Alannah & Madeline Foundation Early Years Trauma Consultancy Service (Early Years TraCS)

Program details

Program description

The Early Years TraCS program supports educators working with children aged 3 to 5 who have been affected by trauma. The TraCS program promotes the development of social and emotional competencies in readiness for school by:

• helping educators understand challenging behaviours through a 'trauma lens'.
• building the capability of educators to respond to challenging behaviours.
• using a 'trauma lens' to foster educator wellbeing to create sustainability in the workforce.
• empowering educators to foster trauma-sensitive learning environments.
• supporting educators to be engaged and connected.

Trauma comes in many forms, such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, family violence, community violence, family breakdown, grief and loss, and exposure to mental illness and substance abuse.

Children who have experienced trauma can require significant support to get them 'school ready'.

The TraCS program aims to prepare vulnerable children for school through a multidimensional practice framework that draws upon the interconnected theories of trauma, attachment, and child development and recognises that an individual and their behaviour is best understood in the context of their experiences, relationships and environment.

TraCS consultants provide collaborative and context-specific support, working alongside educators to understand their unique early years setting, their needs as educators, and the needs of the children in their care. By adopting a trauma lens, children who have experienced trauma and adversity are supported, included and better prepared for school. This practice also supports all other children and educators through a focus on safety, wellbeing, and emotional regulation.

Packages (starting from 50 hours) can include:

TraCS consulting package

• Commencement meetings with educators and service leadership to understand the context and learning philosophy of the Kindergarten or Early Years Service.
• In session observations, support and assessment.
• Development of a tailored Service Plan including specific, agreed goals.
• Training that helps create shared language and understanding of core trauma informed practice concepts.
• Reflective practice sessions.
• Individual consultations around a particular child.
• Individual reflective supervision/coaching for staff.
• In session support, guidance, and in-person coaching.
• Out of session support and phone conversations.
• Tailoring, research and preparation work to ensure the information provided is targeted and relevant.
• Data collection, evaluation and reporting to services. This includes provision of tailored resources.

Detailed cost

All prices include GST.

2027 service rates

• Comprehensive Package: $275 per hour for at least 400 hours of purchased service.
• Core Package: $13,750 for 50 hours of purchased service at $275 per hour.

Service rates are applicable to both individual services and EYMs and include provisions for travel costs.

Additional hours can be purchased at $330 per hour in order to tailor our service to your needs and budget.

2028 service rates

• Comprehensive Package: $286 per hour for at least 400 hours of purchased service.
• Core Package: $14,300 for 50 hours of purchased service at $275 per hour.
• Service rates are applicable to both individual services and EYMs and include provisions for travel costs.
• Additional hours can be purchased at $330 per hour in order to tailor our service to your needs and budget.

In certain circumstances, based on the location of a service travel costs will be on charged based on distance and need to stay overnight. Travel costs will be calculated based on ATO rates and standard hourly rates outlined above.

To discuss your service’s needs and receive a tailored quote, please reach out to our friendly team at tracs@amf.org.au, www.alannahandmadeline.org.au/tracs or 03 9697 0666.

Cancellation policy

Following contractual acceptance of service if a service requests to cancel their engagement, they agree to be charged for all hours of service already delivered plus a cancellation fee equivalent to 10 hours of service delivery.

Reschedule requests for package sessions will be accommodated where possible. Any requests to reschedule sessions under 48 hours, will result in the draw down of package hours.

Payment schedule

• The Foundation shall invoice the client in instalments that align with the utilisation of chargeable hours.
• For accepted quotes greater than $50,000 (exclusive of GST) an upfront fee of 25% will be invoiced upon agreement of the tailored service plan.
• All quotes include GST exclusive and GST inclusive amounts.
• The client must pay the invoiced amounts, inclusive of GST, to the Foundation within 10 Business Days of receipt of the invoice.

Implementation considerations

Target population: early years staff working with children aged 3 to 5.

Program adaptability: TraCS has been designed to be customised to the needs of each kindergarten service within a framework of relational support.

There is capacity within each package for elements to be delivered virtually via MS Teams or Zoom (to help reduce the cost of travel to your service). Access to devices to participate virtually will be required.

Staffing: it may be beneficial for educators to be released occasionally from their contact duties to consult with a TraCS practitioner. Services should therefore consider the cost of backfill when determining the cost of accessing this resource.

VEYLDF alignment

Item uses these practice principles

• Reflective practice
• Partnerships with families
• High expectations for every child
• Respectful relationships and responsive engagement
• Equity and diversity
• Assessment for learning and development
• Partnerships with professionals

Item responds to these sub-outcomes

• Children become strong in their social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing
• Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing