Inclusive services make children and families feel safe, welcome and included from the start. Valuing diversity is reflected in policies, environments and everyday practices.
A new Introduction to Disability Inclusion course is now available on the Early Childhood Hub. The course is aimed at supporting services to identify and address barriers to inclusion early.
This 45-minute course is for all early childhood workers in funded kindergarten programs.
It provides practical strategies to support access and participation. It supports services to meet their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Education. The course includes guidance on support programs and resources.
Teachers and educators who want to strengthen their practice can also access the ACECQA Inclusion in Practice eLearning course. This is aligned with the National Quality Framework.
Services are encouraged to consider whether they might benefit from further support, including:
- the Preschool Field Officer program
- Kindergarten Inclusion Support
- the KIS Specialist Equipment Program.
Disability inclusion research
The department continues to research and explore ways to support children with additional needs.
We will conduct the second Disability Inclusion Needs Survey in the first half of this year. The findings will help us to better understand the support required by children with additional needs.
We will invite selected services to take part to reflect the diverse range of kindergarten settings across Victoria. Services will receive the invitation by email in the coming month. Participating services will get support to complete the survey, including casual relief teacher funding and guidance from experienced consultants.
The findings will inform policy and service improvements. They will also help ensure children with additional needs are well supported to take part in kindergarten programs.
For more information about the Disability Inclusion Research in Kindergartens project, refer to: Disability Inclusion Research in Kindergartens.
For further enquiries about the project or survey, contact the Inclusion Policy and Reform team by email: ec.inclusion.research@education.vic.gov.au
Find out more
For more information about inclusion in kindergarten, refer to: Children with additional needs in early childhood.
For further enquiries about supports available, contact the Inclusive Programs Team by email: kindergarten.inclusion.support@education.vic.gov.au
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