Latest News – October 2026
A lot has happened since our last news update
From playgrounds and libraries to early learning rooms across Australia, more people are finding ways to make communication visible in children’s everyday lives.
Children’s Key Word Sign (KWS) brings selected signs and natural gestures alongside spoken words. It gives children and the people around them another way to share ideas, join in and understand one another.
Here are a few things we’ve been working on together.
More than 280 organisations have trained with us
We’ve now worked with more than 280 organisations across Australia, including early learning services, schools, libraries and community organisations. Each team takes practical ideas back to the places where children learn, play and spend time with other people.
Our work goes beyond a training session. We help teams build confidence using signs in everyday routines, play, songs, stories and intentional teaching, with resources and follow-up support to help signing become part of the day.
Our free Sign Dictionary is now live
We’ve taken a big step towards making reliable sign support easier to find. Our free online Children’s Key Word Sign Dictionary now includes more than 1,000 signs, with written instructions and video tutorials to help people learn them.
Key Word Sign Poster Generator
And for educators, families and professionals who want to make resources for the children they support, our Poster Generator can turn selected signs into personalised posters, communication boards and visual supports.
Communication boards are up in 15 Sunshine Coast parks
Ten local parks now have communication boards featuring symbols and Key Word Sign. Developed with Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Libraries, the boards give children and families a shared way to communicate during outdoor play.
We’re also glad to keep contributing KWS and communication boards to the Cérge Companion App, helping people find visual communication supports in community settings.
New research explores Key Word Sign in early mathematics
What can signing add to a maths conversation? Our work with university researchers has been exploring how educators can use KWS alongside speech, movement and hands-on experiences to make early mathematical ideas more visible.
On 26 May 2026, our article Introducing the use of KWS in Mathematics in Early Childhood: Insights from Professional Learning was published in the Early Childhood Education Journal. The research discusses 20 signs that can support ideas about position and direction, including up, down, through and around. It also explores the professional learning and support educators need to use signs with confidence.
We’re excited to see this work add to conversations about inclusive early mathematics and the many ways young children express what they notice and understand.
South Australian services can find us through Preschool Boost
Children’s Key Word Sign is included on South Australia’s Preschool Boost menu. Eligible preschool services can explore whether KWS training and support fits their plan and the needs they have identified for children and educators.
We’re a finalist in the 2026 Sunshine Coast Business Awards
Children’s Key Word Sign has been named a finalist in the Social Impact category of the 2026 Sunshine Coast Business Awards. We’re grateful to be recognised alongside organisations making a difference in our region.
This milestone belongs to the educators, families, children, collaborators and community members who have helped carry Key Word Sign into more places. We’re looking forward to celebrating with the other finalists.
Helping educators use signs in more parts of the day
Our training continues to grow with the questions educators bring to us. Alongside foundational KWS training, we’re developing practical ways to use signs to support early mathematics, emotional literacy and regulation, social connection, songs, stories and everyday play.
The goal is not to add another complicated task to an already busy day. It’s to help educators use speech, sign and gesture together in moments that are already happening: building a tower, sharing a book, waiting for a turn or helping a child show how they feel.
Keep in touch
We’ll keep sharing stories, research, resources and ideas as this work grows. Wherever there are children, we want more people to know how Key Word Sign can help make communication easier to see and share.