Best Start is an early years initiative to support families and caregivers to provide the best possible environment, experiences and care for children from birth to age eight.
The program focuses on children experiencing vulnerability and all Aboriginal children
Best Start partnerships use local data and community knowledge to identify those who are experiencing vulnerability at their sites. Communities and service providers collaborate to address issues as they are experienced at a neighbourhood or regional level.
This localised, targeted way of finding solutions to problems faced by families has been shown to be extremely effective. Efforts are focused on boosting children's participation in the programs such as Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services. The program also puts in place prevention strategies, such as providing referral pathways when targeted supports are required.
Wyndham Best Start
Wyndham Best Start is a collaboration between organisations that are committed to building a robust early years’ service system to improve the outcomes for children experiencing vulnerability and their families in the City of Wyndham.
Wyndham Best Start Partners consists of local community service organisations and State government representatives.
For more information about the Wyndham Best Start program, or if you would like to be involved, please contact the Best Start Project Officer on 87340221, email Wyndham.BestStart@wyndham.vic.gov.au or visit the Best Start Program website – Department of Education & Training
Best Start Primary Outcomes
- Children engage and participate in early childhood education (kindergarten and supported playgroups).
- Children and families actively engage with Maternal Child Health services, attending key ages and stages visits.
Access to information
Wyndham Child and Family Directory (WCFD)
The WCFD was developed as part of the Pathways Project, with the aim to connect families with information about services to support their child’s (0-12 years old) learning, health & wellbeing.
www.wyndhamchildandfamilydirectory.com.au
Joining the Dots E-update
The aim of the Joining the dots e-update is to link services with each other through monthly updates promoting activities, programs, training and relevant information for the early years, family support services and schools sectors, with an emphasis on supporting vulnerable families & their children.
The Joining the Dots e-update is uploaded onto the Wyndham Child & Family Directory at the start of every month.
For more information about the Wyndham Best Start program, or if you would like to be involved in the working groups or Partnership Group, please contact the Best Start Officer on 8734 0221 (Monday to Thursday), email Wyndham.BestStart@wyndham.vic.gov.au.