All children are unique, with different needs. When they are enrolled or intended to enrol at an early childhood education and care service, the service may consider additional support.
The Inclusion Support Program (ISP) assists early childhood education and care services to overcome barriers so that all children can participate and be fully included alongside their peers. Inclusion is about the whole environment and involves educators working as a team to implement inclusive strategies with all children.
Families are encouraged to communicate with the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service about their child’s needs or concerns and ask them about the inclusive practices they implement to support children to participate and feel a sense of belonging.
WA Inclusion Agency employs a team of Inclusion Professionals to provide tailored support and inclusion advice to early childhood education and care services in WA.
To request support from WA Inclusion Agency (WAIA) ECECs submit a Request for Inclusion Support form. If educators need support to include children with additional needs, a signed parent permission form will also need to be submitted. ECECs are responsible for submitting both these forms to WAIA.
What Happens Next?
When the WAIA receives a request for support along with the parent consent, a visit to the service is scheduled.
The visit may include observations, reflective discussions and meetings with educators and coordinators. A Strategic Inclusion Plan will be developed that identifies the best supports and actions needed to overcome the inclusion barriers.
Services may apply for additional ISP supports such as Inclusion Development Funding for an Additional Educator or Innovative Solutions funding.
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To facilitate full inclusion of children, Specialist Equipment loans may also be needed along with practical strategies and modifications to the environment implemented by educators.
Services are encouraged to keep families informed about the inclusion support that is being provided and families who wish to have more involvement or find out more about the Inclusion Support Program can:
- Talk to their ECEC service directly;
- Request to meet the Inclusion Professional along with ECEC staff at the childcare centre;
- Call the WA Inclusion Agency helpline.
Contact WA Inclusion Agency
Contact us on 1800 119 247 or email
info@wainclusionagency.org.au.
Alternatively you can complete our
online enquiry form.