Empowering Literacy for All
Frequently
Asked Questions
What will I learn during Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training?
Our Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training provides practical, evidence-based professional learning in structured literacy. Participants gain the knowledge and confidence to teach reading, spelling and writing using explicit, sequential and multisensory instruction aligned with the Science of Reading.
Throughout the training, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of phonology, orthography, morphology, syntax, semantics and etymology, while learning practical strategies to support students with dyslexia and other literacy learning needs. You’ll leave with skills and resources you can confidently apply in classrooms, clinical settings and literacy intervention programs.
Is Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training available Australia-wide?
Yes. Speech Pathology Tasmania delivers Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training Australia-wide, including Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. We provide professional learning for educators, schools and organisations, with private training options tailored to your team’s structured literacy needs.
Is the Orton-Gillingham Language Approach only for students with dyslexia?
No. While the Orton-Gillingham Language Approach is highly effective for supporting students with dyslexia, it also benefits learners who need explicit literacy instruction or additional support with reading, spelling and writing. The structured, multisensory approach can be used with students across a range of ages and abilities.
Is the Orton-Gillingham Language Approach aligned with the Science of Reading?
Yes. The Orton-Gillingham Language Approach aligns with the Science of Reading by using explicit, systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, vocabulary and language. This structured literacy approach helps educators teach reading using evidence-based methods that improve literacy outcomes for all learners.
Is the Orton-Gillingham Language Approach evidence-based?
Yes. The Orton-Gillingham Language Approach is an evidence-based structured literacy approach that uses explicit, systematic and sequential instruction. It is recognised internationally for supporting students with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties and aligns with current research on effective reading instruction.
What is the Orton-Gillingham Language Approach?
The Orton-Gillingham Language Approach is an evidence-based, structured literacy approach that teaches reading, spelling and writing using explicit, sequential and multisensory instruction. Originally developed to support individuals with dyslexia, it is now widely used to help learners of all ages build strong literacy skills. The approach focuses on understanding how the English language works, giving educators practical strategies to support confident, successful readers and writers.
Can schools book Australia-wide Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training?
Yes. We provide Australia-wide Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training for schools, educators and organisations. Training can be delivered at your location, hosted by your school, or provided online via Microsoft Teams for selected workshops. Our professional learning is tailored to your team’s literacy goals and supports evidence-based, structured literacy instruction.
Do your workshops count towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
Yes. Many of our professional development workshops can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, depending on the standards set by your professional association or employer. Our evidence-based training is suitable for teachers, speech pathologists, allied health professionals, early childhood educators and other professionals seeking to maintain or enhance their knowledge and skills. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion for eligible workshops, which can be used as evidence of attendance and professional learning. We deliver CPD training online and in person for organisations throughout Australia.
How do I book a professional development workshop?
Simply complete our online enquiry form or contact our team to discuss your training needs. We’ll recommend the most suitable professional development package, customise the content for your organisation and provide a quote for either online or in-person delivery anywhere in Australia.
Can you deliver professional development for schools and education providers?
Yes. We regularly provide professional development for primary schools, secondary schools, independent schools, Catholic education, early learning centres and education departments. Our education training includes literacy instruction, dyslexia, English orthography, reading and spelling, language development and evidence-based teaching practices.
Do participants receive a certificate after completing professional development training?
Yes. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion for eligible professional development workshops, providing evidence of their ongoing professional learning and continuing professional development (CPD).
Why choose Speech Pathology Tasmania for professional development training?
Our professional development workshops are delivered by experienced clinicians and educators with expertise in speech pathology, literacy, dyslexia, communication, early childhood education, trauma-informed practice and workplace wellbeing. Our training is evidence-based, practical and designed to give participants strategies they can implement immediately in their workplace.
Can professional development training be customised for our organisation?
Yes. Every organisation has different goals, so we tailor our professional development training packages to suit your staff, industry, learning outcomes and available time. Whether you need a keynote presentation, half-day workshop, full-day training or an ongoing professional learning program, we can design a package that meets your needs.
