Inclusion in Family Day Care

The Family Day Care (FDC) Working Group had been reflecting on the current needs of Family Day Care services and collaborating on new and innovative approaches to promote engagement and opportunities for FDC educators to network together. Through discussions with practice advisors and coordinators of services, one of the frequent topics raised was that educators were wanting more support on working with children experiencing trauma, and how this is an increased concern with many educators and families.

With the increased need to promote trauma informed practices the FDC group partnered with First Five Forever to support a Professional Conversation on Therapeutic Storytelling. Inclusion Professionals from Brisbane South and Logan/Redlands gathered with FDC Coordinators to discuss trauma and the associated impacts using the Inclusion Support QLD ‘Trauma Sensitive Practices’ poster. They also explored how Therapeutic Storytelling can be used for the purpose of helping and healing.

First Five Forever shared the story book ‘Birdie’s Tree’ developed by Children’s Health QLD, and educators reflected on the story telling process and strategies to support trauma sensitive practices and how this can be tailored to meet the needs of the children in their care. Each participant was also provided with an amazing resource kit from First Five Forever including the Birdie suite of stories and puppets. Educators then had the opportunity to create their own ‘Birdie’ story stones and engaged in reflective conversation on trauma, to share knowledge, experiences, and opportunities. Discussions also focused on Inclusion Support QLD resources, developing Strategic Inclusion Plans, and flexible support opportunities from Inclusion Professionals.

Across Queensland another initiative has been to attend FDC playgroups to connect with educators, engage with SIP development and discuss tailored support for their home environments around inclusion needs. This has been extremely successful as educators have appreciated the support from Inclusion Professionals either in an informal chat at the playgroups or requesting visits to their care environments, due to the connections and relationships formed at these play sessions. If you would like Inclusion Support QLD to attend your playgroup please contact us.

Educators are also finding the ‘Inclusion in FDC’ podcast valuable.