Building a communication-inclusive centre, one sign at a time

A young boy stamps his feet and signs ‘more’. Because his educators know key word sign, they know exactly what he wants: more fruit.

It’s a small moment, but it shows what happens when everyone in a children’s centre shares a way to communicate. Without the sign, the stamping could mean many things.

Key word sign uses simple signs alongside spoken words. Communication boards use pictures and symbols that children can point to. Both support children who find speaking difficult, and they build understanding and acceptance across the whole centre.

How the partnership works

Let’s Chat is a Novita program, offered through the South Australian Government’s Preschool Boost program, that supports educators to build communication into everyday preschool routines. At Reynella Community Children’s Centre, speech pathologist Emily Vadera worked alongside educators in a newly established preschool room, which they described as a ‘blank canvas’.

Together they observed the room’s routines and built supports around what children already enjoy. They placed picture boards on the fruit trolley so educators could naturally model phrases like ‘Yummy, I want more’. They introduced new signs one at a time, adding another only when children confidently used the last. When educators noticed casual staff missed out on formal training, each casual educator took one familiar activity, such as arts and crafts, and used the communication board and signs there.

What changed

Educators say the supports have been especially valuable for children who also see a therapist elsewhere, because they give children the same communication tools across different settings.

The impact shows in everyday moments. During a shared book, one toddler pointed to ‘uh oh’ on a communication board when another child became upset. Children sign ‘finished’ after fruit time. Educators now sign greetings to each other across rooms.

One educator said the approach challenges the idea that signing might hinder speech. Instead, it ‘acts as a bridge, encouraging verbal attempts and supporting clearer communication’.

Recognised at the Flying Start Awards

The partnership was a finalist for the Outstanding Partnership and Collaboration Award at the inaugural Flying Start Early Childhood Awards, run by the Office for Early Childhood Development. Congratulations to Emily and the Reynella team, and thank you to the educators and families who made it happen.

Is your preschool or early learning centre keen to build communication-inclusive practice? Find out about our preschool support.