Can your professional development training be delivered online?
Absolutely. Our professional development courses can be delivered face-to-face at your workplace or online via Microsoft Teams, making it easy for organisations across Australia to access high-quality professional learning regardless of location.
Do you provide professional development training throughout Australia?
Yes. We deliver professional development training Australia-wide, both in person and online. We work with organisations across Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart.
Who are your professional development workshops designed for?
Our professional development workshops are suitable for:
- Teachers
- School leaders
- Teacher assistants
- Early childhood educators
- Speech pathologists
- Allied health professionals
- Community organisations
- Government departments
- Disability service providers
- Corporate teams
- Healthcare professionals
- Correctional services staff
Each training package is customised to suit your team’s experience, industry and professional learning goals.
Is this an online parenting classes for parents?
Yes — we offer online parenting classes for parents so you can participate from home at your own pace. The sessions are interactive, evidence-based, and designed to support real-life parenting challenges in everyday family situations.
Does Circle of Security help parents support anxious children?
Yes — this program provides parenting support for anxious children by helping you create a sense of safety and security. You’ll learn how to be a secure base for your child so they feel more confident exploring the world and managing separation or worry.
Will COSP improve for emotional regulation?
This is a parenting program for emotional regulation that helps you support your child in managing big feelings. You will learn how co-regulation works and how secure relationships help children gradually develop emotional control over time. Circle of security provides parenting strategies for young children.
Why does my child have tantrums?
Children have tantrums because they are still developing emotional regulation skills. When they feel tired, frustrated, overwhelmed, or unable to express themselves, big emotions come out as behaviour. This online parenting course helps you understand why your child has tantrums and how to respond in supportive ways.
Will COSP help me to understand my child’s behaviour?
Yes. To understand your child’s behaviour, you first learn to see behaviour as communication. This program helps you interpret what your child is feeling when they act out, withdraw, or become overwhelmed, so you can respond with confidence and connection.
Will this parenting course help my child with difficult behaviour?
Yes — if you are looking for parenting help for difficult behaviour, this program provides practical strategies and a new way of understanding behaviour. Instead of only managing behaviour, you learn how to respond to the emotional needs behind it.
Is this parenting course suitable for preschoolers?
Yes — this is a parenting course for preschoolers designed to help you understand your child’s behaviour and support their emotional development. It focuses on building a stronger parent-child relationship during the early years when emotional patterns are forming.
What is the Circle of Security Parenting™ Program?
The Circle of Security Parenting™ Program (COSP™) is an internationally recognised, evidence-informed parenting program that helps parents and carers build secure, nurturing relationships with their children. Based on decades of attachment research, the program helps adults better understand their child’s emotional needs, behaviours, and communication.
By strengthening secure attachment relationships, Circle of Security Parenting™ supports children’s emotional regulation, confidence, resilience, language development, communication skills, and overall wellbeing. Parents often report feeling more confident, connected, and equipped to support their children through life’s challenges.
The online program is suitable for parents, carers, grandparents, foster carers, and professionals working with children across Australia.
How is the Circle of Security Parenting™ program run?
The Circle of Security Parenting™ Program is delivered as an interactive online parenting course over eight weekly sessions. Groups are intentionally kept small to create a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where participants can reflect, learn, and share experiences.
Sessions are typically held from 8:00pm to 9:30pm, making it easier for parents and carers to participate without needing childcare or travel arrangements. Participants join via Microsoft Teams and receive all joining instructions, resources, and support before the first session.
At the completion of the program, participants who attend the majority of sessions receive a certificate of participation.
Why choose an online Circle of Security Parenting™ Program?
Online delivery provides flexibility and accessibility for families across Australia. Parents can participate from home, avoid travel time, and attend sessions during the evening when children are typically in bed.
Participants consistently report that the online format feels welcoming, engaging, and supportive. Many appreciate being able to access a high-quality parenting program regardless of where they live, particularly those in regional, rural, and remote communities.
