Learn about local programs and services available for children with additional needs.
The Inclusion Support Program supports Australian Government Child Care Benefit-approved services so they can welcome and include all children.
These services include:
Inclusion professionals help to build the capacity of children’s services to successfully include all children, including those with additional needs.
Children with additional needs include those from the following priority groups:
Community Child Care Association has been selected as the Victorian preferred provider for the state-wide delivery of a new Federal Government Inclusion Support Program that begins on 1 July 2016.
Further information
Call 9486 3455 or visit the Community Child Care website.
Preschool Field Officers (PSFO) provide practical advice and support to the staff of government-funded kindergartens, to ensure that children with development concerns or additional needs can access and participate in a quality kindergarten program.
You can obtain a referral form for the PSFO service from your child's kindergarten.
A Preschool Field Officer:
Find out more about Kindergarten Inclusion Support Packages.
Further information
Phone Lentara Uniting Care on 9351 3600 or visit the Lentara Care website.
Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) support children with a disability or developmental delay from birth to school entry and their families.
ECIS provide special education, therapy counselling, service planning and coordination, assistance and support to access services such as kindergarten and child care.
A range of professionals including paediatricians, general practitioners, maternal and child health nurses, child care professionals and kindergarten teachers can make a referral to ECIS, with guardian's consent.
Parents can also self-refer by calling 1800 783 783.