Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) Service

How PSFO support works – For parents and guardians

Step 1: Talk to your child’s educator
If you have concerns about your child’s learning or development, start by speaking with your child’s kindergarten. 
The early childhood educators know your child in the kindergarten setting. Together, you can discuss your child’s progress and whether additional support may help.

Step 2: Requesting Support from the PSFO Service 
If extra support may be beneficial, the educator will talk with you about requesting support from the Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) Service:

• A request for support cannot be made without your consent, and the educator will complete a PSFO Request for Support form with you. If you prefer to speak a language other than English or use Auslan, an interpreter can be arranged by the educator through Early Childhood Language Services. 

• If your child already receives support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), we encourage educators and families to connect with those providers first before accessing the PSFO Service.

Step 3: PSFO support begins at kindergarten

Once we receive the form, we review the request and contact the kindergarten to plan the next steps:

• The PSFO Service supports your child by working with the kindergarten educators. We don’t provide therapy or work one-on-one with your child.

• Our support is short term and focused on building your child’s educator’s skills, so they can support your child as part of the everyday kindergarten program. We work with the kindergarten team to share information, provide resources, and help to design learning environments that support all children.

• If extra support may be helpful, we can guide educators and families toward the right services or referral pathways. Your child’s educator will keep you updated on what supports are in place, what’s working well, and any next steps. 

• If referrals or assessments are recommended, you play an important role by attending appointments, following recommendations and using agreed strategies at home.

PSFO Information sheet for families is available in multiple languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dinka, English, Hindi, Karen, and Vietnamese.  

Requesting PSFO Support: A guide for Early Childhood Educators/professionals

Step 1: Discuss the Request with the Family

• Before submitting a PSFO support request, have a conversation with the child’s parent or guardian. We need their consent to provide support.
• Some families may prefer to speak in a language other than English. Free on-site, phone, or video interpreters through Early Childhood Language Services  should be offered to families.
• Explain clearly what support you are requesting and why.
   

Step 2: Complete the PSFO Support Request Form 

• Complete the form together with the family, including sections for both educators and parents or guardian.
• Make sure you use the current version of our form.
• Include clear details about the child’s needs and the support you are requesting.

Download: PSFO Support Request Forms (word version)

Download: PSFO Support Request Forms (interactive pdf version)

Step 3: Submit the Signed Form 

• We can’t accept verbal consent. Email the signed form to:  psfo.service@wyndham.vic.gov.au.
• You will receive a confirmation email when we receive the form.
• If you don’t receive a confirmation from us within seven working days, follow up with our team.
• All decisions regarding support and any further referrals will be made in collaboration with you and parents/guardians. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Educators

Contact the PSFO Service

Contact the PSFO Service
Preschool Field Officer Service
Wyndham City Council
45 Princes Hwy (PO Box 197)
WERRIBEE     VIC    3030
Telephone: (03) 9742 8199
Email:  psfo.service@wyndham.vic.gov.au