BPA Children’s Services partners with Abacus Learning Centre, a non-profit that helps autistic children learn and grow. Since 2008, Abacus has helped over 700 families with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy for children aged two to six.

Their team of teachers, key workers, and therapists creates custom programs to build skills and confidence. 90% of students move on to mainstream schools with less support.

Abacus sees autism as a way to understand, not a label. With proven therapy and community support, they help families build bright futures.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence is proud to be a partner with BPA Children’s Services. Our partnership through our Cross-Cultural Consultancy will provide learning and development to support early years educators to work in culturally meaningful and transformative ways that promote strong relationships and protect the cultural and racial dignity of children and families.

BSL is a social justice organisation working alongside people experiencing disadvantage to address the fundamental causes of poverty in Australia. Our purpose is to advance a fair Australia through our leadership on policy reform, our partnerships with organisations and communities, and the quality of our services.

We believe change can only happen when people work together, which is why partnerships are a cornerstone of BSL. Our approach is informed by our research, together with insights from our programs and services, to develop practical solutions that work.

Our partnership is funded by the Victorian Department of Education through School Readiness Funding.

All educators at BPA Children’s Services undergo regular training to ensure that they are aware of how to recognise, report and support concerns relating to abuse, neglect or family violence. Educators and BPA Early Years Advisors work closely with child protection to implement strategies to keep children and families safe.

BPA has established a close working relationship with the Department of Education through attending regular meetings, seeking advice, participating in training and networking opportunities as well as reading and responding to correspondence.

BPA services are located in 4 different municipalities. The management team and the BPA Board work alongside local council representatives to ensure that buildings are maintained and are safe for children at all times.

Educators and representatives from BPA also attend networking meetings hosted by their relevant council to ensure that they are aware of important events and information that might affect their area. Educators promote council events and programs to the families at their services

One of the major benefits of attending a BPA service is the networking opportunities that educators have with other BPA services. In the past, educators have been able to share strategies, work towards common goals and refer families to other services that may be more suitable (for example, if a family moves or needs different/ longer hours).

This networking allows educators to share knowledge and implement positive change within their own service as required.