About the Department

Transition – a positive start to school

Expression of interest to participate in pilot program

In February 2008, the Victorian Government announced plans to develop an Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the introduction of transition plans to support children entering school.

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework for children from birth to eight years old is currently in development for completion mid 2009. This will provide guidance for professionals working with young children and establish agreed learning and development goals. Transition to school is a key part of the framework.

Transition processes between families, early childhood education and care services and schools will improve children’s early school experiences by providing their parents and teachers with information about a child’s strengths and developmental needs and will assist schools to respond to the individual learning needs of all children.

Project Goals

In order to support the statewide implementation and develop an evidence base on what works in supporting children’s transition into prep up to 20 pilot activities will be supported to trial, or extend, a range of transition components in local Victorian communities.  The outcomes of the pilots will inform the further development of the Government’s policy on transition.   In particular, the pilots will provide valuable insights into:

  1. key information that prep teachers need to know about children starting school;
  2. the preferred format of transition plans including whether they should take the form of a structured plan or be in the form of a ‘portfolio’;
  3. information that should be in transition plans including consideration of whether this information can be shared;
  4. the key processes that are involved in positive transitions for children, their families and for professionals; and how they can be  strengthened.

What is the process for submitting an Expression of Interest?

Expressions of Interest are sought from you, your organisation or partnerships. If you are interested in being involved, you will need to complete the attached proforma describing how you propose to pilot transition activities in your area. 

The closing date for submissions is Friday 26th September 2008 at 5pm.

Download the Expression of Interest - Transition Pilot Project submission template (Word - 98Kb).

Send submissions electronically to Alison Smith, Senior Policy Officer at smith.alison.e@edumail.vic.gov.au or fax to 03 9096 9152.