Satellite Centres

SDN Beranga is working in partnership with 13 selected child care centres operated by a range of providers (satellite centres). These centres will be in Cumberland/Prospect, Inner West, Nepean and South West Sydney areas. The satellite centres will be supported to develop autism-specific practices.

Eight of the 13 confirmed satellite centres include:

Maldon Kindergarten
3 Reynolds Street
Toongabbie NSW 2146

Euroka Children’s Centre Inc.
Cnr Hope St & Great Western Highway
Blaxland NSW 2774

Hopskotch
46 Pelican Road
Schofields NSW 2762

Witonga Long Day Child Care Centre
24 Witonga Crescent
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Barnardos Long Day Care
20-24 Kerr Parade
Auburn NSW 2144

SDN Milperra Children’s Education and Care Centre
22 Pozieres Avenue
Milperra NSW 2214

St John’s Park Early Learning Centre
41 Canberra Street
St John’s Park NSW 2176

Englorie Park Child Care Centre
2 Parkholme Crescent
Englorie Park NSW 2560

What will happen at the satellite centres?

A minimum of four children with an autism spectrum disorder will be enrolled at each satellite centre. SDN Beranga specialist staff will work with the satellite centre early childhood staff to develop a high quality early childhood education program for children with an autism spectrum disorder in their child care setting. The early childhood educators in the satellite centres will develop expertise in using specific strategies that help each child with an autism spectrum disorder become a part of the centre community, and to ensure each child with an ASD has a sustainable place in child care.

Who will support the satellite centres?

SDN will be entering into agreements with a range of child care providers in Greater Western Sydney to work with them as SDN Beranga satellite centres. SDN will not operate the satellite centres but will work in partnership with them.

How will satellite centres be chosen?

SDN is inviting eligible child care providers to express their interest in becoming an SDN Beranga satellite centre. Satellite centres will be selected based on selection criteria developed by SDN. Criteria will include a requirement to enrol a minimum of four children with an ASD, to be licensed for a minimum of 39 children per day, have at least one university qualified early childhood teacher and already be working collaboratively with their Inclusion Support Agency.

What will a satellite centre receive?

Satellite centres will receive coaching and support from the staff from SDN Beranga. The multi-disciplinary team from SDN Beranga will support the satellite centres to develop and implement a plan. They will use coaching and capacity building approaches (including individual coaching for key staff). Satellite centre staff will be able to access:

  • SDN Beranga staff for consultation and advice
  • tailored professional learning about early childhood education for children with an autism spectrum disorder
  • group reflection sessions focusing on autism-specific childcare strategies, including family-centred practices
  • a virtual hub of information about early education for children with autism spectrum disorders. Building on to the existing SDN Cumberland/Prospect Community of Learners website
  • support for the emotional well-being of satellite centre staff in recognition of the additional workload and the learning that will be required
  • assistance to support families and children in their transition to school or other services. Satellite centres will be coached to provide families and children with a supported transition and to understand and use existing transition systems.

What do satellite centres need to do?

Working with SDN Beranga and the centre’s Inclusion Support Agency, satellite centres will need to develop and implement a plan for change with targeted outcomes, actions and time-frames. The plan will include strategies for staff to work effectively with families, developing and implementing an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) with families, supporting the child and family to transition into and out of the child care environment. This work will build on the centre’s existing Service Support Plan.

The satellite centre will, with support, be required to:
  • make links with agencies who have direct contact with families with a child with an autism spectrum disorder who may want to access childcare
  • have a Service Support Plan in place, developed with their federally funded Inclusion Support Agency (ISA).
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