Supporting Children with Development Differences Part 4
- tashaalach
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
A strengths-based and neuro-affirming approach for early childhood educators
It is really important to create a culture of inclusion and support the team to access evidence-based training. Also to access local supports that are available. Here are some great links:
Training available to support inclusive practice
Ongoing professional learning helps educators build confidence and develop strategies to support children with developmental differences.
Autism awareness training
Training that helps educators understand neurodiversity and practical strategies for supporting autistic children and other neurodivergent learners.
Here are our top picks:
Early Childhood Intervention Australia provides resources and learning opportunities aligned with the National Best Practice Guidelines.
Professional learning through PRECI (Professionals & Researchers in Early Childhood Intervention) offers webinars and research updates for professionals supporting young children with developmental differences.
Local professional development and workshops
Free workshops:
Working Together for the Best Outcomes
When early childhood educators, families and allied health professionals work together, children receive the most effective support.
The goal is always to ensure every child:
feels safe and valued
can participate in everyday learning experiences
is supported according to their strengths and needs
Early identification, inclusive environments and collaborative partnerships can make a significant difference in a child’s developmental journey.
With the right supports in place, every child could thrive.
Inclusion Support Agencies in Western Australia
Early childhood education and care services in Western Australia can access support through the Inclusion Support Program (ISP) delivered by the Australian Government. The program helps childcare services build their capacity to support children with additional needs so they can fully participate in early learning environments.
In Western Australia, several organisations work with childcare services to provide guidance, planning and support for inclusive practices.
One Tree Community Services – Inclusion Agency
One Tree Community Services delivers the Inclusion Agency service for Western Australia.
The Inclusion Agency supports early childhood services to:
build educator capability in inclusive practices
develop Inclusion Plans for individual children or groups
provide advice about adapting environments and routines
assist services to apply for Inclusion Development Funding (IDF)
connect services with additional community and specialist supports
Their consultants work directly with early childhood centres to strengthen inclusion practices and ensure children with additional needs can participate meaningfully in the program.
More information: https://www.onetree.org.au
Wanslea – Early Childhood Early Intervention Partner
Wanslea is the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partner for many regions across Western Australia. Wanslea supports families of children aged 0–6 years who may have developmental delays or disability.
They can help families by:
providing developmental guidance and early supports
linking families with therapy and specialist services
helping families apply for NDIS funding if appropriate
supporting families through early childhood intervention pathways
Childcare centres may suggest families contact Wanslea if developmental concerns arise and additional support may be needed.
More information:https://www.wanslea.org.au
Communicare – Inclusion and Family Support Services
Communicare provides a range of family support and community services across Western Australia, including programs that support children and families experiencing vulnerability or developmental concerns.
Communicare services may support families through:
parenting programs
early childhood family support
community-based support services
referrals to therapy or specialist supports
programs that assist families experiencing disadvantage or social isolation
Childcare centres may link families to Communicare when additional family or community supports would be helpful alongside developmental support.
More information:https://www.communicare.org.au
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