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Starting school is a major transition in a child’s life. The transition brings new environments, relationships and expectations, creating an important opportunity for practitioners to identify when a child may need additional support to strengthen the relationships and systems around them.

Why this matters

The latest data from Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) found almost one in four Australian children were developmentally vulnerable on one or more AEDC domains. Developmental vulnerability at this stage can also be linked with poorer mental health and wellbeing later in childhood.

Our upcoming webinar, Transition to school: How to support children and families, will explore how practitioners can use this developmental milestone as an opportunity for prevention and early intervention.

Early, coordinated support can help practitioners respond not only to the needs of the individual child, but also to the relationships and systems that can support their wellbeing as they begin school.

Join the conversation

Tuesday 17 November 2026 | 7:00pm AEDT | 75 minutes

Presented in partnership with Emerging Minds, this CPD opportunity brings together a multidisciplinary panel of experienced professionals to explore how practitioners can:

  • Understand developmental vulnerability and its relationship with children’s later mental health and wellbeing
  • Identify opportunities for prevention and early intervention during the transition to school
  • Map the relationships, supports and systems around a child to identify protective factors and gaps in support
  • Apply practical strategies to build and coordinate a ‘team around the child’.

Meet the panel

Psychologist Deborah Costa, lived experience lead Ly Tran and speech pathologist Lauren Haskins will join facilitator Vicki Mansfield, Senior Advisor Practice Development at Emerging Minds, for a practical, case-based discussion.

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The Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN) respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri and the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which our office is situated. We also acknowledge Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Find out more.