Professional Development Day

Early Childhood Professional Development Day - Inclusive practices 9.00 am - 3.30 pm

Program

Current NDIS Environment - Mission Australia- Kim Slabon / Remote Coordinator

Neuro-affirming approach and practice
Speech Pathologist by Kimberley Robson ARUMA Speech Pathologist

Kimberley Robson is a speech pathologist with Aruma Therapy in Meanjin (Brisbane) who works with people across the lifespan. It is important to Kim that speech pathology intervention is family and person-centred, neuro-affirming and relationship based. 

In this presentation, Kim will talk about the concept of neuro-affirming practice and how this can look in the child's learning environment. We will discuss a range of ideas and frameworks related to being neuro-affirming in our work with young people. This presentation will also include case examples from supporting neuro-divergent children in their educational environments from a speech pathologist's perspective.

Workshops

1. Lets Explore - join us for a quick dive into our own sensory needs, routines, and preferences to better understand the children in our care.
Presented by an ODEEP Early Childhood Teachers Sharlene Visman and Melinda Drain

By taking a closer look at our own sensory needs, routines, and preferences, we can gain valuable insights into the behaviours and needs of the children we care for.
This understanding helps us create supportive and nurturing environments that are tailored to each individual child and can provide valuable information to support children with disabilities and additional needs.

2. Building connections through inclusive play environments
Presented by Jill MacGregor and Cahli Wall ASPECT Early Childhood Teachers 

This workshop provides educators with practical strategies to implement inclusive play environments for preschool children.

3. Exploring the world of visuals to create inclusive environments in Preschool
Presented by Helen Dalgleish and Sharon Pendergast ARUMA Early Childhood Teachers 

Discover how visuals, such as schedules, cue cards, and choice boards, can support all children in navigating daily routines, building independence, and fostering social skills in preschool environments. Learn practical strategies for implementing visual supports to promote understanding, predictability, and engagement, helping children thrive in both structured and play-based environments.

4. Affirming Neurodiversity, One Mind at a Time
Presented by Belinda Mann and Alex Bruce OECI Early Childhood Teachers

Join us in delving into developing a better understand of the needs of neurodivergent children by learning ways to recognise, value, and support their unique ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world.