The Parent Coaching and Support Service is an early intervention program that centres parent wellbeing, recognising that when parents feel supported and confident, they are better able to support their children. Grounded in evidence-based occupational therapy and coaching principles, it builds parents’ knowledge, skills, and capacity to understand and respond to their child’s needs - gently strengthening relationships and supporting positive developmental outcomes.

The service specifically supports parents to better understand emotional development and regulation where they are guided through practical, relationship-based strategies for co-regulation, resilience, and emotional safety. Alongside this information, parents are supported to build confidence in their role and responses to their child, whilst recognising and responding to the stress experienced within their parenting role.

Families are supported to create sustainable routines that encourage regulation, engagement, and readiness to learn. Parents gain tools to navigate everyday challenges while nurturing communication and positive interactions, with benefits often flowing into other environments. By strengthening parent wellbeing and capacity, the service supports long-term development and improved participation of children within their education environment.

Expected outcomes for this program are:

• Families: Increased understanding of their child’s needs and greater confidence, strengthening connection and support in daily life.
• Children: Improved emotional regulation and participation, with stronger, secure relationships.
• Educators: More consistent support approaches and improved engagement in learning environments.

The service is delivered through a semi structured series of weekly group sessions conducted over six consecutive weeks run online. Each session runs for 2 hours, allowing sufficient time for meaningful engagement, discussion, and practical activities.

The program is facilitated by Sara King, Registered Occupational Therapist who is an experienced therapist with specific experience in delivering responsive, participant-centred group sessions and has additional qualifications in coaching practice. The facilitator leads all sessions, adapting content and delivery methods to meet the emerging needs, interests, and learning styles of participants. While the program follows a clear framework, it remains flexible to ensure sessions are responsive and relevant. Sessions are delivered in an interactive and supportive format, incorporating discussion, reflection, and practical exercises. Content is tailored week-to-week based on participant feedback and engagement, ensuring the service remains participant-led while working towards agreed outcomes. The number of participants is capped to ensure quality of coaching and support can be managed to benefit all participants.

This program is delivered for a total cost of $3720. It covers up to 12 hours of face to face group facilitated sessions over a period preferred by the service site as well as regular communication between sessions, all content creation and implementation support for participants as required throughout the program.