What makes our Circle of Security Parenting™ Program different is the expertise of our facilitators. As experienced professionals working with children and families every day, our facilitators bring a deep understanding of child development, emotional regulation, communication, attachment, and family relationships. They create a warm, non-judgemental environment where parents feel safe to reflect, learn, and grow.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we help parents understand the unique needs of their child and family. Our facilitators are skilled at translating attachment theory into practical, real-world strategies that parents can use immediately to strengthen connection, confidence, and understanding.
The convenience of online learning, combined with expert facilitation and evidence-based content, means more families can access meaningful parenting support and develop stronger, more secure relationships with their children.
Can I claim speech therapy on Medicare?
Medicare assistance for speech pathology is available via two Medicare programmes:
1. GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP)
2. M10 allied health services for under 25-year-olds with complex neurodevelopmental conditions and eligible disabilities.
If you have a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) from your GP, you may receive rebates for up to five (5) appointments per calendar year. A new referral is needed each year.
The M10 program now includes rebates for stuttering, speech sound disorders, and cleft lip and/or palate. Eligible families may receive a referral from a GP, consultant physician or specialist for up to eight (8) assessment sessions and up to 20 treatment sessions. This is the total number of services that can be claimed before the client turns 25.
Both rebates require a referral before your speech pathology appointment. Payment for services is required at the time of your visit, and we can assist you with processing the Medicare claim for reimbursement. For more information, speak to your GP. This Medicare information for clients may also be helpful.
Why is communication a focus for JCA?
Communication is central to JCA’s mission because many people in the justice system face challenges such as trauma, learning difficulties, and language barriers. By improving communication, JCA helps individuals understand their rights, express themselves, and participate effectively in restorative and rehabilitative processes.
Who benefits from JCA’s services?
JCA’s services benefit a broad range of people, including individuals involved in the justice system (current and former), migrants and refugees learning English, and professionals such as prison staff, allied health workers, and community service agencies. They also support policymakers through consultancy and advocacy.
What does Justice Communications Australia (JCA) do?
JCA supports people involved in the justice system—such as incarcerated individuals, former inmates, migrants, and refugees. JCA provides communication and literacy support, mentoring, parenting programs, and advocacy. Their work focuses on building awareness and communication skills to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and social inclusion.
How can I participate in a Circle of Security Parenting™ Program?
Speech Pathology Tasmania delivers the Circle of Security Parenting™ Program online, making it accessible to participants anywhere in Australia. Whether you live in Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, or a regional or remote community, you can join from the comfort of your own home.
Speech Pathology Tasmania runs the program online over 8 weeks, every school term, with sessions held in the evening. Our online parenting groups are designed to be convenient for busy families, with evening sessions scheduled when children are most likely to be asleep. Registration can be completed online and all program materials are provided before the course begins.
What type of online device is best to use to join a Circle of Security Parenting™ program?
The Circle of Security Parenting™ Program can be accessed using a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone. For the best experience, we recommend using a larger screen device, as it makes it easier to view presentation materials, videos, and group discussions.
One of the benefits of our online parenting program is that families anywhere in Australia can participate without needing to travel to a physical location.
How do I sponsor someone to complete the Circle of Security Parenting™ program?
The Circle of Security Parenting™ Program is suitable for parents and caregivers of children of all ages who want to strengthen their relationship with their child and better understand their emotional needs.
The program is particularly valuable for parents who would like to:
- Build a stronger connection with their child
- Better understand challenging behaviours
- Support emotional regulation and resilience
- Improve communication within the family
- Increase confidence in their parenting
- Learn practical attachment-based parenting strategies
Many participants tell us the program has positively influenced not only their parenting but also their relationships with partners, family members, and colleagues.
What happens if I need to cancel my COSP registration?
We understand that plans can change. Refunds for COSP registrations will depend on when you cancel.
Our Refund Policy (Agreement) is as follows:
- 10+ days before start: Full refund minus $25 processing fee.
- 5–10 days before start: 50% refund + 25% discount for a future COSP program.
- 0–5 days before start: 25% refund + 10% discount for a future COSP program.
