Use an interpreter in early childhood education services

Free telephone, video and on site interpreters are available for eligible early childhood services.

We have a contract with LanguageLoop (formerly VITS) to provide interpreting services. All interpreters are qualified and accredited, where National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accreditation is available.

Please read the below information to ensure you are eligible and then contact LanguageLoop to set up an account or make a booking on please contact us for 24 hours, 7 days a week services or via the LanguageLoop portal.

Eligible services

Eligible services that can access LanguageLoop include:

• all Department funded early childhood services who do not receive direct funding for language services
• all Victorian government schools see interpreters for government schools
• support services funded by the Department.

For more information, on eligible early childhood services, see interpreting services early childhood services.

Booking

Book an interpreter through the LanguageLoop portal. For access to the portal and booking enquiries, contact us.

At the time of booking, specify the specific language(s), dialect (if relevant), time and duration, purpose, precise location and contact person. In addition, please specify other requirements such as gender, or if you require a specific interpreter.

Bookings should be made as early as possible.

Additional Resources

LanguageLoop resources:

• How to work with a telephone interpreter (PDF, 5MB)
• How to work with an onsite interpreter (PDF, 2MB)
• How to work with AUSLAN and deaf interpreters (PDF, 500KB)
• Use this list to identify which language is required (PDF, 2MB)

Foundation House has developed the following tip sheets to support work with interpreters and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and refugee backgrounds:

• Tip sheet - Building partnerships with families from refugee backgrounds (PDF, 2MB)
• Tip sheet - Working effectively with interpreters to support families (pdf - 981 (PDF, 1MB)

Translations

Written translation services are not funded for early childhood services under the Department’s contract with LanguageLoop. For translated information on kindergarten, please see Kindergarten for culturally and linguistically diverse children.

If you need written translation services, you will need to contact a translation company directly. For further advice on using interpreters and translators visit Interpreters and Translations.