henry

    FACILITATOR
    With 30 years of knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Vanessa's career has encompassed roles both internationally and within New Zealand. She has worked with all age groups in various teaching and leadership positions, including centre manager roles and as an operations manager for preschool chains.
    Vanessa possesses a diverse range of strengths and expertise, particularly in ECE compliance, design, licensing, curriculum development, policies and procedures, internal evaluation, mentoring, and team management. She has a keen eye for detail and enjoys supporting others to succeed through audits, guidance, and training. Vanessa is deeply passionate about providing high-quality ECE and leads with a child-centered approach.

    Martina Ewing

    FACILITATOR
    Martina has spent her education years in a variety of Early Childhood Education teaching, management and mentoring roles. Her experience covers all age groups, which has given her a vast range of knowledge, skills and techniques that she enjoys sharing with other Kaiako through presenting professional learning and development workshops and writing blogs to assist them to further develop their teaching practice.

    Martina has vast experience carrying out operational compliance and best practice ECE service audits, developing strong health and safety documentation and systems, strategic and annual planning, internal evaluation and policy and procedure development.
    Don't take our word for it

    Here's what past Peer Pods participants say about their Professional Network experience.

    I’ve recently joined the Professional Network Peer Pods with Vanessa, and the experience has been fantastic. Connecting with other leaders and engaging in meaningful, in-depth conversations about all aspects of ECE has really boosted my confidence as a manager.
    Rebecca Cavanagh, Puanga Kākaho
    Peer Pods has been an invaluable experience for me, both in my learning and growth. The slides you prepared and the resources you shared were outstanding and will not only support me personally, but also help me support my team to grow and do better in every way.
    Megan Jenkins, Shine Montessori
    Lesson series

    Leaders Lab
    Term 1, 2026

    For leaders to collaborate, learn & support one another on a range of topics, questions and challenges.
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