• How does TalkiPlay create and enhance safe and inclusive environments for children of all abilities?

  • TalkiPlay is innovative, communication support equipment that aims to develop and enhance the inclusiveness of the kindergarten environment by providing language learning opportunities that are culturally and linguistically diverse, non-gendered, and accessible for children of all abilities.
  • TalkiPlay's program of research has shown that children with significant communication challenges benefit from interaction with TalkiPlay in an early education setting, in particular children with identified language delay, autism, ADHD, and those whose second language is English. 
  • TalkiPlay helps these children to improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and comprehension skills. TalkiPlay also supports social and emotional development by enhancing a child’s confidence, motivation, and self-esteem.

• How does TalkiPlay promote inclusion in Early Childhood teaching approaches to ensure experiences are tailored to the needs of all learners?

  • TalkiPlay is equipment that allows for increased access to language practice in the ECEC environment. Much like a ramp provides access to children of all physical abilities - nobody is adversely impacted but all children can benefit.
  • TalkiPlay supports teaching approaches that promote inclusion in classroom organisation and outdoor activities by stimulating children's motor development, communication skills, and social relationships. 
  • The immersive language experience can also be customised to suit the needs and preferences of each child, such as adjusting the volume of the device, the topic of the game or the difficulty level of the games. Children with different backgrounds and cultures can learn from each other by playing TalkiPlay games in different languages, such as English and Mandarin. This fosters respect, appreciation, and collaboration among children.

• How is TalkiPlay moveable, inclusive education equipment?

  • TalkiPlay’s hand-held tool allows children to learn language while interacting with their physical environment. The device can be used in different settings and contexts, such as indoors or outdoors, with objects or pictures, and with individuals or group activities.
  • Children with limited mobility can access TalkiPlay's device and games easily and safely, as they are designed to be ergonomic, portable, and durable. TalkiPlay also encourages children to explore their environment and move around freely.
    

Consider the following questions when reviewing your service’s data when preparing your plan:

• Funding is designed to:

  • Increase engagement, improve learning outcomes and strengthen inclusive early childhood learning environments for children of all abilities
    
  • Promote inclusion in early childhood teaching approaches that are tailored to the needs of all learners
    
  • Create innovative early childhood learning environments based on inclusive and universal design best practice

• Center details

  Projects must be for a funded kindergarten in Victoria that is, or will be, licensed to provide a funded Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten

• Community data:

  While it is not a prerequisite of the grant, using the AEDC Community Profile (2021), you can look if your community have greater than 10% of children identified as developmentally vulnerable or at risk on domains of social competence or communication skills and general knowledge?

• Why consider accessing the funding?

  Inclusion grants stream is making our kindergarten buildings and playgrounds more accessible, safer and better equipped for children of all abilities.