Free professional learning program supports trauma-informed practice in early childhood settings

Early childhood educators, allied health professionals and community practitioners are being invited to take part in a new free professional learning program designed to support trauma-informed practice in early learning environments.

Launched by Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga, the Holding Space program offers a unique mix of hands-on workshops, practical strategies and research-informed frameworks to help educators foster emotional safety, connection and healing in their work with children.

Led by Senior Lecturer at the Charles Sturt School of Education Dr Sheena Elwick, the program draws on interdisciplinary expertise in early childhood education, counselling, social work, allied health and play therapy. It is informed by approaches such as the Neurosequential Model and inspired by Dadirri, the First Nations practice of deep listening gifted by Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann.

“This is about much more than early childhood education,” Dr Elwick said.

“At its heart, the Holding Space program is about building respectful and emotionally safe communities, starting with the adults.”

The 2025 schedule includes six evening workshops and a full-day symposium during Children’s Week in October. Each session blends theory with guided reflection and accessible tools that educators can use in everyday practice.

Recent sessions have explored the role of connection in brain development, stress and regulation, and how to apply the principles of regulate, relate, reason when supporting children experiencing trauma.

Practical tools and shared wisdom

Educational Leader and Early Childhood Teacher at Ross Circuit Preschool Emma McQualter said the program has helped her reflect deeply on her role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.

“Taking the time to connect with children doesn’t have to be something big. A smile, or simply acknowledging what a child has told you in a busy moment, can be powerful,” she said.

“After attending the Neurosequential Model session, I’ve been thinking more about how we can’t reason with a child who is dysregulated. First we need to support them to regulate and feel safe.”

Workshops are free to attend and hosted in-person at Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga. Online access to session content and facilitator notes is also available, allowing the program to be shared more broadly.

“This is an invitation to join us, to feel seen and supported, and to become part of a network of professionals who understand the emotional demands of trauma-informed work,” Dr Elwick said.

Upcoming Holding Space workshops

• Tuesday 10 June – Regulating yourself and the room
• Tuesday 15 July – Educator strategies
• Tuesday 19 August – Family communication
• Saturday 18 October – Full-day Symposium (Children’s Week)

Register or explore workshop materials via the Holding Space program.