This program strengthens educator knowledge in three key areas:

• developmental understanding of children aged 3–4 years
• raising developmental concerns with caregivers and
• navigating early intervention systems and support pathways.

The program includes contributions from allied health practitioners, including Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, who support educators to understand developmental indicators within communication, regulation and functional participation.

Participation in the program strengthens educator confidence in recognising developmental indicators and raising observations with caregivers in a respectful and supportive manner.

Educators are expected to develop:

• increased understanding of developmental indicators in children aged 3–4 years
• greater confidence raising concerns with caregivers
• increased knowledge of early intervention systems and referral pathways and
• strengthened reflective practice.

Navigating Developmental Conversations & Support Pathways in Early Childhood is delivered as a structured professional learning program designed to strengthen educator understanding of child development, early identification and referral pathways that support access to early intervention services.

The program is facilitated by Connect.Ed as an external provider and includes contributions from allied health practitioners, including Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. These practitioners support educators to understand developmental indicators within communication, regulation and participation in early childhood environments. The program is delivered as 5 sessions × 2 hours

Each session focuses on a key component of developmental understanding, conversations with caregivers and navigating early intervention pathways. The sequence of sessions is designed to gradually build educator confidence and practical knowledge.

• Session 1 – Foundations for Developmental Conversations. Topics explored include:
• Session 2 – Understanding Development at Ages 3–4: Speech Pathology
• Session 3 – Understanding Development at Ages 3–4: Occupational Therapy
• Session 4 – Navigating Early Intervention Systems and Support Pathways
• Session 5 – Practical Application and Reflective Practice

The Navigating Developmental Conversations & Support Pathways in Early Childhood program is delivered as a 5-session professional learning series for educators working in early childhood education and care services. The program is priced at $99 per educator, per 2-hour session, resulting in a total cost of $495 per educator excluding GST across all 5 sessions, primarily delivered in person at the Connect.Ed office in Keswick, South Australia, with online delivery available.