Financal Basics

In today’s world, financial literacy is more than just a life skill—it’s a foundation for independence, confidence, and future success. For children with developmental challenges, learning how to manage money can be especially empowering. That’s why Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN) offers the Financial Basics Program, inspired by the principles of Operation Financial Literacy, to help children and teens build essential financial skills in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Why Financial Literacy Matters for Children with Needs

Children with learning differences often face unique challenges when it comes to understanding abstract concepts like money, budgeting, and saving. These skills are rarely taught explicitly in schools, and for children with cognitive, emotional, or social difficulties, traditional teaching methods may not be effective.

The Financial Basics Program at SLCN is designed to bridge this gap. It provides accessible, practical, and engaging financial education tailored to each child’s developmental level and learning style. The goal is not just to teach money skills—but to foster independence, decision-making, and self-confidence.

What Is Operation Financial Literacy?

Operation Financial Literacy is an educational framework that promotes financial education through real-world scenarios, interactive learning, and age-appropriate content. It emphasizes:

• Understanding money: What it is, how it’s used, and why it matters.
• Budgeting: Planning for needs vs. wants.
• Saving and spending: Making informed choices.
• Banking basics: How accounts, cards, and transactions work.
• Financial responsibility: Learning consequences and rewards.

SLCN’s Financial Basics Program adapts these principles to suit children with developmental needs, using visual supports, role-play, and hands-on activities to make learning meaningful and fun.

Who Is the Program For?

The Financial Basics Program is ideal for children and teens who:

• Have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, intellectual disabilities, or learning disorders.
• Struggle with executive functioning, including planning, organizing, and impulse control.
• Need support with numeracy and abstract thinking.
• Are preparing for transition to adulthood, including independent living or employment.

Whether your child is just beginning to understand coins and notes, or is ready to learn about budgeting and saving, the program can be tailored to meet their needs.

How the Program Works

SLCN’s Financial Basics Program is delivered by experienced therapists and educators who specialize in working with children with diverse learning profiles. The program typically includes:

1. Assessment and Goal Setting

Therapists begin by understanding your child’s current knowledge, strengths, and challenges. Together with you and your child, they set personalized goals—such as learning to make a purchase, track spending, or save for a desired item.

2. Interactive Lessons

Children learn through games, simulations, and real-life practice. For example:

• Using play money to role-play shopping scenarios.
• Creating simple budgets for weekly spending.
• Practicing transactions at local shops or cafes.
• Exploring digital tools like budgeting apps or calculators.

3. Visual Supports and Tools

To support comprehension, therapists use:

• Visual schedules and charts.
• Social stories about money use.
• Hands-on materials like wallets, coins, and receipts.

4. Real-World Application

The program emphasizes generalization—helping children apply what they learn in real-life settings. This might include:

• Visiting a bank or ATM.
• Planning a family outing with a budget.
• Managing pocket money or allowance.

5. Family Involvement

Parents are key partners in the learning process. You’ll receive guidance on how to reinforce financial concepts at home, celebrate progress, and build routines that support independence.

What Children Learn

Depending on their age and developmental level, children may learn:

• Money identification: Recognizing coins, notes, and their values.
• Basic math skills: Adding, subtracting, and estimating costs.
• Spending decisions: Choosing between options and understanding consequences.
• Saving strategies: Setting goals and tracking progress.
• Budgeting: Planning for weekly expenses or special purchases.
• Banking basics: Understanding accounts, cards, and digital payments.

These skills are taught in a way that’s fun, empowering, and relevant to each child’s life.

Benefits of the Program

Parents often report that the Financial Basics Program helps their children:

• Gain confidence in making decisions.
• Develop independence in daily routines.
• Improve numeracy and problem-solving.
• Build social skills through role-play and community interaction.
• Prepare for future transitions, such as employment or independent living.

One parent shared:
"My daughter used to get overwhelmed at the shops. Now she can plan what she wants to buy, count her money, and even ask for help if she needs it. It’s given her so much confidence."

How to Access the Program

SLCN offers flexible delivery options to suit your family’s needs:

• In-home sessions across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.
• School-based support in collaboration with educators.
• Clinic appointments in Derrimut.
• Online therapy available Australia-wide.

The program can be integrated into your child’s existing therapy plan or delivered as a standalone module. It’s suitable for children aged 6 and up, with content adapted for different developmental stages.

Why Choose SLCN?

At Supporting Learning for Children with Needs, the team is passionate about helping children thrive—not just in therapy, but in life. The Financial Basics Program reflects SLCN’s commitment to practical, personalized, and empowering education.

Led by Brent Connolly, a paediatric speech pathologist with extensive experience in child development, SLCN brings together professionals from occupational therapy, psychology, education, and speech pathology to deliver holistic care.

Ready to Help Your Child Build Financial Confidence?

If you’re interested in the Financial Basics Program, SLCN offers free consultations to explore your child’s needs and goals. Visit www.slcn.com.au to learn more or book an appointment.

Give your child the tools to make smart choices, manage money, and take charge of their future—with SLCN’s Financial Basics Program.