Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) Service

• 3 or 4 year old children with additional needs attending a government funded kindergarten program.
• This also includes children in receipt of Early Start Kindergarten funding who are attending a three-year old kindergarten program delivered by a degree qualified early childhood educator.

If a child’s development is supported by a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or early childhood intervention continuity of support provider, it is expected that the early childhood educator, in consultation with the family, will seek support from this provider in the first instance.  If the educator has made all efforts but been unable to engage these supports, an educator can submit a support request to the Wyndham PSFO Service.

The PSFO program defines children with additional needs as children in an education and care setting presenting with developmental concerns.  Developmental concerns may be associated with any area of a child’s development, such as; 

• challenging behaviours
• speech, language or communication delays
• social and emotional difficulties
• a diagnosed disability

The PSFO capacity building approach recognises and respects the expertise and ongoing role of the early childhood educator in supporting children’s learning and development by supporting early childhood educators to:

• Gain the knowledge and skills to confidently implement practices and provide programs that are responsive to the individual abilities, interests and needs of children with additional needs in an inclusive early childhood environment
• See themselves as having both the responsibility and capability to plan for all children in the early childhood program and that it is not only experts with specialist skills who can provide support for the learning and development of children with additional needs
• Respond to parents’ concerns regarding their child’s development.

Support may include:

• Information, resources, program strategies, coaching, modelling of specific skills
• Identification of referral pathways
• Contributing to recognising the child’s capabilities as well as their learning and development needs.

PSFOs work within the context of the early childhood program.  The PSFO does not directly deliver intervention to a child within the early childhood setting but acts as a consultant and coach to the early childhood educator.

This approach may involve direct contact with the child and family in the early childhood setting, however, this work is done in collaboration with and through the early childhood educator in a manner that respects the educator’s ongoing relationship with the child and family as opposed to the short-term nature of the PSFO engagement with the child and family.

With parent/carer consent the PSFO can directly observe a child in the early childhood environment and contribute to the educator’s assessment of the child’s capabilities as well as their learning and development needs.  This information assists educators and families to make informed decisions regarding referral pathways for specialised assessment or support services.  PSFOs also assist the educator to identify and link families to a range of supports available and assist the educator’s program planning for the child in the early childhood setting.

Where an early childhood educator seeks support from the PSFO service in relation to a child, the early childhood educator is required to obtain informed consent from parents/guardians/carers for PSFO involvement with their child, prior to requesting PSFO assistance.

• Early Childhood professionals
• Parents/Guardians in collaboration with the child’s educator
• Other health care professionals with parental/guardian consent and in collaboration with the child’s educator

Parents of children who attend an early childhood service who have concerns regarding their child’s development are encouraged to discuss these with their child’s early childhood educator in the first instance.  Where a parent directly contacts the PSFO program, the PSFO will liaise with the relevant early childhood educator to progress the request for support.

Please complete the following steps to request support for an individual child:

1. Discuss your concerns with the family

   Please use an interpreter to have the conversations with families who do not have English as their primary language.

   Educators or other professionals must discuss their reasons for requesting PSFO support with the child’s parent/guardian prior to submitting the form.
    

2. Complete the request for support form with the family

   Complete the request for support form with the family.

   Please complete the form in consultation with the family, there are sections for you both to complete.  The form can be downloaded below.  Choose one of the formats (Word, PDF or online) to suit your service and the family.  The information is the same on them all.
    

3. Submit the signed form to the PSFO Service

Email the form to our service at psfo.service@wyndham.vic.gov.au.

Once the request has been received by the PSFO Service an email confirmation will be sent. If you do not receive a confirmation within 7 days, please contact us to check receipt.

All decisions made regarding the developmental needs of the child and any further referrals required, will be made in collaboration with the parent and educators.

Download: PSFO Support Request Forms (word version)

Download: PSFO Support Request Forms (interactive pdf version)

Trial Online Support Request Form

The PSFO team are trialling an online version of our Support Request Form and here is the link:

NEW - Online Support Request Form

Please be aware that you will still need input from the parent/guardian so you should complete this with them at a mutually convenient time.

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

PSFO - Guide - Supporting Children with Additional Needs

View the Inclusion Starter Kit 

Have you considered utilising the Language Loop Interpreting Service to support building relationships with families & to support their understanding of conversations about their child and services available to support them?

The Department of Education and Training (DET) has partnered with Language Loop (formerly VITS) to provide free interpreting services to DET-funded early childhood services who do not receive direct funding for language services.