Please note:
- Missed sessions cannot be made up or refunded, as each session builds on the previous one.
- Refunds are not available in these cases where confidentiality has been breached.
- If SPT cancels the program, you’ll receive a full refund or credit toward the next COSP group.
What will my business receive by sponsoring a community or charity group to participate in a Circle of Security Parenting™ program?
To sponsor a whole group of parents to participate in the Circle of Security Parenting™ program simply fill in the “Full Group Sponsorship” form HERE. You can decide to choose what specific group you would like to sponsor and make the payment or request an invoice. You will be sent a tax invoice and a letter of gratitude for your generous contribution.
Community Group Sponsors will have the choice to remain anonymous (out of the public eye) or benefit from public recognition through the following:
- Your business logo or name will be featured on our website
- Promotion on Facebook and Instagram, as well as inclusion in our SPT newsletter.
- Your business/name and logo recognised and included in any associated media releases/interviews.
- You will receive a certificate of appreciation.
How do I request a customised professional development package for my organisation?
Requesting a customised professional development training package is easy. Simply contact our team to discuss your organisation’s goals, preferred training topics, audience, group size and delivery method. We work with schools, early childhood services, allied health professionals, businesses, government departments, community organisations and correctional services to develop tailored professional development packages that meet your specific needs. Our workshops can be delivered online or in person anywhere in Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory.
What professional development training packages do you offer?
Absolutely. Our professional development courses can be delivered face-to-face at your workplace or online via Microsoft Teams, making it easy for organisations across Australia to access high-quality professional learning regardless of location.
Who are the parent and teacher resources designed for?
Our resources are designed for parents, carers, and teachers who are supporting children in their speech and language development. Whether you are working on literacy skills, addressing speech sound issues, or fostering communication growth, these tools are tailored to meet diverse needs.
How do I access the helpful handouts and videos?
You can easily download the ‘Helpful Handouts’ directly from our website. The ‘Helpful Videos’ are also available online for free, providing guidance on topics such as reading strategies, language development, and recommended literacy apps.
What types of resources are available for teachers and parents?
We offer a variety of free downloadable handouts and helpful videos created by specialised Speech Pathologists. These resources cover topics like Language Disorders, Speech Sound Disorders, Memory Strategies, and more to help support children’s communication, reading, writing, and comprehension development.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
If you miss an appointment, you or your NDIS plan-manager will be charged the full fee for the missed appointment. If the appointment missed is not at our clinic you will be charged the full travel time as well as the full appointment fee.
If you need to cancel an appointment, please ensure you call or email reception 24 hours before the scheduled appointment, please also outline the cancellation reason. If you have called or emailed reception 24 hours before the scheduled appointment you will not be charged a fee.
My child has difficulty with reading and/or spelling, why have I been referred to a Speech Pathologist?
Speech Pathologists support a wide range of skills beyond just speech production. They are essential in literacy intervention, as they have the expertise to improve sound awareness. Many reading and spelling difficulties stem from inadequate phonological awareness. A Speech Pathologist can assist children in accurately identifying sounds in words, which helps them achieve greater success in mastering phonics.
How do you know when speech therapy is needed?
It’s never too early to ask questions or seek guidance. Feel free to call us to discuss your concerns—we’re happy to provide free advice on whether an assessment or treatment is needed, or if monitoring alone will suffice.
Speech Pathology may be helpful if:
- Other people struggle to understand your child’s speech.
- Your child has difficulty following instructions or learning new information.
- You often find yourself repeating or rephrasing instructions for your child.
- Your child’s vocabulary and sentence formation lag behind peers of the same age.
- Your child stutters.
- Your child speaks too loudly, too softly, or has a harsh or husky voice.
- Your child is falling behind in school or has below-average reading and spelling skills.
- Your child struggles to communicate appropriately in social situations.
Can I use NDIS funding for speech therapy?
Yes, you can use NDIS funding for speech therapy. Please note that whilst you can use NDIS funding, we only accept NDIS self-managed clients.
You will be given a service agreement to sign that outlines the costs and processes for the duration of your plan, and you must also sign an attendance sheet for each session your child attends.
