EarlyEd

22/10/2026

So what is AAC?
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication

It is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve everyday challenges with communication.

Communication can take many forms such as:
speech, a shared glance, text, gestures, facial expressions, touch, sign language such as Key Word Sign, symbols, pictures, speech-generating devices, etc.

Everyone uses multiple forms of communication, based upon the context and our communication partner.

Effective communication occurs when the intent and meaning of one individual is understood by another person.

The form of communication is less important than the successful understanding of the message.

If you think you might need support with Augmentative and Alternative Communication support check out your local speech pathologist and find out what range of experience they might have.

Some AAC systems available such as Key Word Sign training can be learnt by joining a program and will be useful for all. Others you might to trial to find the most suitable system.

21/10/2026

Come and play and listen to our interactive Ready to Learn Online Story Time every Thursday at 10.00am. It’s a great opportunity to support your child’s language and literacy development and connect with other children.
Great whether it is hot/cold or rainy so you can stay inside and play!

What will the story be this week to celebrate Grandparents Day?
The Doorbell Rang – Pat Hutchins

Victoria and Sam are starving and looking forward to eating Mum’s cookies. There is plenty to share between the 2 of them but just as they are about to take a bite of their cookie the doorbell rings and in walks 2 friends.... Come and find out what happens, do they get to eat the cookies.

How can reading The Doorbell Rang help support your child’s learning?
* Simple repetitive text that helps children predict what might happen next.
* Encourages children to think and solve problems as more guests arrive and the cookies need to be shared.
* Builds early maths skills through counting, sharing and working out who gets how many cookies.

Details: Thursday 22 October 2026 at 10am online
Bookings Essential.
Cost: free
Register here: Online Storytime 22 October 2026 The Door Bell Rang
https://www.trybooking.com/DQRMI

Check your email including your junk folder for the Zoom link once you have registered. (We require you to register via Trybooking so that this free Start Strong program is accessible to everyone.)
To protect the privacy of all participants, recording of Storytime is not permitted.
If you are having trouble joining the session, please call EarlyEd on 9923 2727. A staff member will be happy to help.

If you would like to talk about ways to
help your child
help your child start preschool/ child care give us a call.

19/10/2026

A free supported playgroup is on this Wednesday at Auburn North School. Anyone from the community is welcome.

It is ideal if you are looking for advice and help with your child's learning and social skills.

It is perfect for children starting school next year or the year after.

18/10/2026

Are you looking for a playgroup that will support your child to join, follow directions and join in with other children?

EarlyEd provides a:
- supported environment and
- team who can help find out what can help your children develop the skills that will help them learn

Help your child learn and get advice that can your child be ready for learning environments like school and childcare preschool.

17/10/2026

What beautiful spring weather we are enjoying. Time for some planting. This is always good to do on the weekend.
It is easy to make these capsicum seeds grow. It doesn't cost anything as you are using things you would normally just throw away - seeds from a capsicum and a plastic tomato container. And it so easy.
The plastic box keeps the moisture inside so you don't even need to remember to water the plants. it takes quiet a few days before you get the excitement of them sprouting.
This post is part of our project in partnership with Start Strong Pathways. Our goal is to bring families tips and ideas centred in play and learning. For more information please visit: https://www.earlyed.com.au/learn-to-play-play-to-learn/

17/10/2026

Care for a carer.

This National Carers Week EarlyEd is recognising and raising awareness about the more than 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend.

Carer supports offered by EarlyEd.

Many EarlyEd families are telling us about their concerns about their future caring roles as parents as they learn about and prepare for changes to NDIS and other supports (as a result of legislative changes and the roll out of Thriving Kids supports).

EarlyEd has MyTime, Carer’s Gateway groups and supported playgroups as its way of supporting the carer’s in our area caring for children. They also help keep carers informed.

The 2026 theme, shines a light on the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers and encourages all Australians to recognise, support and care for the carers in their family, workplaces and communities.

Carer’s need our support and recognition. The Carer Wellbeing Survey found carers who had good access to support had healthy levels of wellbeing compared to those who had no or limited access to help.

Suggested tips for carers to help you find the support you need:

- Take up offers of help
- Be comfortable asking for help. Often people don’t know what to suggest.
- Encourage others to call you or arrange a break, walk or activities.

15/10/2026

Do you find it difficult to get to the Cubby House Toy Library? Great News we now have 6 Click and Collect sites across Local Government areas.

Forestville (where the main toy library is)
Manly Library
Mona Vale Library
St Ives (after MyTime)
North Sydney (EarlyEd's office)
Artarmon Library (new)

Become a member online or at the Toy Library at Forestville. Borrow on line for Click and Collect.

Easy!!

15/10/2026

14/10/2026

Spring time!!! A time when there are lots of flowers in bloom.
Have you noticed all the flowers that are in bloom at the moment?
Go for a walk and look at the flowers.
Smell the flowers. Do you like the smell?
Look at the different parts of the flower. Can you see the petals, the leaves, the stem?
Get closer to flowers. If you look carefully you might see bugs crawling along them. Can you see any?

This post is part of our project funded by Start Strong Pathways. Our goal is to bring families tips and ideas centred in play and learning. For more information please visit: https://www.earlyed.com.au/learn-to-play-play-to-learn/
Image Description: pink flowers, green leaves, white and pink flower