Children with additional needs

Preschool Field Officer Program

The Preschool Field Officer Program is an early intervention outreach service that is available in state-funded kindergartens for any child with developmental concerns. (A preschool is the same as a kindergarten.)

Council Preschool Field Officers

Council Preschool Field Officers support the access and participation of children with additional needs in kindergartens in Merri-bek.

A Preschool Field Officer:

• Observes children with developmental concerns and consults with educators and families
• Consults with and supports kindergarten staff on the planning, implementation and review of developmentally appropriate programs for all children
• Links families and staff to community and specialist supports.

For further information please refer to the Preschool Field Officer brochure.

You can organise a Preschool Field Officer for your child by completing the Preschool Field Officer Referral form.

Submit the completed form to Council:

• email Council Children's Services
• post to Locked Bag 10, Merri-bek 3058, or
• visit a Council Customer Service Centre.

Inclusion Support Program

Inclusion Professionals (IPs) work with Educators in Children's Services to ensure all children are welcomed and included, in particular:

• children from cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including refugee and Australian South Sea Islander children
• children with ongoing high support needs, including children with a disability, and
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The  Inclusion Support Program is delivered by the Victorian Inclusion Agency.