Children with Additional/Special Needs
The early years are critical for the long-term health and development of children with disabilities and developmental delays.
Support and services for these children and their families is provided by the Department through its Regional Specialist Children's teams and by community service organisations funded by the Department.
The assistance they provide includes special education, therapy and counselling. Service providers work in close partnership with families to meet the individual needs of each child, supporting families in taking the lead in making decisions for their child.
For more information, see:
- Early Childhood Intervention Services – explains how Victorian parents and families can access programs to give them the knowledge, skills and support to meet the needs of children with disabilities and developmental delays
Funding for kingergarten inclusion
An important inclusion support program gives young children with severe disability the opportunity to attend their local funded kindergarten program. Funding supports inclusion and may provide for, specialist training for staff or additional resources that support the participation of the children with severe disabilities.
For more information, see:
- Kindergarten inclusion support kit 2008 – provides information and application for families seeking support for a child with a severe disability to attend kindergarten