A range of resources are available to help services build their capacity to promote inclusion and meet the needs of all children in their community.
Inclusion is at the heart of the Best Start, Best Life reforms, and we encourage all early childhood education services to use the resources shared below for support with this priority.
Every child has the right to access, participate and be included in all aspects of community life, including early childhood education and care.
It is important that services explore all opportunities to include children with additional needs, including those with a disability, complex medical needs, and developmental delays.
Resources to help with inclusion
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority website has resources to support approved providers and service staff to understand and implement their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
All funded services are required to follow the Priority of Access guidelines in enrolling children, including those with additional needs, and should be familiar with the guidance in the Kindergarten Funding Guide.
We encourage funded services to explore the range of supports available to build their capacity and confidence in meeting the needs of all children. This includes:
- the Pre-School Field Officer program
- Kindergarten Inclusion Support program
- KIS Specialised Equipment program
- School Readiness funding.
Please reach out to your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch (ECIB) for guidance on creating inclusive environments, accessing these supports, and managing enrolment and inclusion issues.
Your ECIB will be able to provide immediate support and guidance in situations where a child with additional needs is not attending regularly or is at risk of leaving the service.
Find out more
For more information, refer to:
For further enquiries, contact your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch.
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