At Stepping Stones, we’re committed to delivering supports that genuinely help children thrive — at school, at home, and in their communities. Our approach aligns closely with the proposed Thriving Kids model, which emphasises early support, flexible delivery, strong relationships, and practical strategies that make a real difference in everyday life.

Below is how our service model reflects the core principles of Thriving Kids.

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1. Support Where Children Learn and Live

Children grow best in the environments where they spend their time.

Our services are designed to meet children in their natural settings — schools, early learning centres, homes, and community spaces.

What this looks like:

• School‑based therapy blocks

• Classroom observations and teacher coaching

• Home‑based routines support

• Community participation sessions

• Flexible telehealth options

This reduces barriers for families and ensures strategies are meaningful, relevant, and easy to use.

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2. Short‑Term, Goal‑Focused Episodes of Care

The Thriving Kids model emphasises timely, targeted support rather than open‑ended therapy.

We can provide structured blocks of care with clear goals, regular reviews, and planned pauses.

We can provide:

• 10 week therapy blocks

• Clear, measurable goals

• Mid‑block check‑ins

• End‑of‑block review and next‑steps planning

• Options to pause, continue, or shift to a consultative model

This ensures therapy remains purposeful, sustainable, and responsive to each child’s needs.

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3. Capacity‑Building for Families, Teachers, and Communities

Children thrive when the adults around them feel confident and supported.

We prioritise capacity‑building, not just direct therapy.

We offer:

• Parent coaching (in person or via telehealth)

• Teacher and education assistant coaching

• Practical strategies for classrooms and home routines

• Collaborative planning with schools and other providers

• Easy‑to‑understand resources and visual supports

This builds long‑term skills and reduces reliance on ongoing therapy.

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4. Neuroaffirming, Strength‑Based Practice

Thriving Kids emphasises supporting children in ways that honour their identity, strengths, and sensory needs.

Our team uses neuroaffirming, trauma‑informed, child‑led approaches across all services.

This includes:

• Respecting each child’s communication style

• Supporting sensory needs without shame or pressure

• Building on interests and strengths

• Encouraging autonomy and self‑advocacy

• Creating safe, predictable, low‑demand environments

We focus on helping children feel understood, capable, and confident.

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5. Flexible, Multi‑Modal Service Delivery

Families and schools need options that fit real life.

Our service delivery is intentionally flexible and designed to reduce barriers.

We provide:

• School‑based sessions

• Clinic sessions

• Telehealth

• Home visits

• Group programs

• Consultative support

• Hybrid models combining several approaches

This ensures every child can access support in a way that works for them.

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6. Group Programs That Build Connection and Skills

Thriving Kids highlights the importance of social connection, participation, and belonging.

We offer group programs that support executive functioning, social communication, emotional regulation, and creative expression.

Examples include:

• Executive function and functional skill development groups

• Social communication and peer‑connection groups

• Creative project‑based groups (e.g., podcasting, PowerPoint night, design labs)

• Sensory regulation and interoception groups

Groups are fun, engaging, and help children build confidence alongside peers.

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7. Collaborative, Wrap‑Around Support

Children do best when everyone is on the same page.

We work closely with families, schools, GPs, paediatricians, and other allied health providers to ensure consistent, coordinated care.

Our collaborative approach includes:

• Shared goal‑setting

• Joint meetings with schools and families

• Clear communication and progress updates

• Reports that are practical, accessible, and parent‑friendly

This creates a strong support network around each child.

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Our Commitment

We believe every child deserves to feel safe, capable, and connected.

By aligning our services with the Thriving Kids model, we’re building a system that is flexible, sustainable, neuroaffirming, and genuinely supportive of children’s real‑world needs.

If you’d like to learn more about how our services can support your child or school community, we’d love to connect.

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