Print
Inclusion Support — Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by inclusion?
How can ACT Inclusion Support Agency assist Children's Services?
Can ACT Inclusion Support Agency recommend a child care service to place a child in?
Can a Bicultural Support Worker be used as an interpreter for completing information forms?
Does ACT Inclusion Support Agency pay for children to attend child care programs?
Who pays for the services of a Bicultural Support Worker?
Does ACT Inclusion Support Agency supply support staff to children's services?
My child's service only operates during school terms. Where can they go during school holidays?
What is meant by inclusion?
The ACT Inclusion Support Agency defines inclusion as an attitude and practice that celebrates and accepts diversity between individuals and the community. Inclusion exists when children participate within their environment, among their peers and when adult behaviour demonstrates acceptance, respect and encouragement.
How can ACT Inclusion Support Agency assist Children's Services?
ACT Inclusion Support Agency employs Inclusion Support Facilitators to work in collaboration with children's services and support agencies in the community.
Inclusion Support Facilitators are skilled individuals who work directly with children's services to create a truely inclusive environment for all children, including those with additional needs. Their skills allow them to:
- Collaboratively role model strategies.
- Reflect on what the service is currently doing to create an environment that supports the inclusion of all children.
- Identify additional inclusive practices and discuss how these might be implemented in the service.
- Identify relevant community groups, services and organisations to assist networking on inclusive issues at the local level.
- Consider additional support options that may build the service’s capacity to create an inclusive environment.
Can ACT Inclusion Support Agency recommend a child care service to place a child in?
The Agency recognises the quality of all children’s services in the ACT. We can provide recommendations in the form of a list of services in your area.
Can a Bicultural Support Worker be used as an interpreter for completing information forms?
The Bicultural Support Worker can assist at the meeting between service staff, family and the Inclusion Support Facilitator to gain the information necessary. The Bicultural Support Worker is placed to assist with the smooth inclusion of children from diverse backgrounds into a service.
Does ACT Inclusion Support Agency pay for children to attend child care programs?
The Agency does not pay for children to attend services. If funding is required to include a child in the program, the Inclusion Support Facilitator will arrange for a service Support Plan to be completed with the service to identify how to support the service on their inclusive practices. If the Service Support Plan identifies a need to raise the child to staff ratio the ACT Inclusion Support Agency can facilitate the process.
Who pays for the services of a Bicultural Support Worker?
Bicultural Support workers are engaged and employed by the ACT Professional Support Coordinator. Inclusion Support Facilitators coordinate and support the placement of Bicultural Support Workers in children's service.
Does ACT Inclusion Support Agency supply support staff to children's services?
After consultation with the service, the Agency may provide financial support to the service to raise the child to staff ratio for a nominated period of time. For consistency of care, it's easier if the service employs a worker from within their own staff, who knows the children and the routines. It is beneficial to have a staff member who can share in the care of all children. It is not a priority to have someone who has worked with children with diverse needs.
My child's service only operates during school terms. Where can they go during school holidays?
ACT Inclusion Support Agency provides information to families about Vacation Care Services operating during school holidays. If your child has a special need, we will support their inclusion into the service on your referral.
