The Child Start Program
The Child Start Program provides a flexible identification & screening program for children's services & families residing in the Southern Lakes Area (2261).This program responds to the concerns about a child's development by the family or childcare staff about the child's developmental progress.It will facilitate the child & family's access to services,information,assessments & funding based on the child's individual needs.
What happens?
The Early Childhood teachers will observe the child & meet with the family in the following locations:
* Play Links sessions held in a local community centre weekly on Thursday between 9.30am. and 12.30pm. ( Please ring for an appointment) or
* In children's services located in 2261
-Community Based Preschools
-Council Long Day Care Centres
-Private Long Day Care Centres
-Occasional Care services
-Family Day Care.
-Community Based supported playgroups
This program is an opportunity for parents to access information, advice and recommendations for their child. The Early childhood teachers collects observations on the child & to strengthen and support the child & family and may refer the family onto other professionals & services.
Who is the program for?
The Child Start Program is for children aged 0-5 whose family or children's services in the postcode 2261 including families of ATSIC & CALD heritage and where there are concerns for the child's development & the child does not have a diagnosis or is not accessing early intervention or support funding.
Who are the staff on the program?
Two qualified & experienced early childhood teachers and a Diploma of Children's Services qualified childcare worker for the Play Linkssession.
Referrals:
Families may ring the Early Childhood teachers to discuss if this program may help your child or to make an appointment at Play Links.Children's services may also refer with parental permission. Please ring for an information package on 43323981
Background The Communities for Children is an initiative of the Australian Government . The Benevolent Society was the successful agency appointed to administer this initiative in the Southern Lakes district. The Child Start Program is one of many projects that will be established by the Benevolent Society to implement the Communities for Children initiative.