Small Steps is a program that aims to raise awareness and improve the recognition of anxiety disorders in children. We do this by offering free ‘anxiety awareness’ seminars for primary school staff (teachers, principals, administrative staff) and parents. A Small Steps seminar will usually run for about an hour and can be held at your local school.
Topics covered during the seminar:
- signs and symptoms of anxiety
- the different types of anxiety disorders and how they present
- evidence based treatments for anxiety disorders
- referral and treatment options
- information packs available which include strategies on how to assist children with anxiety
Seminars for parents can be conducted before school, during school hours, immediately after school, or in the evening.
Seminars for teachers are usually held during staff meetings or on professional development days.
There is no cost incurred by the school. Small Steps seminars are a community service run by WayAhead and funded by NSW Health.
The Small Steps seminars are highly regarded:
“We were fortunate enough to have Julie present the Small Steps Anxiety Workshop at our school late last year. Julie is an empathetic and approachable presenter who had her own life experiences to draw on. Her calm matter of fact approach created an environment which made the parents present comfortable enough to ask questions. The greatest message was that early intervention and treatment gave hope for those students suffering from anxiety. I’m planning to have Julie present to our staff as I now realise that awareness and early recognition of anxiety are the key to positive outcomes. Thanks so much for your time and energy, Julie!”
Katie Thornton Family Educator, St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School Matraville NSW 2036
For more information
or email: Small Steps Seminars
Further Resources (PDFs)
Anxiety Awareness Guide for Teachers
