Welcome to SAS 2026080W

To enrol on behalf of someone else, please fill in this form

Date and time

Fortnightly from Wednesday 22 July 2026 to Wednesday 16 December, 3.00pm to 4.15pm

Delivery mode

Webinar

Audience 

Any staff new to Special Assistance Schools

Cost

• Course Fees: Fully Funded. We have secured a grant to ensure the program is available to you at no cost
• Admin Fee: $100. A small contribution that helps us cover the "basics"and ensures that limited places are utilised by those who can attend

Description

Special Assistance Schools (SAS) play a critical role in Victoria’s education system. Through innovative, inclusive models, they support students to engage and thrive in education where mainstream options have failed. Students enrolled at SAS, and their parents, carers and families bring high levels of complexity requiring staff in SAS to have specialized expertise across a range of areas.

This online course covers 10 topics relevant to working in a SAS setting, concluding with an in-person networking event hosted by ISV. This course offers any staff new to SAS a curated overview of knowledge relevant to SAS delivered by experts, as well as learning about working in the Independent school sector including the role of ISV.

Topics covered:

• Special Assistance Schools, ISV and the Independent Sector
• Disability in the classroom
• Mental Health and Young People
• Understanding Behaviour
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Restorative Practices
• Staff Self-Care and Vicarious Trauma
• LGTBQIA Safety
• Cultural Safety for First Nations Students
• The Child Protection and Out-of-Home Care Systems
• Networking event at ISV

Key takeaways

• Learn about the important role of Special Assistance Schools and how ISV supports their work
• Learn from experts across 10 topics relevant to SAS, gaining new knowledge and highlight gaps to identify future professional learning goals
• Connect with other staff new to SAS and learn about the diversity of SAS settings in Victoria
• End the course with an optional in-person networking event at ISV, to meet staff from other SAS

Presenter information

Jenn Colechin

Jenn Colechin is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), Developmental Educator, and Advanced/ Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner. She is the Director of Specialist Behaviour, and an experienced practitioner with over 26 years in complex person-centred positive behaviour support. Jenn's clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based and trauma-informed principles. She holds a Master's Degree in Education (Behaviour Analysis), a Master's Degree in Disability Studies, Bachelor’s degrees in Secondary Education and English Literature, and a Graduate Certificate in Criminology (Forensic Disability). She is a highly experienced facilitator and public presenter. Jenn has extensive experience in disability and educational service development, design, and delivery and is a current Director of Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia. Jenn has practiced within schools, community, out-of-home care, and family-based settings across government, public, and private sectors both domestically and internationally.