Enhancing the Capacity of the Childcare Workforce to Integrate Children with Autism Kate Palmer Early Childhood Services

Autism Association of Western Australia “To advance the personal development, equality of opportunity and community participation of people with Autism”

Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre – Western Australia – One of six Specialist Early Learning Centres country wide Comprehensive Learning Framework, that draws from number of Autism specific intervention models Focus intervention methods, such as PECS, Social Storiesᵀᴹ, Aided Language Stimulation

Aim Key barriers to facilitating successful inclusion of children with Autism into mainstream childcare. A model that enhances the capacity of childcare workforce to integrate children with Autism. Innovative training and development that promote successful engagement of children with Autism.

Barriers to Successful Inclusion of Children with Autism Successful Inclusion ChildStaffCurriculumEnvironment Characteristics of Autism Educators, Teachers and Managers Content and practice Facilities and resources

Early Learning Model Supporting Integration Early Years Learning Framework and Good Practice Principles for Autism. Key Elements of Effective Intervention: – Autism specific curriculum content – Supportive environment – Predictability & routine – Transition support – Family involvement – Use of visual supports Evidence based framework

Early Learning Model Supporting Integration Therapy elements within a long day care setting Replicable in any other childcare environments Research: significant changes for child and family Addressing key barriers to inclusion Successful Inclusion ChildStaffCurriculumEnvironment

Individual Support in Skill Development Individualised and Intentional teaching of: – Communication – Play and joint attention – Sharing and turn taking – Self care skills – Generalisation – Transitioning Successf ul Inclusio n ChildStaff Curriculu m Environme nt

Training and Support to Staff Internal training and mentoring to increase knowledge and understanding of Autism Multi-disciplinary team External trainings, webinars, online module Good communication systems Reflective practice Successf ul Inclusio n ChildStaff Curriculu m Environme nt

Adjusted Curriculum & Practice Individual Learning Plans Communication style Task analysis Visual supports Concrete representation of abstract Functional behaviour support Repetition through focus topics Successf ul Inclusio n ChildStaff Curriculu m Environme nt

Supportive Learning Environment Successf ul Inclusio n ChildStaff Curriculu m Environme nt

Upskilling the Childcare Workforce 98 Educators and teachers from 22 early childhood settings participated in training Evaluation study completed with Curtin University (total of 66): 2% - Children with Autism should only attend Autism specific childcares 79% - Children with Autism don’t cope in childcare with same support as others 98% - Important to have training to work with child with Autism? 29% - Qualifications provided adequate training & understanding of Autism 32% - Had any specific/additional training regarding Autism 91% - Important to know which interventions have supporting evidence

Upskilling the Childcare Workforce ECIA and ECEC Conferences Full day seminars Close networking with Inclusion Support Agencies Metro and regional workshops Factsheets on IPSP online resource library

Upskilling the Childcare Workforce Centre tours to Inclusion Support Consultants Centre tours to staff from mainstream centres Publications specific for childcare services Expansion of Training and Development Program: In-house workshops and consultations Online learning and electronic resources Future: National Learning Curriculum for childcare sector

Integration Readiness Tool Part of larger project: Teacher’s Autism Toolbox Dual purpose: self-assessment and preparation i.Assess if prepared for smooth transition and integration ii.Equip with adequate knowledge, strategies and resources

Integration Readiness Tool Self-assessment: How ready are you for successful integration? How to prepare: environment curriculum content classroom practices permanent and relief staff other children and families new family with a child with Autism

Summary Sustainable childcare model Therapy elements in a long day care setting Empowering childcare staff Future research: Autism in childcares