Educator Support

Practical consultation, observation and capacity building for kindergartens and early learning services

Future Proof Early Intervention works alongside early childhood educators to strengthen children’s inclusion, regulation, communication and participation within kindergarten and early learning environments.

Naomi brings more than 25 years of early childhood experience and a practical understanding of how busy education settings operate. Support is collaborative, strengths-based and tailored to the child, educator team and service environment.

The focus is not simply on changing a child’s behaviour. Together, we explore what the child may be communicating, what is happening within the environment and which realistic adjustments may support greater safety, connection and participation.

How educator support can help

Consultation may be helpful when educators are supporting a child who:

• Experiences frequent dysregulation or distress 
• Finds transitions and changes in routine difficult 
• Has difficulty participating in group experiences 
• Communicates through behaviour, gestures, visuals or AAC 
• Seeks or avoids particular sensory experiences 
• Requires support to engage in play or connect with peers 
• Has difficulty with waiting, flexibility or shared spaces 
• Needs adjustments to routines, expectations or the environment 
• Is preparing to transition between rooms, kindergarten or school 
• Requires greater consistency between home and the education setting 

Support may focus on an individual child, a group of children or broader practices within the learning environment. The aim is to help educators understand what is happening and identify strategies that are realistic within their daily program.

What consultation may involve
 

Observation

Naomi can observe the child, group, routines and learning environment to better understand strengths, barriers, patterns and current support needs.
 

Educator Discussion

Educators have an opportunity to share their observations, concerns, existing strategies and priorities. Their knowledge of the child and daily program is an essential part of the process.
 

Practical Strategies

Recommendations may include adjustments to routines, transitions, communication, sensory experiences, group participation, expectations or the physical environment.

Modelling and Coaching

Where appropriate, Naomi can model strategies and support educators to practise them within everyday routines.

Collaboration with Families

With appropriate consent, Naomi can work alongside families and other professionals to encourage consistent, coordinated support. 

Review

Strategies can be reviewed and adjusted according to the child’s response and educator feedback.

A written summary or recommendations may be provided when included within the agreed service. Consultation is designed to build educator confidence and capacity, not create additional unnecessary paperwork.

Areas of support

Educator consultation may explore:

• Co-regulation and emotional regulation 
• Understanding behaviour as communication 
• Inclusive routines and transitions 
• Supporting communication, including visuals and AAC 
• Sensory needs within the learning environment 
• Participation in group experiences 
• Play, peer interaction and social connection 
• Adjusting expectations and reducing unnecessary demands 
• Building predictability, choice and control 
• Supporting independence and self-care 
• Preparing for kindergarten or school transitions 
• Strengthening communication between families and educators 

Recommendations are tailored to the child, group and service. There is no single strategy that works for every child or every early childhood environment.

Who can book educator support?
Educator support is available to:

• Kindergartens 
• Long day care and early learning services 
• Preschool programs 
• Early childhood teachers and educator teams 
• Educational leaders and service managers 
• Families seeking collaboration with their child’s education setting 

Services may use their professional learning, inclusion or School Readiness Funding budgets where the support aligns with current funding requirements. Families may also fund consultation privately or, where appropriate, through self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding.

Services are responsible for confirming that the proposed consultation meets the requirements of their chosen funding source.

Educator consultation focuses on building the capacity of the adults around the child. It is different from a therapy session delivered directly to a child and is planned according to the needs of the service.

Practical support educators can use

Educator support is designed to leave teams with a clearer understanding of the child and practical next steps. Depending on the agreed consultation, educators may receive:
 

• Verbal feedback following an observation 
• Prioritised strategies for immediate implementation 
• Visual or environmental recommendations 
• Guidance for transitions, routines and group experiences 
• Suggestions for supporting communication and regulation 
• Coaching or modelling within the learning environment 
• A written summary or recommendations, where included 
• A plan for reviewing progress and adjusting strategies 

Recommendations take into account staffing, routines, available resources and the needs of the whole group. The aim is to develop realistic strategies educators can use consistently—not an idealised plan that is difficult to implement.
 

Ready to discuss support for your service?

Tell us about your service, educator team and the support you are seeking. Naomi will contact you to discuss the most suitable consultation format, availability, fees and next steps.