Early childhood educators are involved in children and families’ lives for an important but brief time. Educators can play a key role in families adopting a positive mindset and building skills for an inclusive life. Research tells us that families who are strong agents in their child’s development and education are best placed to meet challenges and changes throughout life.
Learn about:
- New ideas for working in partnership with families of children with developmental differences
- How we can be responsive to where a family are up to with understanding their child’s needs
- Roles we can play in connecting families with support to promote an inclusive vision for their child’s future
- Support available to families of children with disabilities and additional needs
Hear about a free evidence-based program called ‘Now and Next’ educators can share with families you work with. This program can help empower families to:
- be confident in playing a key role in their child’s development
- advocate for their child’s inclusion
- plan for a positive inclusive future
- increase their capabilities to support their child over the long term
About our guest speaker:
Sylvana Mahmic is the CEO of Plumtree Children’s Services and has worked in the early childhood intervention field for over 28 years, with particular expertise in whole-of-family and peer-led approaches. She is the co-creator of the peer-led program Now & Next and has incubated two peer-led organisations, ‘Reframing Autism’ and ‘Kindred’. Sylvana is also the mother of an adult with disabilities. Sylvana has served on over 25 advisory groups and has been a member of the NSW Disability Council. She has held executive positions on the Board of Early Childhood Intervention Australia NSW/ACT and was a founding board member of Diversity Disability Alliance.
This workshop aligns with the National Quality Standard:
Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
Professional Standards for Teachers:
1 hour of elective PD towards maintaining NESA accreditation can be claimed under:
Standard 1.6, 3.4, 3.7 & 4.1.
