Deep dive into the strategies used by children's therapy experts...
Our Modules
Module 1
Program Foundations
In Module 1, you will learn the key components of social and emotional learning in early childhood and the important role educators play in supporting its growth. We identify the psychological concepts that underpin SEED strategies.
SEED is designed to be worked through sequentially and each module is built on the learning and priorities you set in previous modules.
Module 2
My Priorities
In Module 2, you will identify the strengths and challenges of the children in your room, and the factors that might be influencing their behaviour.
Use a 'Functional Behavioural Analysis' to reveal the underlying reasons for challenging behaviours. This will help you to select the strategies that will be most beneficial in your context.
Module 3
My Environment
The layout, equipment, toys and visuals in your room play an important role in nurturing children’s mental health and wellbeing. Here we focus on ways to structure your room for maximum social and emotional learning, and to benefit children experiencing specific behavioural or emotional challenges.
SEED emphasises a safe and structured environment, with a focus on:
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The Physical Setting: this includes the furniture and layout of your space
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Routines and Cues: helping children transition through activities with minimal anxiety
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Relationships: including toys and tools that encourage children to engage with peers, educators and the program.
Module 4
My Strategies
In Module 4 we focus on building knowledge in therapeutic and positive behaviour strategies that foster children’s self-esteem, resilience and self-regulation.
Strategies are tailored to the types of behaviours you have observed in your room, including aggression, anxiety, oppositional behaviours, hyperactivity or impulsivity, and emotional reactivity, in addition to universal strategies that benefit all children.
Module 6
Making Play Therapeutic
In Module 6, we outline strategies to maximise the therapeutic benefits of play. From building self-esteem to coping with family change, play is the way that children begin to understand their world, as well as develop critical motor skills. While play occurs naturally, educators can significantly enhance the benefits with specific responses to play.
In this module, you will explore the reasons behind different kinds of play, and how you can best respond. The toys in your room can also have therapeutic value. See how inclusive your toy box is, and whether the addition of certain items will benefit the whole group.
Module 7
Talking with Caregivers
While educators are not qualified to make a diagnosis, they may be the first to discuss behavioural concerns relating to children with caregivers. Many educators acknowledge this task to be the most stress-inducing of their role. However, these conversations are critical as we know early intervention can offer significant benefits for future development and wellbeing.
Module 7 will provide you with tools to help you successfully navigate these necessary conversations with confidence and empathy. This module provides strategies to address developmental concerns, and issues relating to child safety.
Module 8
Supporting Children with Additional Needs
This module is designed for educators caring for children who require extra support within the early learning environment. This may include children with a developmental delay or disability. Specifically, it focuses on strengthening children’s social and emotional, communication, play and gross motor skills.
It offers strategies that you can embed into your practice and interactions to support participation and inclusion, and promote children’s strengths and interests.
Module 9
Anxiety in Early Childhood
All children feel worry or fear at times. For some children this is excessive, and their responses are more extreme than expected for their developmental level and age. This can have a significant impact on their ability to attend early learning programs, engage with educators and children, explore, learn and manage their emotions. In this Module, we will explore what anxiety might look and feel like for young children and suggest strategies to help you support children who are experiencing anxiety.
Module 10
Supporting Children with Autism
Autism can present significant challenges for both the child and their educators. Early learning environments can be overly stimulating and stressful, and the child’s coping methods may appear disruptive, aggressive or disengaged. However, this environment also provides opportunities for growth. Educators are in a unique position to help these children reach their full social, emotional and learning potential. In this module, we explore what autism is, the meaning of related behaviours and strategies that will help.
