Guiding Children's Behaviour
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Theories that guide behaviour (Attachment, Erikson, Zones of Regulation, Social Psychology)
- Understanding and responding to behaviours like biting, kicking, escaping
- Partnering with families and building shared behavioural support strategies
- Supporting children through routine transitions, environmental changes, and trauma
- Active supervision and critical reflection as powerful educator tools
- Nature, sensory experiences, and creative play to support regulation
- Technology’s impact — and how to use it positively
- ACECQA-aligned policies and documentation
🗓️ DAY 1 – UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR & REGULATION
9:00am – 5:00pm
🕘 9:00–9:30
Welcome + About Your Facilitator – Kelly Hallas
- Intentions, connection activity: “A child who changed my practice”
Big Picture: Understanding Behaviour
- Attachment Theory
- Erik Erikson’s Stages of Development
- Zones of Regulation
- Positive Reinforcement & Social Psychology
Attention Span & Technology in Early Childhood
- Impact of tech
- 5 intentional educator-led ways to use it
- Linking tech to deeper thinking and learning
🕦 11:45–1:00
Self-Regulation & Resilience in Young Children
- Co-regulation, calm spaces, breathing routines
- Resilience-building through routine and connection
🍽️ Lunch Break
🕑 2:00–3:15
Transitions, Change, and Environmental Impact
- Drop-offs, new children, weather changes, changes at home
- Supporting through predictability and calm leadership
Our Classrooms & Sensory Factors
- Room layout, limits, calm corners, noise & light
- Sensory-friendly spaces + environmental consistency
Investigating Behaviour: What’s Really Happening?
- Biting, hitting, swearing, throwing, escaping
- What the behaviour is communicating
- Approaching with curiosity and compassion
🗓️ DAY 2 – SUPPORTING CHILDREN & FAMILIES
9:00am – 5:00pm
🕘 9:00–9:15
Welcome Back & Morning Reflection
🕤 9:15–10:30
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Trauma-Informed Practice
- Effects on behaviour, brain & body
- Your role as a consistent, safe adult
Active Supervision & Educator Presence
- Reading the room
- Anticipating needs before they escalate
- Modelling calm and attentiveness
🕦 11:30–12:30
Supporting Families to Guide Behaviour
- Orientation & ongoing discussions
- Linking home factors and educator support
- ACECQA-aligned plans and communication
🍽️ Lunch Break
🕐 1:30–2:30
🌿 Nature to Support Behaviour
- Outdoor exploration & indoor nature invitations
- Risky play and natural regulation
- Sample nature experiences by behaviour type
🎨 Experiences to Support Children’s Behaviour
- Movement-based play (dance, yoga)
- Sensory play (playdough, water, texture trays)
- Emotional expression (art, puppetry, storytelling)
- Group rituals for connection and belonging
🕓 3:45–4:30
Working with Additional Needs & Inclusive Practice
- Behaviour through the lens of neurodiversity
- Adapted routines, visuals, and communication
- Collaborating with support teams & families
Educator Influence & Critical Reflection
- Your role as a behaviour guide
- 10 Reflection Questions to deepen your practice
- Final sharing circle: “One thing I will take with me”
📦 INCLUDED RESOURCES
✅ PD Certificate – 14 Hours
✅ Printable Reflection Workbook
✅ Behaviour Plan Template (ACECQA-aligned)
✅ Tech-Positive Learning Guide
✅ Nature & Behaviour Experience Cards
✅ Family Communication Scripts
✅ Calm Corner & Room Layout Inspiration Sheet
✅ 10 Critical Reflection Questions for Behaviour Support