Building New Pathways:
A Needs-Based Approach for
Education Settings
Building New Pathways for Education
Building New Pathways for Education is a neuroscience-informed professional learning program that equips educators with the tools and understanding to support children and adolescents impacted by early adversity and trauma.
This program bridges the gap between clinical insights and practical strategies for the classroom, helping educators create safe, connected, and emotionally supportive learning environments.
Developed through the latest research in brain development, attachment, and trauma, Building New Pathways empowers educators, teachers and support staff to shift from “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What need is this child seeking?”
What You’ll Learn
Understand how trauma affects brain development, learning, and behaviour—and why some students may struggle with emotional regulation or classroom routines.
Explore the Building New Pathways model, grounded in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Dr Bruce Perry), and learn how to apply nervous system regulation strategies in education settings.
Learn about Polyvagal Theory and how to foster a sense of safety and connection in classrooms and school environments.
Recognise trauma-based behaviours—such as withdrawal, defiance, outbursts, and anxiety—and respond with empathy and regulation-based strategies.
Apply the Window of Tolerance model to support students’ capacity to stay calm, connected and engaged in learning.
Use a needs-based framework that promotes emotional regulation, social-emotional development, and improved learning and behavioural outcomes.
Access practical strategies for responding to common challenges in early and middle childhood, including hyperactivity, sleep difficulties, aggression, and school refusal.
Build strong, therapeutic relationships with students who have experienced attachment disruptions.
Learn how to create predictable, safe, and nurturing classrooms that reduce reactivity and build trust over time.
Engage with families and caregivers through a trauma-informed lens to strengthen school-home collaboration.
Access exclusive tools for assessment, planning, and progress tracking within the Pathways framework.
Who Is This For?
Early Childhood and School Educators
Ideal for teachers, wellbeing staff, learning support teams, and school leaders seeking to embed trauma-informed practices in early learning centres, primary schools, and secondary schools.
Allied Health in Education
Occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech pathologists working in or alongside school systems will find the Pathways framework a powerful tool for collaboration and co-regulation planning.
Education Support Staff
Teacher aides, learning support officers, and inclusion staff will benefit from simple, practical tools to respond to emotional and behavioural needs with confidence and compassion.
Why It Matters
Children who have experienced trauma often show up in classrooms with big emotions, unpredictable behaviours, and hidden pain. Educators are in a unique position to offer regulation through relationship, helping to rewire the brain for safety, connection, and learning.
Building New Pathways gives you the knowledge and confidence to make a difference—right where it matters most.
Bring Building New Pathways to Your Early Education Centre or School
We offer flexible delivery options including:
Whole staff professional development days
On the floor observation and mentoring
Small group training for wellbeing or leadership teams
Custom workshops for early childhood, primary or secondary contexts
Ongoing consultation and coaching