This program provides structured, whole-service professional learning and implementation support in Children’s Key Word Sign (KWS). KWS involves using manual signs alongside spoken language to visually reinforce key words, supporting understanding and expression for young children. Educators are trained to embed sign consistently within everyday routines, play-based learning and group experiences. The program includes sequenced training sessions, child-focused visual resources and ongoing mentoring to ensure sustainable implementation. By strengthening adult-child interactions and providing accessible, multimodal communication, the program supports early language, social engagement and inclusive participation for all children.

The primary expected outcome of the Children’s Key Word Sign (CKWS) program is strengthened expressive and receptive communication, increasing children’s ability to participate, be understood and engage confidently in early learning environments. This aligns with the AEDC domain of Communication skills and general knowledge.

For children, expected outcomes include:

• Increased expressive communication, including clearer expression of needs, ideas and emotions
• Improved receptive language and understanding of instructions
• Increased participation in group discussions and play-based learning
• Greater confidence in peer interactions
• Reduced frustration associated with communication breakdown

For educators, expected outcomes include:

• Increased confidence and consistency in modelling language-rich interactions
• Improved ability to scaffold children’s communication within everyday routines and play
• Greater awareness of children who may be experiencing emerging communication vulnerability
• Sustainable embedding of inclusive communication strategies across the service

Where implemented consistently, broader developmental outcomes are also expected, including:

• Improved understanding of early mathematical and positional concepts through visual reinforcement
• Strengthened emotional understanding and self-regulation through clearer expression and labelling of feelings
• Enhanced social competence through increased peer engagement

By strengthening educator capability and embedding multimodal communication practices service-wide, the program aims to create protective communication environments that reduce developmental vulnerability before formal delay is evident.

Sunshine Sign & Sing is committed to culturally responsive and inclusive practice. We recognise that Aboriginal children are overrepresented in developmental vulnerability data and that culturally safe communication environments are essential for engagement and participation.

The Children’s Key Word Sign program is adaptable to local contexts and has previously involved consultation with services such as Deaf Aboriginal Services and liaison with Deadly Ed to ensure respectful understanding of communication practices within Aboriginal communities. These conversations have informed our approach to accessibility, visual communication and cultural awareness in delivery.

The program’s multimodal communication approach supports inclusive participation by reducing reliance on spoken language alone, increasing accessibility for children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Delivery models are flexible and can be adapted in collaboration with services to reflect local community priorities.

We are committed to ongoing learning, consultation and culturally responsive practice in partnership with communities and early childhood services.