A quality childcare or preschool experience supports children’s learning, social skills, confidence, and wellbeing. It also gives parents valuable time for work, appointments, and self-care.
What to look for
Look for services where your child will feel safe, happy, respected, and valued. When choosing a service, consider the physical environment, staff, and approach to inclusion, including:
spaces with carpeting, rugs, and curtains help absorb extra noise and make listening easier.
staff are welcoming and open to training and learning about your child’s needs.
If a service seems unwilling or unable to provide this, it may be best to explore other options.
Your child’s rights
All children have the right to use childcare services, regardless of disability. The Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes it unlawful for childcare services to refuse children with disability or limit their access. Services must also make reasonable adjustments to meet your child’s needs and support inclusion.
Childcare services can apply for Inclusion Support Funding to help meet the needs of children with disability. (See Inclusion Support Program link).
Download the Real Life Tips infographic.
More information:
- Your deaf child at childcare
- Questions to ask childcare providers
- Child care disability autism inclusion funding | Raisingchildren.net
- Advocating for your child | Disability Standards for Education 2005
- Inclusion Support Program | Dept. of Education
- How to get funding at childcare and kinder | ACD blog
- The power of connection: How Auslan empowers deaf and hard of hearing children | Deaf Children Australia
- Getting started at childcare and kindergarten | ACD
- Professional development for early childhood educators | ACD downloadable pdf
