Creating Learning Environments Where PDAers Can Thrive (Pre-Kindy to Year 6)

Live webinar: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm AEST (Sydney)
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter: Tanya Steers, Principal
CPE: 1 hour (certificate provided)
Access: Live attendance + recording and resources

Webinar Summary

Students with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile often struggle most in environments built around compliance, control, and rigid expectations. When learning spaces feel unsafe or overly demanding, engagement can quickly unravel.

This webinar focuses on environmental design and educator mindset as key levers for supporting PDAers from Pre-Kindy through to Year 6. Led by school principal and early childhood specialist Tanya Steers, the session explores how learning environments can be structured to reduce threat, increase autonomy, and support genuine engagement—without lowering expectations or removing boundaries altogether.

Grounded in real-world school leadership and classroom practice, this session supports educators to move beyond behaviour management and toward environments where PDAers can participate, learn, and belong.

This Webinar Covers

• Understanding PDA through an environmental and relational lens

• Why traditional classroom structures often escalate avoidance

• Key features of learning environments that support PDAers, including:

  • flexibility and choice

  • predictable but non-rigid routines

  • language that reduces perceived demand

  • opportunities for autonomy and collaboration

• Designing classrooms that feel emotionally and psychologically safe

• Balancing structure with flexibility across early years and primary settings

• Supporting staff consistency without enforcing compliance

• Practical examples of school-wide and classroom-level adjustments

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand how learning environments impact PDA engagement and regulation

• Identify classroom practices that unintentionally increase demand and threat

• Design learning spaces that support autonomy, safety, and connection

• Apply age-appropriate strategies for PDAers from Pre-Kindy to Year 6

• Strengthen confidence in supporting PDA without power struggles

• Create inclusive environments that benefit a wide range of learners

About Tanya Steers

PRINCIPAL

Tanya Steers is an early childhood specialist, sector advocate, and education leader with a strong focus on child-led learning, inclusivity, and policy-informed practice.

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Tanya is the Principal of Hensman Street Elementary and currently serves as Chair of the WA State Committee for Early Childhood Australia (ECA). Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, pedagogy, and systems change—supporting education environments that respect children as capable, competent learners.

Tanya brings a rare blend of scientific rigour and educational expertise to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics from Curtin University and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) from Edith Cowan University, alongside professional membership with MICDA. This interdisciplinary background informs her thoughtful, evidence-based approach to curriculum design, inclusion, and educational leadership.

With extensive experience across independent schools and the individual and family services sector, Tanya has led complex education settings with a strong emphasis on operational excellence, curriculum development, and sustainable growth. Her leadership is grounded in advocacy for inclusive practice, professional integrity, and education systems that genuinely serve children, families, and educators.

Tanya is widely respected for her clear voice, practical insight, and commitment to advancing early childhood education in ways that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and deeply human.

Access & Pricing

• Individual webinar access: $99 incl. GST

• Full 10-part series: $550 incl. GST
  (Includes this webinar plus nine additional sessions in the Engaging Neurodivergent Learners series)

All participants receive access to the webinar recording, downloadable resources, and a CPE certificate upon completion.

REGISTER NOW

Please note: This event is only accessible to people who have paid for registration. Inviting additional staff or persons to watch with you is strictly prohibited without additional registration. For large group registrations, please contact us for group pricing.