Welcome back to the Mildura Early Years Conference 2023!

We have a fantastic line-up of presentations for the Conference and look forward to seeing everyone there.

This year we are focusing on how you can “Move from Surviving to Thriving”

Keynote speaker Jennifer Jefferies (The Present-Day Wise Woman):

Jennifer is a naturopath, focusing on resilience and teaches about preventing burnout in the workplace. She is one of Australia’s most respected authors and speakers in the area of health and wellbeing.

Jennifer teaches easily achievable practical solutions that can be integrated into everyday life, to help you “move from survive to thrive” and bring about lasting change.

Workshop 1: Early years CALD Outreach Project: Sharing our learnings. Presented by - Melanie Payen and Janelle Harrington (Mildura Rural City Council).

This workshop seeks to share knowledge gathered through engagement with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Outreach Project, along with ideas around how to engage with CALD families in our local community. It will explore the background and purpose of the project, what they have learned about the issues our CALD communities are facing, and what we can do to support CALD families within the Early Years Sector.

Workshop 2: The early childhood approach to early intervention: A collective approach to identifying and supporting children with additional needs. Presented by – Chiara Pasut, Sophie Trethowan & Kayla Martin (Intereach)

Workshop attendees will gain a greater understanding of the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach to NDIS services. Intereach staff will share information about their intake process, and how they support children and their families through a range of early intervention programs. Participants will learn the importance of a collective approach in building a holistic view of the child, gathered from the family and a diverse range of professionals. This collective picture will empower families to advocate and access the appropriate supports they need.

Workshop 3: Declarative language – A new way of supporting children who struggle with flexibility, emotional regulation and social learning. Presented by- Jacinta Allen (Sunraysia Community Health Services)

This workshop will introduce participants to a new way of speaking and interacting with children that supports children to notice what’s happening around them and encourages development of thinking and problem solving skills. Declarative language moves away from placing demands on children and creates an environment of curiosity, building attachment and safety in relationships. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and declarative language skills as well as resources to reinforce these skills when communicating with children in the home, social and early childhood settings.

Workshop 4: Practical, Therapeutic Intervention ideas to use with children experiencing strong emotions. Presented by – Cat Robbins, Merrinda Hill, Amanda Judd & Marg Burton (Family & Relationship Services, Mallee Family Care)

In this workshop counselling professionals will share with you the practical, therapeutic techniques they use in their counselling sessions with children. These techniques can then be incorporated into your day to day practice children who you have identified are experiencing strong emotions and are in need of support.

With thanks to the Foundation of Graduates in Early Childhood Studies for their grant contribution.

Please note, if you become unwell please do not attend.