Daphne Street a centre for excellence Our Daphne Street Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre continues to build its reputation as a centre for excellence, being recognised as a leader in its field through participating in key research projects and being invited to speak on a state and national level.
In 2024, we hosted former Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Autism Emily Bourke – Labor MLC, and Autism CRC Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Davis, to officially launch Autism CRC’s latest National Practice Guideline Resources. The resources included the Supporting Autistic Children and their Families short course and eLearning, and the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. The guidelines defined evidence-based practices for supporting autistic children and their families that promote children’s development, their participation in childhood activities, and their wellbeing. The centre was proud to host this launch and shine a light on the important work we do to support local autistic children and their families.
AnglicareSA Executive General Manager, Disability and Wellbeing Services Ian Byrne, Board Chair Tim Sarah, Senior Manager Autism Services Grace Frost, and Autism CRC CEO Andrew Davis at the launch
Stewardship in practice A collaboration has seen the OATS team share resources and knowledge with tutors and families engaged AnglicareSA’s HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) program through a series of dedicated training sessions.
HIPPY is a free, two-year, home-based early learning program supporting parents to prepare their children for school. As part of the program, trained HIPPY tutors support parents in their community to extend their parenting skills and introduce play-based learning activities with their children. AnglicareSA Senior Therapist, Kathryn Kulesza, said the training programs were about building on HIPPY tutors’ and parents’ capacity as teachers and creating inclusive environments for children. “The training sessions are about giving tutors and families some strategies to make sure they are creating inclusive learning environments for children,” Kathryn said. Kathryn said the topics discussed in the training sessions would benefit all three-year-old children, regardless of background or ability.
“We are teaching tutors and families skills that can translate to preschool, school, and beyond,” Kathryn said. “It is about looking at children’s development and behaviours through a supportive lens.” Training topics covered have included emotional regulation, supporting communication development, creating inclusive learning environments, sensory processing, positive behaviour support, and scaffolding learning. The training is currently being trialled with AnglicareSA’s HIPPY Playford team, with plans to continue the collaboration for our Onkaparinga team, dependent on feedback and outcomes.
ANNUAL REPORT 2024 2025 35
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker