Signposts for Building Better Behaviour is an evidence-based parenting program developed by the Parenting Research Centre for families of children aged 3–16 years with intellectual disability, developmental delay, autism or behavioural concerns. Delivered by trained practitioners, it equips parents with practical strategies to understand, prevent and respond to challenging behaviour, while building children’s positive skills, independence and family wellbeing.

The program can be delivered individually, in groups or through supported self-directed learning, making it flexible for disability, health, education and family support settings. Parent manuals, videos and practical activities help parents to measure behaviour, encourage positive behaviour, teach functional alternatives, plan for difficult routines, and strengthen children’s skills and independence.

Research shows Signposts improves parenting confidence, reduces parental stress, and supports positive changes in children’s behaviour and family functioning.

Find out more: https://www.parentingrc.org.au/tools/signposts-building-better-behaviour-training-program/

Expected outcomes of this program include:

• improved educator confidence to partner with parents
• improved parent capability to use evidence-based behaviour strategies
• improved children's social competence, emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• stronger participation in ECEC and school readiness and
• strengthened family wellbeing and reduced vulnerability across key AEDC domains.

Signposts is delivered as a structured program facilitated by trained practitioners or educators working with families of children with developmental delay, disability or behavioural concerns.

The program can be delivered through group-based parent sessions, individual parent coaching or supported self-directed learning. In ECEC settings, it is most commonly delivered as facilitated parent groups comprising 6-8 structured sessions of approximately 2–2.5 hours, held weekly or fortnightly with groups of 6-10 parents or caregivers.

Using manuals, videos and guided activities, parents learn to understand and respond to their child's behaviour, strengthen positive parent-child interactions, teach alternative skills, plan for challenging situations, and support communication, social and self-regulation skills. Parents practise strategies between sessions and reflect on their progress with the group.

The program may be delivered by trained educators, early childhood intervention practitioners, psychologists, allied health professionals or family support workers, either within an ECEC service or in partnership with local family support organisations. Sessions can be held at early learning centres, preschools, community hubs or family centres.

The Parenting Research Centre provides facilitator training, program materials and ongoing implementation support to promote high-quality, evidence-based delivery and consistent behaviour support across home and early learning environments.

Cost (GST exclusive): $9,764 per training package (up to 15 participants). Includes implementation planning with leadership, two-day face-to-face facilitator training (including trainer travel), 8 hours of online coaching and consultation, electronic parent materials, and a sustainability consultation. Pricing is based on FY2026-27 rates. Additional training, coaching or remote delivery available by quotation.