Evaluating the impact of educator training on educators and children attending early childhood education centres in Western Sydney

The intervention is an approved modified version of the Learning Language and Loving It Online program [Trademark] developed by the Hanen Centre [Registered Trademark]. This online educator training program goes for 8 weeks. It involves educator attendance at five online workshop sessions and three 1-on-1 videoconference coaching sessions. All aspects of the training will be delivered virtually due to the impacts of the pandemic. In Stage 1 (Term 3 2021), one group of 12 educators (Group A) will receive the 8 week training program. In Stage 2 (Term 4 2021), Group A will receive no further training. Group A will act as a follow-up group. WORKSHOPS (2.5 hours each): Educator workshops will be delivered by 2 speech pathologists who are formally trained in the program and currently employed by Western Sydney Local Health District. All workshop sessions will be conducted online via Zoom in a group format (10-14 educators per group). Mode includes powerpoint presentation, breakout rooms, discussions and written comments in the chat function of Zoom. Attendance at workshops will be assessed using an attendance list at each session for participants of the current research trial. Information materials: Hanen Learning Language and Loving it [Trademark] guidebook will be available to all educators throughout training 1-ON-1 COACHING SESSIONS (45 minutes each): These will take place via videoconference between the educator and one speech pathologist trainer. They will view and discuss a videoed interaction between an educator and children at their centre Training schedule: Week 1: Workshop 1- Take a Closer Look at Communication *Topics covered: Communication means interaction and information, Roles teachers play during interactions, Children’s conversational styles, Stages of language development Week 2: Workshop 2- Follow the Child’s Lead *Topics covered: Observe wait and listen so the child can lead, Be face to face, Follow the child’s lead- comment, imitate, interpret, join in and play, Give a reason to communicate and wait Week 3: First 1-on-1 coaching session Week 4: Workshop 3- Taking Turns Together *Topics covered: Supporting turns in conversations, Laying the foundation for conversations with discoverers and communicators, Make social routines part of your day, Using comments and questions to cue turns Week 5: Workshop 4- Encourage Interaction in Group Situations *Topics covered: Interact with every child in the group- you can if you SSCAN, Small groups are best, Set up an appropriate activity, Carefully observe each child’s level of participation and interaction, Adapt your response to each child’s needs Week 6: Second 1-on-1 coaching session Week 7: Workshop 5- Provide Information that Promotes Language Learning *Topics covered: Make your language easy to understand, Add new words, Expand what the child says Week 8: Third 1-on-1 coaching session Study Duration: 24 weeks, comprised of: -2 weeks data collection before training stage 1 -8 week training (stage 1) -4 week gap between training stages -8 week training (stage 2) -2 weeks data collection following training stage 2 Method of allocation: Pseudo-cluster randomisation; we will use the random number generator at https://www.random.org/integers/ to allocate centres. Therefore, pseudo-cluster randomisation will be implemented, as centres who are available in one time period only will not be randomised for pragmatic reasons. Randomisation will occur at the cluster or centre level to avoid cross-contamination effects between trained and untrained educators. This will occur after educators and children have been recruited in to the current study. This pseudo- randomisation is required for the current, pragmatic study.