Free professional learning is available for educators and kindergarten teachers to strengthen support for children living in out-of-home care.
The online sessions explore key areas including:
- understanding the needs and experiences of children living in care
- identifying strategies and resources that promote their participation, inclusion and wellbeing in early childhood education and care settings.
About the sessions
The Department of Education LOOKOUT teams run the sessions. LOOKOUT staff are education specialists who support professionals to strengthen trauma-aware, culturally safe and inclusive practice for children in out-of-home care.
The free sessions will be held in May and June 2026. Additional dates are planned for later in the year. Each session runs for 1.5 to 2 hours. Teachers and educators can register for one or all of the sessions.
These sessions count towards Victorian Institute of Teaching required learning.
Details and registration links
Impact of trauma on children in out-of-home care
Increase your understanding of childhood trauma and its impact on young children living in out-of-home care.
Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Cost: free.
To register, refer to: Impact of trauma on children in out-of-home care.
Supporting children in out-of-home care in early childhood education and care settings
Explore specific needs and effective support strategies for children living in out-of-home care.
Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Time: 10 am to midday
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Cost: free.
To register, refer to: Supporting children in out-of-home care in early childhood education and care settings.
Supporting cultural inclusion for children in out-of-home care
Explore the importance of cultural identity, community connection, and supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in out-of-home care.
Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026
Time: midday to 1:30 pm
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Cost: free.
To register, refer to: Supporting cultural inclusion for children in out-of-home care.
Find out more
For more information on supporting children living in care, refer to Supporting children placed in out-of-home care - information for early childhood professionals.
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