Support for Parents & Carers
NDIS funding can be used in most circumstances for self- or plan-managed families
At U&I Educational Partners, we understand that supporting your neurodivergent child/ren can be complex. We want you to know you aren't alone on this journey - we are here to support you through:
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Group Parent & Carer Support Sessions
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Small group parent and carer support programs run for10x weekly sessions at our Sunbury office or online. The groups are limited to 8 participants and we explore a range of topics and modules with practical resources for each group member to take home in hard copy and digitally.
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Session Content: Each week we will explore a new topic. Smaller groups allow for greater flexibility, as a group, you can have content tailored to your needs. Pre-determined topics include: emotional regulation, understanding behaviours that challenge - meltdowns, shutdowns & aggression, sensory processing and understanding the school system - unpacking reasonable adjustments, student support group meetings & school refusal. But, ask us about anything! We are here to meet your needs.
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A free baby-sitting service will operate onsite for parents and carers with younger children. This is facilitated by a trained early childhood educator, employed by U&I Educational Partners. Initially, we are limited to 5 children attending for the hour.
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Session Fee: $80 (+GST) per session including all resources, morning tea and child supervision. NDIS funding can be used in most circumstances and flexible payment options are available to reduce barriers to participation. *Online participants will receive any weekly hard copy resources via express post BEFORE each session to ensure full participation*​
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Facilitators: Every group is facilitated by Emma Brooksby, Kara Pyke and Jacqui Kirk
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Already part of a group and looking for an occasional or regular knowledgeable group facilitator? At your location or ours, we can tailor sessions to your group's needs.​​​
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School/Education Advice and Advocacy
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Are you feeling lost in the system? Knowing what to ask for and what your child is entitled to can be confusing - let us help you help your child. Our managing director is a recent former school principal and knows the system. We can prepare you for Support Group meetings, attend with you or advocate for you. ​
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About Emma Emma is U&I's manging director. She worked as a school principal and teacher for over 16 years in State Education. She is a vocal and strong advocate for students with additional needs, particularly those who are neurodivergent. Emma was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 35 and, through lived experience, she knows how different every day can be - for herself, those who love her and others who interact with her. Emma's formal qualifications include B.Ed(Prim), M.Ed Leadership & Grad Cert Disability Studies. She has further training in trauma-informed learning, social and emotional learning, coaching and specialist mathematics.
About Kara Kara is an Early Childhood Diploma Trained Educator who, for over 18 years, has worked with children aged birth to 6 years in long day-care settings and with primary school aged young people aged 5-13 as a coordinator for an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program. Kara has further experience in Education Support within a primary school setting. Kara is a strong advocate for whole-child approaches to child development and learning. Kara has 2 children of her own with diagnosed and undiagnosed neurodivergence. She understands the barriers and emotions faced by families and children pre- and post- diagnosis. Kara is an Educational Therapist specialising in Early Intervention and Social & Emotional Learning. Kara is currently studying her Diploma in Counselling.
About Jacqui Jacqui has four children who are all neurodivergent ranging from 6-13 years of age. Through her own neurodivergence, Jacqui is a strong parent advocate for her family and ensuring their individual needs are met. She has a keen interest in mental health and has started her own formal study in this area. There isn't much that Jacqui hasn't experienced as a parent and she offers practical advice and support to all families.