Project Overview
This Project has been developed to enhance the Children First policy.
The objective of the Project is to provide Information Technology equipment, Internet connectivity, introductory training and help desk assistance to community based not for profit kindergartens. To find out if your kindergarten is eligible for this project contact the Project Coordinator
on 8664 7001 or toll free on 1800 629 835
Project Objectives
The Children First policy aims to:
- Establish IT infrastructure that will assist teachers in the development and exchange of learning materials and recording;
- Contribute to the professional development of kindergarten teachers and assistants and enhance their access to research in relation to child development;
- Establish an IT infrastructure that will enhance the management of kindergartens and reduce the workload on management committees; and
- Contribute to the sustainability of kindergartens by providing for the better recording of school records including budgets and finance plans.
Scope of the project
The scope of this project includes:
- Computer hardware and software continues to be purchased in compliance with Government purchasing requirements;
- Initial Internet connectivity has been established for kindergartens using ASDL or modem connections.
- Introductory training in the use of the computer software and the Internet was provided during the project's early stages.
Background
Kindergarten in Victoria is a universal program aiming to ensure that all children attend kindergarten the year before attending school. Research supports the importance of kindergarten programs within a lifelong learning continuum. The Government recognises that a quality kindergarten experience provides the opportunity to significantly improve a child’s later education, employment and social outcomes.
Since 1999, the Government has invested significantly in early childhood services aiming to ensure that children receive the best start in life.
Additionally, the Government’s Information and Communications Strategy, Connecting Victoria demonstrates a commitment to strengthening communities by increasing computer literacy and Internet skills throughout Victoria. This strategy aims to maximise the opportunities for education and information and linkage through connectivity to the Internet .
In 2001 the Government’s response to Review of Issues Impacting on the Delivery of Kindergarten Services to their families in Victoria included a commitment to continuing improvements to the administration of kindergarten programs including the work of Committees of Management.
More recently Growing Victoria Together articulates policy directions for all Victorians. Strategies have been developed to address community infrastructure requirements, provide lifelong learning opportunities; ensure access to health and community services; and to promote stronger communities.
The Government, as part of the Children First policy will continue to invest in early childhood services. This investment aims to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and ensure that they and their families receive the support they need when they need it.
The overarching goal of the Children First policy is to improve the health, development, learning and wellbeing of young children and to provide support and information for parents. This will be achieved through more integrated and collaborative service delivery and through linking services to meet the needs of children and their families.
The Government’s commitment to children and their families is underpinned by national and international research that highlights the importance of the early years in a child’s life. The Government’s Best Start project highlights the importance of this research and linking services across the universal early childhood platform.
In addition, the department has endorsed the development of an Early Childhood Policy Framework. This framework will guide program development and strengthen and support innovative service delivery to positively influence children’s resilience and wellbeing, their capacity to become capable children and ultimately to become adaptable, socially competent and productive adults.
The Department of Human Services’ Community Care Division (CCD) has program and funding responsibilities for a range of early childhood services. These services include kindergartens. Additionally, CCD is responsible for State licensing and setting standards for early childhood service providers , and for monitoring service delivery underpinned by a statutory and regulatory framework. This regulatory framework for centre-based children’s services includes kindergartens, long day care and occasional care. Long day care services may also provide State funded kindergarten programs.
