Setting Goals for Young Children: Clear, Achievable & Meaningful Planning

Setting goals for children should be simple, purposeful, and centred on their strengths, interests, and learning needs. When goals are clear and intentional, they become powerful tools that guide planning, support learning, and make progress visible. This workshop supports educators to confidently write meaningful goals using the SMART goal-setting framework, ensuring goals are specific, achievable, and genuinely supportive of children’s development.

Educators will learn a practical, step-by-step process for identifying when a child needs an individual goal, writing it clearly, and planning the strategies, environments, and intentional teaching that help children move forward. The session focuses on creating goals that are realistic, measurable, and linked meaningfully to learning outcomes, rather than goals that sit disconnected from everyday practice.

What You Will Learn

• Identify when and why a child requires an individual learning goal
• Use the SMART framework to write goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
• Write clear, observable, and meaningful goals that guide planning
• Link goals to learning outcomes in a purposeful and intentional way
• Co-construct goals with families to support shared understanding and consistency
• Plan strategies, environments, and intentional teaching to support goal achievement
• Document progress, reflect on learning, and identify next steps
• Communicate goals clearly and professionally with families and teams

What Is Included

• A 90-minute live virtual workshop
• SMART goal-writing templates
• Examples of measurable and achievable goals
• Reflection and progress tracking tools
• Certificate of Participation

This workshop builds educator confidence and consistency in writing SMART goals that are embedded in everyday practice and genuinely support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.