Every child is entitled to an early childhood education, regardless of ability.
Support is available for funded kindergartens to provide programs that are responsive to the individual abilities, interests and needs of children with a disability, developmental delay, high support needs or complex medical needs.
If you are registering for kindergarten through our central registration scheme, you will be asked for details of your child's needs and supporting documentation from medical or healthcare professionals when you submit your application online. Find out more on our Submit an application page.
Providing us with this information allows us to give your registration a higher priority when we allocate kindergarten places. We also pass it on to the kindergarten once you have accepted a place. This helps the kindergarten prepare the appropriate supports for your child.
Talk to your child's teacher before kindergarten begins so you can start to work together on how to meet the needs of your child. You should also do this if you are applying to kindergartens that are not part of the central enrolment scheme.
Preschool Field Officers
The Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) Program provides support to kindergarten teachers, educators, and families to guide the inclusion of all children in kindergarten.
These officers are early childhood educators with experience delivering high quality inclusive kindergarten programs. They work with kindergarten teachers to identify children's learning needs and support the teacher to provide an inclusive kindergarten program.
Preschool Field Officers also provide advice and support in relation to development, school readiness and behaviour.
To speak to a Preschool Field Officer and learn more about the support they offer, email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4014.
Kindergartens or families can make a referral to the service using our Preschool field officer referral form below.
Note: Preschool Field Officers cannot provide individual observation or support for your child without a written referral from their kindergarten.
Download the Preschool field officer referral form
Kindergarten Inclusion Support
Kindergartens can apply for extra support to help them provide the right environment for children with additional needs.
An inclusive kindergarten is one where your child has support in developing secure relationships. This encourages them to learn and actively participate in the group and can develop a strong sense of self, friendships with others in the group and a sense of belonging to the group and the broader community.
Visit the Victorian Government website for more information about the Kindergarten Inclusion Support program for kindergartens.