Child Agency Toolkit
Inclusions:
90 minute webinar, 3 x 90 minute live Peer Learning Sessions and access to 3 resources. *The course is free for professionals providing services to NDIS-funded clients.
Designed for:
This learning package is designed to be relevant and beneficial for a wide range of professionals working with children (0-18), including therapists, therapy assistants, disability support workers, family support workers, educators and teachers and child protection workers.
Duration:
Your course officially commences 2 weeks before your first Peer Learning Session. There are three Peer Learning Sessions in total, and you will need to be available to attend each of these live sessions at the times advertised. On the day your course begins, you will receive a Welcome Email containing your login details. This gives you access to the online learning content and resources 2 weeks prior to your first Peer Learning Session, allowing you to explore the materials and reinforce your learning ahead of the live sessions.
Pre-requisites:
None
Course Overview
Peer Learning Session dates are all in Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Are you ready to transform your approach to working with children? Join us to learn how to empower children and create a more inclusive future. Our innovative new course will deepen your understanding of Child Agency – a groundbreaking concept that empowers children to become confident, active decision-makers in their own lives.
Child agency is a human right that involves children having the power to make choices, share their opinions, and be part of decision-making processes. These skills grow and develop over time with practice and support.
Key benefits
- Gain a deep understanding of Child Agency: Learn about child agency and why it's an essential component of contemporary practice
- Access valuable resources: Gain access to resources that are effective in supporting the implementation of child agency in your work
- Network with like-minded professionals: Connect with other professionals in the Peer Learning Sessions, where you'll learn from each other, develop effective solutions, and build a network of support
- Make a positive impact on children's lives: Consider each family's unique values and culture when applying child agency to promote child-safe and neurodiversity-affirming environments.
The Child Agency Toolkit equips you with the knowledge, skills, and resources to centre the perspectives of children in your work.
Enrol now and unlock the potential for a more inclusive and empowering environment for every child.
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- Understand the concept of Child Agency, its importance in children's rights, and its impact on development.
- Identify factors influencing Child Agency, understand diverse perspectives, and implement strategies to support it.
- Explore approaches to handling differing perspectives, the cultural context of Child Agency, and resources for support.
- Develop strategies to actively involve children in decision-making and elicit their perspectives.
- Understand the importance of caregiver involvement and plan approaches to engage them in discussions about Child Agency.
- Explore how to identify a child's strengths and interests and incorporate them into your support.
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Jennifer Grant Speech PathologistJen has worked as a Speech Pathologist at Noah’s Ark since March 2020, following a long career working in the media. Jen is particularly passionate about early intervention, strengths-based practice, lifelong learning and advocating for inclusion for all families and children.Karlie Baker Speech PathologistKarlie is a passionate Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with over 10 years of experience working with children and families in regional Victoria. She is committed to a collaborative, strengths-based approach—partnering with families to highlight their and their children's unique abilities and support children in developing skills that enhance their independence and dreams. Ensuring every child and family feels heard and valued is integral to her professional outlook. As a current Noah's Ark Team Leader, Karlie supports the growth and development of professionals and teams to deliver high quality services in regional areas.Hayley Wilson Teacher - Special EducationHayley is an experienced educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education. With 17 years of experience across a range of settings, including Early Childhood, Primary Education, Outside School Hours Care, and sporting/recreational environments, Hayley has developed a deep passion for advocating for inclusion in educational settings. In her current work as a Key Worker with Noah's Ark, Hayley strives to ensure every child’s unique perspective is heard and valued, supporting them to feel empowered and included.Deborah Ang Speech PathologistDeborah is a Speech Pathologist with more than 10 years of experience supporting children and their families in school and community settings. She is passionate about collaborating with parents and educators to foster strong connections and empower children to become confident communicators in their daily lives.Gemma Mirtschin Speech PathologistGemma has more than 15 years' of experience as a Speech Pathologist in regional New South Wales and Victoria. She has worked in a variety of different settings including early intervention, school-based therapy programs and private practice supporting children and their families. Gemma has also worked as a lecturer in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology and Masters of Speech Pathology programs at Charles Sturt University.
Since joining Noah’s Ark in 2022, Gemma has held the position of Key Worker. Gemma has a passion for supporting the children she works with to have a voice, sense of belonging and inclusion in all environments! Gemma holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Speech Pathology) from Charles Sturt University.Frances Price PsychologistFran is a psychologist with over 10 years of experience, passionate about supporting children, families, and professionals. Drawn to Noah’s Ark by their shared values, she has embraced diverse roles including Key Worker, Team Leader, Discipline Specific Mentor, and Consultant Psychologist. She enjoys leading reflective discussions and loves seeing the "Aha" moments when people recognise their own strengths and gifts.
