Our experience with The Zones of Regulation in Australia has been nothing short of inspiring. Since its early introduction, the program has found a strong and passionate following across the country, with Australia having the highest use of The Zones outside of the United States.
We’ve learned a great deal through our collaborations with educators, therapists, and caregivers, and we want to share three key takeaways from our ongoing work in Australia.
1. A Holistic Approach to Education and Well-Being
Australia’s education system places a strong emphasis on the well-being of students, making it a national priority. This commitment is reflected in the Australian Curriculum, which integrates emotional development and positive mental health practices across all levels of education, from early learning to secondary school.
The focus is on educating the whole child, fostering not just academic growth, but also emotional and social development. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with The Zones of Regulation, which helps learners build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving as part of their overall well-being.
2. Leading in Equity and Inclusion
Australian educators are at the forefront of promoting equity and inclusion in their classrooms by integrating culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices to support every student. In particular, educators across Australia have woven Indigenous Australian cultural values and perspectives into Zones of Regulation instruction.
This integration of cultural awareness into emotional regulation practices is a key takeaway from our work in Australia, and it highlights the dedication of educators to meeting the needs of every student in a meaningful and inclusive manner.
3. Continued Partnership and Community Connections
Our connections with Australian educators, therapists, and communities have been essential in the growth of The Zones across the country.
- The Social Mind- Over the years, we’ve had a strong partnership with Peter Batten at The Social Mind. Not only has he hosted numerous live, in-person trainings in Australia, but he also serves as an ambassador for The Zones across Australia and Oceania. Peter has been the sole source distributor for all Zones of Regulation print products, including The Zones Storybook Set, updated Poster Set that align with The Zones of Regulation Digital Curriculum, and the Tools to Try Cards sets (elementary and tween/teen options available).
- South Australia’s Department for Education- We partnered for multiple years with South Australia’s Self-Regulation Service, which is part of their student support services department. Through this collaboration, we supported training and professional learning opportunities to support implementation of The Zones of Regulation schoolwide in over 50 schools across the state. This experience was invaluable to our understanding of the Australian education system.
On a personal level, Leah Kuypers, the creator of The Zones of Regulation, has deep family ties to Australia, which makes our work there even more meaningful. Through her speaking tours and consultations, we’ve connected with thousands of passionate educators, caregivers, and practitioners dedicated to student well-being. These connections continue to fuel our work, and we are excited to see how The Zones continue to evolve in Australian schools and communities.
Looking Ahead at The Zones in Australia
As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue supporting Zones of Regulation users across Australia. A new resource, highlighting how the Zones of Regulation Digital Curriculum aligns with the Australian Curriculum, is now available. This free alignment chart is designed to assist educators in integrating The Zones with other programs and initiatives, making it easier to support students’ well-being across the curriculum.
