The Connected Child Project

A shared, tiered support approach that brings Speech Pathologists, educators and families together to embed practical strategies in the classroom that support every child’s communication, regulation and learning.

WHAT IS THE CONNECTED CHILD PROJECT?

Speechcare speech pathologists, AHAs and teachers work closely with early childhood centres and classroom teachers to implement tiered supports and regulation strategies into everyday classroom routines.

The Connected Child Project is designed to deliver long-term, centre-wide capability – not short-term behaviour fixes. Through close collaboration between educators, Speechcare speech pathologists, AHAs and Speechcare teachers, the program builds a shared, evidence-based approach to supporting communication, regulation and learning across everyday environments.

The focus is on creating sustainable, practical strategies that can be embedded across classrooms, centres and home environments, leading to a calmer and more confident workforce, stronger family relationships, lower staff turnover, and improved participation and wellbeing for all children through positive systems change.

TIERED SUPPORTS:

Tier 1

Whole Class Supports:

Speechcare Speech Pathologists work alongside educators to build inclusive classroom strategies that support communication, regulation and participation for all children. This includes coaching, modelling and practical tools that fit naturally into everyday routines.

Tier 2

Small Group Supports:

Children needing extra support are supported in small groups with tailored strategies that help them access learning and feel more confident in the classroom. Educators receive hands-on coaching from Speechcare therapists to adapt supports to individual needs.

Tier 3

In-Class Speech Therapy Supports:

Children with identified learning or communication challenges receive individual speech therapy support within the classroom environment. Strategies and goals are personalised to help each child participate more successfully in everyday learning.

Tier 4

Intensive 1:1 Supports & Coaching:

For children with more complex needs, Speechcare provide intensive individualised therapy and coaching across school, home and clinic settings. Educators and families work together with the allied health team to create consistent, meaningful support around the child.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR:

Education Centres

Build a more inclusive, confident and consistent team approach across the whole centre. The program supports long-term systems change that improves staff wellbeing, family relationships and outcomes for children.

Teachers & Educators

Feel more confident understanding behaviour, supporting regulation and talking with families about concerns. Educators gain practical strategies that fit naturally into everyday routines – without adding more overwhelm.

Parents

Gain a clearer understanding of what their child experiences throughout the day and feel more connected to the support team around them. Families and educators work together using shared language and consistent strategies.

Children

Children feel more understood, supported and included in their everyday environments. With responsive supports in place, they can communicate, regulate and participate with greater confidence.