This can be used, for example, to support families from a language background other than English and require communication to be undertaken in their first language.

Visit the Education Vic website for more information.

Download - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support Services Information

Amaze (Formerly Autism Victoria)

Address: 24 Drummond Street, Carlton (Near the cnr of Drummond & Victoria Streets)
Postal Address: PO Box 374, Carlton South, Vic 3053
Tel - Infoline:  1300 308 699
Email:  info@amaze.org.au   
Website:  www.amaze.org.au

Amaze helps individuals on the autism spectrum, their parents/carers and families, support groups, autism professionals, schools and all others who need information and assistance on the subject of autism.

Raising Children Network

Useful information on popular ASD topics such as; Learning about ASD, Behaviour, Communicating, Development, Therapies & services, Health & daily care

Website:  www.raisingchildren.net.au

Or Search:  “Autism Spectrum Disorder” for further information

ASD Transition Statements

This ‘ASDs Transition Learning & Development Statement’ was developed to supplement the DEECD ‘Transition: Positive Start to School Learning and Development Statement’. This additional information assists parents and professionals to have a shared understanding of the child’s symptoms of ASD, profile of abilities and how these impact upon him/her. It includes a summary of previous assessments and reports. It also provides information on the student’s learning profile and what teaching and management strategies are currently the most successful.  Visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/assets/docs/scs/psychiatry/asds-transition-statement.pdf

Yellow LadyBugs

Yellow Ladybugs is dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls and women.  Yellow Ladybugs is a volunteer community group who proudly create social events, similar to birthday parties, where girls can come together and have the opportunity to meet and bond over their similar journey.  They have a website (link below) and also a Facebook page.

Website - https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/

Resources:

Sensory Tools offers leading-edge treatment courses and products that specifically address issues associated with Sensory Processing, Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD.  Visit https://sensorytools.net/

Sensory Oasis for Kids: Sensory Products for Special Kids with Special Needs Proudly Australian owned & operated, Sensory Oasis for Kids is a Melbourne-based online & retail store run by a mum of three amazing Autistic boys.  Visit https://www.sensoryoasisforkids.com.au/

Download - Autism Spectrum Disorder Information

Download the Amaze; Autism and Inclusion at Kindergarten Booklet

Child Protection

You should contact Child Protection if you have reasonable grounds for believing a child has suffered, or is suffering significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect and that their parent has not protected or is unlikely to protect the child from harm of that type.  A reasonable belief does not require proof.

All Early Childhood Educators are MANDATED to report to Child Protection.  This means Educators are legally obliged to report suspected child abuse.

Child Protection provides child-centered, family-focused services to protect children and young people from significant harm caused by abuse or neglect within the family. The family does not need to be notified or to give their consent to be referred to Child Protection.

For more detailed information, download the page here:

Download - Child Protection Information

The Orange Door

Sometimes things at home or in a relationship are not OK and you need some help and support. 
At The Orange Door, we are here to listen to you and help you to get the support you need quickly and easily. 

We welcome everyone at The Orange Door and you don't need a referral. You can seek help or support if you are a migrant or a refugee or do not have permanent residency.

We know that people continue to be affected by family violence long after the violence stops. If you have experienced family violence in the past and would like help now, contact The Orange Door. 

Download the Orange Door info sheet below for more info and contact details

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE?

A community health service works in partnership with the local community to provide responsive, interconnected health and community services.  In Wyndham the Community Health Service is IPC Health. IPC Health is a not-for-profit organisation.

IPC HEALTH PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:

• Psychology (for children)
• Family Services                     
• Dietetics
• Counselling Services (for parents)
• Dental Services
• GP Services
• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Podiatry 
• Financial Counselling
• Paediatricians

Child Health Team Services

The Child Health Team offers individual and group services. We can also work together with Kindergarten Educators. This often starts by visiting the kindergarten to observe how the child participates in the classroom. This can help us learn about the child’s developmental needs. Strategies may be provided to help support children at kindergarten.  

Occupational Therapy:

Paediatric Occupational Therapists look at the activities children take part in their everyday life. They help children to take care of themselves (self-care) participate in Kinder and learning (productivity) and enjoy life/leisure (play).  They can help children do activities by themselves so they feel confident when participating at different activities at Kindergarten.

Speech Pathology:

Paediatric Speech Pathologists work with families to help children communicate. They can help support children who have difficulties with their language (understanding and using spoken language), difficulties with saying sounds clearly, social conversation skills and stuttering. 