For self-managed plans, you will pay for each session your child/dependant attends and receive a receipt. You will then need to enter the information into the NDIS portal yourself.
Do I need a referral to use private health insurance or claim Medicare rebate?
You do not need a referral to access speech pathology services. You will, however, need a doctor’s referral if you are planning to claim a rebate through Medicare. More information about Medicare assistance for speech therapy can be found here.
Private health insurance usually covers speech pathology services under “extras” or “ancillary” options. Your eligibility for rebates will depend on your coverage level, and reimbursement amounts vary by fund and service type. For specific details on your rebates, please reach out to your health fund directly.
How do I make a speech therapy appointment and what will it cost?
Contact Speech Pathology Tasmania by phone on (03) 6234 5717 or email reception@spt.com.au. A receptionist will take your details, discuss our services and any questions or concerns you may have.
Our fees vary depending on the type of service we provide and the length of time we spend with you. We offer a range of services including assessments, reviews, treatment sessions and programming. These services will be tailored to your individual needs. Please contact us to clarify what may apply in your individual circumstances.
How does the Orton-Gillingham Language Approach support people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties?
The Orton-Gillingham Language Approach is an evidence-based, structured literacy approach that supports children, teenagers and adults with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties. It uses explicit, sequential and multisensory teaching to develop reading, spelling, writing and language skills.
At Speech Pathology Tasmania, our Orton-Gillingham Language Approach Educators are qualified Practising Members with extensive experience delivering personalised literacy intervention. Sessions are tailored to each learner’s goals and literacy level and may include interactive activities, home practice and ongoing guidance for parents, teachers and carers to support continued progress.
The Orton-Gillingham Language Approach is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, making it a trusted approach for structured literacy intervention.
How much does it cost to do the Orton Gillingham Language Approach (OG) Training?
Our Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training is competitively priced and includes comprehensive professional learning delivered by experienced educators.
- OG Language Approach Basic Training (5 days): $2,150 (including GST)
- OG Language Approach Advanced Morphology Training (1 day): $715 (including GST)
Both courses provide practical, evidence-based structured literacy training to help educators confidently support students with dyslexia and other literacy learning needs.
Who is the Orton Gillingham Language Approach Training for?
Orton-Gillingham Language Approach training is suitable for anyone supporting literacy development using evidence-based, structured literacy instruction. It is ideal for:
- Teachers, teacher assistants and educators across all year levels and literacy abilities
- Speech pathologists and allied health professionals
- Parents, carers and foster carers supporting children with literacy development
- Homeschool parents and carers looking to build confidence in teaching reading and spelling
Whether you work in education, allied health or support literacy at home, our training provides practical strategies to help children and adults develop stronger reading, spelling and writing skills.
How do I register to attend an Orton-Gillingham Language Approach Training?
You can register for our Orton-Gillingham Language Approach Basic Training and Advanced Morphology Training through the event booking page on our website.
Schools and businesses can register staff for the training via our website HERE or request an invoice by emailing programs@spt.com.au
Likewise schools and organisations wanting to book a private Orton-Gillingham Language Approach Training, specifically for their group or staff members, can enquire by emailing programs@spt.com.au
I’ve been mandated by Family Court to complete Circle of Security Program. Will I get a certificate of completion?
Yes. Participants who attend and complete all required Circle of Security™ Parenting sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion via email. This certificate can be used as evidence that you have fulfilled the program requirements and you may provide the certificate to the Family Court, your legal representative, or another referring professional if required. If you are unable to attend all sessions, please speak with our team about your options. You can contact us at programs@spt.com.au
I’ve been court ordered to complete the Circle of Security Parenting Program, are you a court approved provider?
Circle of Security Parenting Program is a court-approved parenting course (online Australia). Parents from all across Australia who are mandated to complete COSP are welcome to join our online court-approved program. The program is run online via MS Teams to make it accessible to everyone. Speech Pathology Tasmania provide certificates of completion at the end of the parenting course.