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  • Understanding the 8 Stages of Dysregulation

    is practical online professional development for early childhood educators who want to recognise escalation, understand what may be happening beneath behaviour, and respond through connection and co-regulation.

    The 8 Stages have been adapted by Janine Kelly:

    🎓 Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher
    📘 Author of The Connected Child
    🌱 More than 30 years of early childhood experience
    🔄 Creator of the CONNECT – REGULATE – GUIDE – REFLECT Framework

    Drawing on Janine’s extensive experience in early childhood practice, this course connects regulation-informed understanding with the realities of everyday early childhood settings.

    Explore each stage, recognise changes in children’s cues and capacity, and build practical strategies to support children before, during and after dysregulation.

  • 33 Lessons | 6 Learning Modules | Self-Paced | Certificate of Completion

  • When behaviour escalates, knowing what to do next matters.

    A child withdraws. Another becomes louder, restless or increasingly frustrated.

    But dysregulation often begins before the behaviour gets our attention.

    Understanding the 8 Stages helps educators recognise where a child may be in the journey. We need to consider what they may need at that moment.

    The goal isn't to control the behaviour.
    It's to understand the child and know how to support them through it.

  • Ready to Understand What Happens Before, During and After Dysregulation?

    Build your confidence in recognising the 8 Stages of Dysregulation and responding to children with greater understanding, connection and intention.

    Self-Paced Online Learning | Certificate of Completion | Practical Strategies for Everyday Practice

  • 💭 We often believe:

    The behaviour came out of nowhere.

    We need to stop it before it gets worse.

    If a child isn't responding, they aren't listening.

    But what if there is more happening beneath the behaviour?

    🧠 The Truth:

    Dysregulation is a journey.

    Changes in movement, voice, connection or frustration can tell us a child is beginning to struggle.

    These are cues we can learn to recognise.

    🤝 Why This Matters:

    The 8 Stages of Dysregulation shift our thinking from:

    “How do I stop this behaviour?”

    to:

    “What does this child need from me right now?”

    Supporting more intentional responses before, during and after dysregulation.

  • What You Will Learn

    Understanding the 8 Stages

    Follow the journey from calm through escalation and recovery.

    Know What to Do Next

    Match your response to the child's needs at each stage.

    Recognise the Cues

    Notice signs before behaviour reaches crisis.

    Support Recovery

    Understand the importance of reconnection.

    Connect and Co-Regulates

    Support children through connection and responsive interactions.

    Reflect & Respond

    Recognise patterns and strengthen practice.

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    Who Is Course Designed For?:

    Educators

    Educational Leaders

    Centre Directors

    Family Dayhome and Early Learning Professionals

    Who want to move beyond reacting to behaviour and better understand what a child may be communicating and experiencing?

    33 Lessons | 6 Learning Modules | Self-Paced | Certificate of Completion

  • What educators are saying ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    "I'm not only empowered but really excited to be able to go forth and use this document with confidence & intention."

    Renata, Family Childcare - Early Childhood Educator

    "I learnt more ways on how to connect and show other educators how to make connections! The examples given were really good and helps to be able to apply to services"

    Sofia - Centre Manager and Educational Leader

    "I really enjoyed REAL examples of how to implement strategies with the team."

    Rachel - Early childhood Teacher and Educational leader

    Ready to Take the Next Step?

    Choose the learning option that works best for you or your team.

    Start Understanding the 8 Stages of Dysregulation and work through the learning at your own pace.

    Want to explore more than one area of practice?

    Access a broader collection of practical, self-paced professional learning through a STEPPING STONES Professional Learning Membership

    Email us today and find out how you can bring the learning to your whole team with a facilitated professional development session tailored to your service.

    Explore the 8 Stages of Dysregulation together, strengthen shared understanding and connect the learning directly to your team's practice.

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