Early years CALD outreach

This service is dedicated to helping families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds navigate and access to early childhood services in Hobsons Bay.

Our CALD outreach worker provides free and confidential support to help you register and enrol your children in kindergarten and childcare, connect with community supports and services, and facilitate a smooth transition to school. 

How we can help with kinder registration and enrolment

Navigating the kindergarten enrolment process can be complex. Our CALD outreach worker can help:

• explain the differences between three- and four-year-old kindergarten and help you find the best fit for your family.
• complete kindergarten registration and enrolment forms.
• connect you with other services, including community and support services. We also assist eligible families to access Early Start Kindergarten, a program that offers free or low-cost kindergarten to eligible children.
• ensure every child in Hobsons Bay has the opportunity to experience the benefits of a high-quality early learning program.

Connecting you to local services

The early years CALD outreach worker is your link to a wide range of services in Hobsons Bay. We can help you find and connect with:

• Maternal and child health services: Get free health check-ups and support from local nurses for your child.
• Playgroups: Join local groups where your child can play and you can meet other parents.
• Occasional care: Find short-term childcare when you need it.
• Parenting programs: Access workshops, groups and individual support to help you with the challenges of raising young children.
• Other community services: We support you and your family find and connect with a wide range of local community services beyond early childhood programs. We can give you information and referrals to support your family's needs.

Our goal is to help your family access the support you need to feel connected and thrive in the community.

Supporting parents through school transition

The move from kindergarten to primary school is a major milestone, and we are here to support you, the parent, every step of the way. Our CALD outreach worker provides free and confidential assistance to help you navigate this important transition.

We understand that preparing for school can bring questions and new tasks. We can assist you by:

• navigating enrolment - providing clear information and support with the school enrolment process, including paperwork and deadlines.
• building school connections - helping you understand your local primary school's culture and community, and facilitating communication to build a strong partnership between you and the school.
• accessing information - offering guidance on what to expect during the transition, from school uniforms and routines to understanding the curriculum.
  
  Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to feel confident and prepared, ensuring your child has a successful and positive start to their formal education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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