Psychology (Developmental and Educational):

The psychologist works closely with parents to help them support their child’s development at home. Parents are encouraged to work with the psychologist to help improve their child’s capacity for learning, socialisation and play skills, build emotional regulation or resilience skills and increase their child’s cooperation.

Download the IPC - Community Health Information

Drummond Street

Kidz Talk child counselling and support is a short-term, no-cost, Child Mental Health Service for children who are at risk of developing, or are experiencing mild to moderate emotional, mental health or behavioural difficulties. This could include; anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioural issues and issues related to upbringing and negative life experiences, such as family breakdown, grief, loss, abuse and trauma.

For many families and at certain times in a child’s family life, it can be difficult to understand a child’s behaviours or emotions. Seeking help early and talking to someone about what is going on for your child at home, preschool or school can help you to learn valuable new skills and strategies to help you and your child.

Part of the Australian Government’s Access to Allied Psychological Services Child and Mental Health Service (ATAPS CMHS) initiative and funded by Melbourne Primary Care Network, ATAPS CMHS provides evidence-based psychological therapies.

Download - Drummond Street Information

Better Place Australia

Children and teens face a range of issues such as family conflict, loss of loved ones, change of school, exams, puberty and peer pressure.

Sadly, every year many are affected by the breakdown of their parent’s relationship.

Better Place Australia is one of only two organisations funded by the Federal Government to deliver a program especially for supporting children and teens whose families have separated or are going through relationship difficulties.

Download- Better Place Australia Information

In 2018, The Brotherhood of St Laurence partnered with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) services In Wyndham.  This has since undergone a language change, transitioning to the Early Childhood Approach (NDIS).

ECA services support children 0-6 years with either a developmental delay or a severe disability in Western Melbourne. More information about this service can be found at:

https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/early-childhood/early-childhood-approach

Children do not need a diagnosis to refer – only one area of significant delay in their development (this can be in any area).

WHAT IS THE EARLY CHILDHOOD APPROACH (NDIS)?

The ECA is designed to promote learning, development, wellbeing and participation in the community. This is done in partnership with the family, and with the family’s permission, any key people in the child’s life e.g. their Teacher/Educator. This is a FREE service.

The Early Childhood Approach support aims to:

• promote the child’s learning, development and ability to participate in family, early childhood education and care settings and broader community life
• Assist parents and families to have the knowledge, skills and support to respond to the needs of their child

ECA support can be delivered by a range of professionals with specialist qualifications who apply their knowledge and expertise to support children to learn and develop. The professionals supporting a child may include:

Occupational therapist– Their specialist knowledge can contribute to supporting the development of a child’s independence in everyday activities including eating, dressing, toileting and a range of activities that are part of family life.

Physiotherapist- Contributes to supporting a child’s development in the areas of movement, posture and balance.

Speech pathologist – Will work in supporting a child who has difficulties talking, understanding speech, stuttering, eating and drinking, swallowing or drooling.

Psychologist– Can assist families to support a child’s social, emotional and overall development. They can provide advice and assistance to families including offering behaviour management guidance.

Specialist Early Childhood Educators– Educators who are trained in early years education and often special education. Educators are often part of ECEI teams and assist families to understand their child’s needs and to provide opportunities and experiences that support their learning and development.

WHO PROVIDES EARLY CHILDHOOD APPROACH SERVICES IN THE WESTERN REGION?

The NDIS has engaged Early Childhood Partners around Australia to deliver the ECA approach. Early Childhood Partners are experienced in providing early childhood intervention.  The Brotherhood of St Laurence is the Early Childhood Partner for Wyndham and their contact details are::

The Brotherhood of St Laurence

Level 1, 236 Hoppers Lane, Werribee

Tel – 1300 275 323

Email – ecei.access@bsl.org.au

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Educators, families and others can contact the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) if there are concerns about a child’s development.  BSL can help you to get information and access to supports. 

Families are provided with ideas on ways to help their child with their everyday living, learning and development.

As every child is different, the Brotherhood of St Laurence will tailor support to your child’s individual needs and circumstances.

The ECA team will:

• suggest which supports can best help the child and family. This could mean support from a general practitioner (GP), community health service or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• work with the family to find ways to support the child’s development and learning at home
• help the family apply for the NDIS if needed

The referral form can be completed online or on paper. This can be found at:

https://ndis.bsl.org.au/early-childhood-early-intervention/referral-form/

WHO CAN REFER TO ECA?

