Connected Beginnings

Such a wonderful initiative in our community

Darling Downs Health is offering free hearing tests to local families — making early support accessible and removing cost barriers.

Hearing impacts speech, learning and confidence. Early checks mean early support.

If you’ve had concerns, take the opportunity to access this free service. Early intervention is key.

The Community Hearing Screening Program is available for children aged 9 months to 16 years.

This service provides free hearing screening. If any issues are identified at the screening appointment, the child has access to a free audiology assessment.

Hearing screening occurs at Toowoomba Hospital or at the Child, Youth and Family Health Service on Ruthven Street.

Access to the service is easy! A medical referral isn’t required. Families can use the following link to request an appointment: https://loom.ly/1sE12PA

What wonderful opportunity for local families! Thank you The Sweet Plot Bookshop for making this possible.

I am now taking expressions of interest for .toy.library memberships which will launch in March! 🚀

To be one of the first people to join, please ensure you complete the EOI form on my website. Once the memberships are live, you’ll receive an email inviting you to join.

To begin, we’ll have a limited number of memberships available, as toy numbers are limited. Memberships will grow over time and be offered to those who have joined our expression of interest list.

Don’t miss out! Link in stories!

A New Year comes with a lot of changes, especially for our children. Coming up to the new school year, I thought I would share a bit about transitions!

Making an enquiry with Connected Beginnings is simple and obligation-free.

There are two ways to get in touch:
1. Send us a message via this page, or
2. Email us directly at: [email protected]

In the graphics below, I have provided further details on the two services I provide.

Whether you’re supporting individual children or strengthening whole-centre practice, I’m here to collaborate, guide, and support.

Message or email to start the conversation today.

I currently have limited vacancies. 😊😊

Happy New Year! 🎉

With a few new faces joining me recently, I thought it was the perfect time for a little re-introduction.

I’m Allie the face behind Connected Beginnings – Early Childhood Intervention.

Connected Beginnings was created from a deep passion for supporting young children and their families in the early years. I work alongside children, families and educators to build skills, confidence and connection — always with the child at the centre.

My days are a mixture of play-based learning, individual child sessions, Kindy Uplift programs and collaboration with educators and families. My main focus is on creating practical strategies that help support children thrive in their everyday environments.

I value relationships, inclusion and early support, and I’m incredibly grateful to walk alongside so many families and services on their journey.

If you’re new here — Welcome!

And to those who’ve been part of the Connected Beginnings community for a while, thank you for your trust and support.

Later this week I will do a post on how to access my services whether it be one on one child support, Early Childhood Education support or Kindy Uplift for 2026.

Limited vacancies available.

As we enter Christmas week, I would like to share some of the creative work children have been doing at some of the Centres I have visited recently.

I would also like to wish all current and future clients a very Merry Christmas. I hope everyone has a laughter-filled holiday with the people who matter most to you.

I can’t wait to see everyone again in the New Year. I will be back in the office on the 5th of January. Merry Christmas!! 🎉🎉

With the holiday season in full swing, it is hard to come up with new ideas to keep the children entertained, so maybe it is time to go back to the basics.

Playdough, colouring, cutting, gluing, playing outside, digging, sensory play, dress-ups, puzzles, etc.

PLAY is so important for children. We underestimated the power of play on children and their whole-body development.

Look at the difference between a typical preschool child’s hand (left) and a 7-year-old's hand (right). Parents ask regularly why their preschool-aged child isn't able to write yet. It is because their hands are still developing, and what helps them develop is PLAY.

We’re excited to share some wonderful feedback from some Early Childhood Teachers following the recent rollout of The Big Emotions Social Emotional Program throughout 2025.

Limited availability for Kindy Uplift in 2026.
Expressions of interest are now open.
Please contact: [email protected]
Or visit our website for more details. https://connectedbeginnings.com.au

Big Emotions Kindy Uplift – Week 3 at Westbrook Gardens Kindergarten ✨

During week three, the focus was on understanding differences and similarities — in both ourselves and others — and recognising how those differences connect to our feelings.

The educators were mentored to create a supportive environment where children could explore these ideas through play, stories, and group discussions. Together, we discovered that while we may be different in many ways, we also share lots in common — and every feeling matters.

By learning to notice, talk about, and respect feelings, the children are developing the foundations of empathy, inclusion, and positive relationships.

A huge thank you to the Early Childhood Educators in the Kindy and Mixed Kindy room for the way they are embracing this journey of social and emotional learning!

Every child progresses at their own pace in life. It is important to support them at their speed.