Early Childhood Services Management
A range of services are available for children and their families before they go to primary school.
The Department supports the health, development, wellbeing and learning of Victoria’s young children by overseeing services including kindergartens and child care, maternal and child health, supported playgroups, parenting services and early childhood intervention services. These services are operated by a range of local government, community and private organisations.
Responsibility for these services was incorporated into the Department in August 2007, when functions from the Office for Children in the Department of Human Services (DHS), were integrated with the former Department of Education.
The new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) marks the beginning of a new era in the health, wellbeing, learning and development of all Victorian children and young people.
For more information about the management and operations of early childhood services in Victoria, see:
- Licensed Children's Services – explains the licensing requirements for operating an early childhood service
- Maternal and Child Health – contains information about resources available to help support the delivery of maternal and child health services
- Child Care and Kindergarten – includes important information to help children’s service operators provide high quality care to children
- Early Childhood Intervention Services – support children with a disability or developmental delay, from birth to school entry, and their families
- Funding and Grants - information about funding and grant opportunities including Children's Capital Program and Literacy, Numeracy and Special Learning Needs Program
- Best Start – is a place based partnership approach designed to improve outcomes for children