The department has expanded interpreting and translation supports for early childhood services in 2024, to strengthen engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families.
As a result, more providers now have access to a range of free services, including qualified and accredited telephone, video and onsite interpreters through LanguageLoop, one of Australia’s leading language service providers.
Free written document translations
For the first time, free translation services for written documents will be available in 2024 for all department-funded kindergarten services through LanguageLoop.
Translation categories include:
- newsletter article – 500 word maximum
- notice – 750 word maximum
- information on program – 750 word maximum
- assessments of learning and development – 750 word maximum
- individual child goals/learning and development goals – 500 word maximum.
For information on how to request a translation, please refer to Use an interpreter in early childhood education services.
Free verbal interpreting services
Free verbal interpreting services currently available to funded kindergarten services have been expanded in 2024 to include:
- local councils receiving department funding to deliver a Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) and/or a program to support kindergarten and Pre-Prep access and participation (including the CALD Outreach Initiative)
- Access to Early Learning (AEL) providers
- Safe Haven providers.
To book an interpreter, please refer to Use an interpreter in early childhood education services.
Find out more
During Term 2, 2024, LanguageLoop will be offering free online webinars about accessing interpreters for funded kindergarten services. To register, please follow the links below:
- Tuesday 30 April 2024: noon to 1 pm
- Thursday 2 May 2024: 4 pm to 5 pm
- Monday 13 May: noon to 1 pm
- Wednesday 15 May: 4 pm to 5 pm
For more information, refer to:
- Use an interpreter in early childhood education services for information on using LanguageLoop
- Supporting CALD families to engage in kindergarten with in-language videos and resources
- Information about kindergarten in your language resources in 30 languages on the benefits of kindergarten and information on how to enrol
- Foundation House Early Years Program website for advice on working with families from CALD and refugee backgrounds.
For further enquiries, contact the Early Years Management and Partnerships unit by email: early.years.cald.programs@education.vic.gov.au
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