Early Childhood Services Management

Kindergarten Cluster Management

Background to the initiative

Kindergarten cluster management strengthens the delivery of universal kindergarten services across Victoria.  The kindergarten cluster management initiative provides parents with more flexible options for participating in kindergarten programs, and creates a more consistent and professional employment model for kindergarten staff while facilitating strong local partnerships.

A Review of Kindergarten Cluster Management was undertaken in 2007 to determine the status of the kindergarten cluster management initiative.  The review found that parents are benefiting as a result of the reduced pressure on them to manage services and that kindergarten staff are benefiting through a more stable and supportive management model.

The Government Response to the Review highlights the Government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening kindergarten cluster management. 

In May 2008, as part of the Government Response, the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development announced a $2.83 million package of funded initiatives to assist kindergarten cluster management organisations to strengthen governance arrangements within their organisation and to promote innovation and place based examples of best practice.

The Government Response to the Review outlines new policy directions and initiatives to cement kindergarten cluster management as an integral element in the delivery of quality early childhood education and care services across Victoria.

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Kindergarten Cluster Management Policy Framework

The Kindergarten Cluster Management Policy Framework emphasises the importance of kindergarten cluster management as a key strategy to build a stronger and more responsive and effective kindergarten system across the state.  Partnerships with families, the community and all levels of government, coupled with effective management, form the foundation of kindergarten cluster management in Victoria.

The framework defines Victoria’s approach to the management of kindergartens and progresses the Government’s agenda for system improvement. The framework responds to the review of kindergarten cluster management and will also contribute to the reform of the sector that is required to meet the national early childhood reform agenda.

The framework outlines five key components to guide all organisations involved in kindergarten cluster management. Kindergarten cluster managers will:

  • be geographically based
  • demonstrate robust governance and support infrastructure
  • participate in local partnerships
  • provide professional development opportunities and career pathways for kindergarten staff
  • foster a culture of continuous improvement.

See: Kindergarten Cluster Management Policy Framework (PDF - 595Kb)

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Specifications

Specifications are available to assist prospective service providers in preparing a submission to be approved as a kindergarten cluster management organisation in Victoria.

The specifications for new kindergarten cluster managers have been updated to support the implementation of the new kindergarten cluster management policy. The updated specifications will also inform strategic planning directions for existing kindergarten cluster management organisations.

The specifications are organised in two documents:

Organisations seeking to apply to become a kindergarten cluster manager must read both documents. Organisations interested in becoming kindergarten cluster managers should contact the regional office of DEECD to discuss the application process. 

Commencing 2009–10, all kindergarten cluster managers are required to complete an annual Kindergarten Cluster Management Service Improvement Plan as part of their Service Agreement with DEECD. The plans will document strategies and measurable targets to guide service improvement based on the five key components of the kindergarten cluster management policy framework. Cluster managers complete Service Improvement Plans in consultation with their services. A Word version of the template is available through the DEECD regional staff supporting Kindergarten Cluster Management services.

For a list of regional DEECD offices, see: Regional Offices

For more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF - 79Kb)