Discover our village of impact

SDN Lois Barker, Waterloo transforms practice with visual communications

Learn how SDN Lois Barker, Waterloo is shaping their inclusive educational program and transforming practice with neurodiverse and neurotypical children, by using visual communications.

Inclusion at our centres

Discover Michael’s story, which demonstrates what it takes to successfully include a child with complex needs in our centres and what it means to be truly inclusive.

SDN Bluebell's journey to reconciliation

SDN Bluebell have been making steadfast progress in their journey to reconciliation and bringing families, staff and the community along the journey. This has welcomed several families who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to enrol their children at the centre and many early childhood students and staff are actively seeking out SDN Bluebell, as they feel it is a culturally safe environment.

Bringing hope to our asylum seeker families

Like many other asylum seekers, Delima is on a limited visa, and has no access to Medicare, and government support like the NDIS or childcare subsidy. Delima knew that her child Ahmad needed help before he started school but didn’t know where or how to access it. SDN Family Resource Worker, Sarah, met Delima and Ahmad when Ahmad was three.

Why work at SDN? A story of inclusion in action

"At SDN, inclusion is not just what we talk about, it’s what we do. Inclusion is embedded in the culture and SDN Beranga is a testament to that." – Amanda, Centre Director at SDN Beranga Autism Specific Preschool.

Creating impact with our scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

Discover how SDN's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship program has helped families to access quality early childhood education and care, and prepare them for their transition to school and beyond.

Families helping families

Give a present for a better future. Families helping families is a program that supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island scholarship program. As a village, it gives SDN families an opportunity to play an active role in supporting other families, for their children to access quality early childhood education.

The positive impact of a 43 year career in early childhood

What does it mean to truly make an impact in shaping a child’s life? Read about Anne's 43 year career journey at SDN.

The Beranga model: supporting children to reach their full potential

The positive impact that SDN Beranga Autism Specific Preschool has on children, families and in the community is beyond words. Qualified educators form a strong partnership with families to meet their child’s goals and inspire positive change every day. At Beranga, we create a village of support for families to feel confident, capable and connected.

Thriving Families – humanising the family support system

Through their Thriving Families framework, our SDN Family Preservation team have reframed and adapted their practices to ensure their work makes a difference to the lives of children and families. At the centre of this is their coaching approach, which builds the capacity of families and acknowledges their unique strengths.

Supported playgroups; benefitting children and families now and into the future

SDN’s Ngara Nanga Mai Aboriginal Playgroup, supports the participation of vulnerable Aboriginal children and families by developing a sense of cultural connection and safety that ensures the cultural identity of children and families is accepted and nurtured.

Family Preservation program - creating positive change

SDN Family Preservation program works in partnership with caregivers to achieve sustainable change for their child/ren and families such as improved child wellbeing and family functioning. Using a coaching approach, caregivers increase their knowledge and skills, leaving SDN feeling more confident to take on future projects with the support of our village. SDN delivers evidence-based parenting programs including Tuning into Kids.

SDN staff giving

Our Staff Giving program at SDN is an opportunity for each employee to make a positive difference in the life of a child. This year, we celebrate 10 years of this initiative. Hear from one of our longstanding staff members, Rosie, speak about what Staff Giving means to her.

Integrating and celebrating Indigenous culture

A program has been developed by educators at SDN Linthorpe St that integrates Indigenous culture in meaningful and creative ways, to deliver enriching outcomes for children.

SDN children advocate for environmental responsibility

SDN Woolloomooloo invested in a native garden, composting system and stingless beehive initiative, engaging children and their whole community in sustainable practices.