Tuning in to Kids in Rural Early Education Services (TIK-REES)

This research aims to investigate the implementation of the evidence-based program, Tuning in to Kids (TIK) in rural early education services (TIK-REES). TIK is a globally recognised evidence-based program that aims to support parents and caregivers to improve children’s emotional competence, behaviour, and social functioning (Havighurst et al., 2022). TIK has been adapted specifically for early childhood services, and provides professional training, resources, and supervision for early childhood educators to develop an understanding of emotion coaching skills, and how it can be practically applied to support children’s wellbeing and emotional development. The intervention also provides parents with an online parenting program that complements the early education intervention. Both are outlined separately below. TIK for Educators The intervention teaches educators how to use 5 steps of emotion coaching with children, This includes (1) noticing emotions, (2) viewing emotions as an opportunity to connect and teach, (3) providing empathy and validation, (4) naming the emotion and providing space for the child's emotion to shift through connection and support. (5) Problem solving and limit setting may also be used as a final step. Educators also learn about emotion awareness, regulation and self-care. The intervention comes from the Tuning in to Kids intervention (Havighurst, Harley, and Kehoe, 2024) with materials adapted specifically for early educators. A structured training for all educators is provided using different components. The intervention components will be delivered across a 6-month time period (January - July). Components include the following: - Organisation Implementation Support (Organisation Leaders): The project team will provide structured implementation support to organisational leaders throughout the project. This includes six scheduled 1-hour online meetings during the delivery period to facilitate communication, troubleshoot challenges, and monitor progress. Additional support will be available via email and phone, as needed. 2-Day Mentor Educator Training (Mentor Educators/Senior Teachers): A two-day (14-hour) in-person training will be delivered to nominated Mentor Educators, led by experienced TIK-E facilitators. Training will focus on developing self-awareness and regulation of educators' own emotions, as well as enhancing their ability to respond to children’s emotions using the emotion coaching approach. Training methods will include psychoeducation, videos, role plays, small group work, discussions, and assigned readings. Mentor Educators will also be equipped with skills to supervise and support their colleagues in applying emotion coaching in their everyday practice. 1-Day Educator Training (Educators): All educators in intervention services will participate in a 1-day (7-hour) in-person training facilitated by accredited TIK trainers. The content mirrors that of the mentor training but is delivered with less intensity. Educators will learn to identify and regulate their own emotions and to respond to children’s emotional expressions using an emotion coaching framework. Mentor Supervision (Mentor Educators and Educators): Mentor Educators will provide ongoing supervision to other educators within their services to support application of TIK skills. Supervision is to be tailored to the needs of the staff and service, and may be conducted formally (e.g., during team meetings) or informally (e.g., through brief check-ins). Guidelines and a log template will be provided during training. It is anticipated that supervision will occur approximately one hour per month over a 6-month period. Attendance is taken as well as record of the frequency of supervision sessions. Booster Supervision (Mentor Educators): Monthly online booster supervision sessions will be offered to Mentor Educators by TIK trainers for five months following the main training phase (February–July 2025). These one-hour sessions are optional and aim to reinforce program concepts, support implementation, and provide peer-sharing opportunities. Mentor Educators will be encouraged to discuss their application of emotion coaching, seek support, and participate in guided role-play exercises. Attendance is taken to determine the number of mentor educators attending supervision. TIK for Parents The Tuning in to Kids Online (TIKOL) program is a self-paced, interactive version of the evidence-based Tuning in to Kids® parenting program, designed to be accessible to parents and carers from the comfort of their own home. TIKOL guides parents through the core principles of emotion coaching — helping them learn how to better recognise, understand, and respond to their child’s emotions in supportive ways. Through 12 engaging video modules (5-15 minutes each - total time 120 minutes), real-life examples, and practical activities, TIKOL helps parents build stronger emotional connections with their children, reduce challenging behaviours, and foster emotional intelligence. Suitable for parents of children aged 3 to 10 years, TIKOL is especially helpful for families who may be unable to attend in-person programs or prefer the flexibility of online learning. Data is collected about usage of TIKOL to capture program dosage. Havighurst, S. S., Harley, A. E. & Kehoe, C.E. (2024). Tuning in to Kids: Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Program Manual. (4th Ed). Melbourne: The University of Melbourne.