• Early Childhood Educators (with parent permission)
• Parents
• Other service professionals (with parent permission), such as MCH Nurses, GP’s, PSFOs.

EARLY CHILDHOOD APPROACH CONTACT DETAILS:

The Brotherhood of St Laurence

Level 1, 236 Hoppers Lane, Werribee

Tel – 1300 275 323

Email – ecei.access@bsl.org.au

USEFUL LINKS:

NDIS ACCESS CHECKLIST: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childho…

REFERRAL FORM:  https://ndis.bsl.org.au/early-childhood-early-intervention/referral-form/

DOWNLOAD THE INFO SHEET

1. CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT PLAN (formerly known as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan)

• Medicare rebate for a maximum of five allied health services per patient each calendar year from eligible providers.  Additional services are not possible in any circumstances.
• A patient must have a GP Management Plan (GPMP)
• Your GP will decide whether you would benefit from these services and, if so, will refer you for appropriate allied health services.
• Allied health services must be provided by eligible providers who are registered with Medicare Australia.

2. MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PLAN

• Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 allied mental health services per calendar year to patients with an assessed mental disorder under the Better Access initiative.
• Must be referred by a GP managing the patient under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. 
• Allied mental health services under this initiative include psychological assessment and therapy services provided by clinical psychologists.

HOW DO I GET ONE OF THESE PLANS?

• You need to visit your GP and ask the Doctor to complete a Chronic Disease Management Plan or a Mental Health Treatment Plan. You may need to book an extended consultation. To support your request, ensure your GP is aware that your child has ongoingdifficulties.
• Your GP will then complete the required paperwork, which includes the referral to the allied health professional (i.e. speech pathologist, psychologist, physiotherapist, audiologist or occupational therapist). You can request a particular allied health professional if you have found one you want to use.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

• Contact the allied health professional to make an appointment and say you will be using a Chronic Disease Management Plan or a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
• When you make your first appointment with the therapist, take your referral form from the GP with you.
• When you pay for the service you must receive a receipt which includes the therapist’s name and provider number as well as details of the referring GP.
• You can submit this to Medicare to receive the rebate.
• NOTE:  You will need to register your bank details to receive a rebate from Medicare.

Download - How to get Medicare rebates for seeing therapists

UTOPIA REFUGEE & ASYLUM SEEKER HEALTH

Utopia is a refugee and asylum seeker health service providing primary care (GP services) at no cost to refugees and asylum seekers regardless of their Medicare status.

​Utopia is a non-government organisation, established by people who believe in health as a human right and that refugees and asylum seekers require services tailored to their needs.

​Utopia has experience in refugee health. This is not simply some add-on service to a mainstream health centre. Our services are specialised for the needs of refugees and asylum seekers. We offer onsite treatment for many conditions that mainstream GPs would be unable to provide. Our patients can access treatment close to their homes and avoid the costs and inconvenience of specialist visits for many conditions.

Located in Hoppers Crossing and services offered are:

• Refugee Health assessments
• Assistance with Centrelink forms 
• Womens and Childrens Health
• Psychology
• General Practice 
• Immunisations/Catch up 

5 Alexandra Ave, Hoppers Crossing

Tel – 0406 704 662       Web:  www.utopiarefugeehealth.com      Email:  info@utopiarefugeehealth.com

MULTICULTURAL PLAYGROUPS in WYNDHAM

Supported by VICSEG New Futures and Wyndham City

Culturally diverse playgroups for parents and young children are an important part of Australia’s early childhood services system. VICSEG playgroups actively support hundreds of families throughout the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne. Run in local schools and community centres, our playgroups support children’s bilingual language development and provide early learning experiences that promote positive pathways to kindergarten and primary school.

Parents also benefit from social support and friendship, as well as practical information about health, nutrition and child wellbeing. All our playgroups are free and facilitated by trained and experienced bilingual playgroup leaders.

Examples of some of the Playgroups which may be available in the community: 

• Karen/Burmese
• Chin/Burmese
• Horn of Africa Women and Children’s Playgroup
• Indian
• Korean
• Russian
• Chinese/Mandarin
• South Sudanese
• Muslim
• Ukrainian

For more information about the playgroups, please see the attached document with contact details.

FKA CHILDREN’S SERVICES

WHAT IS FKA?

FKA Children's Services has a long history of achievement in the provision of Early Childhood Services.  FKA Children’s Services is a state-wide service that advocates for children’s cultural and linguistic rights and provides professional development and support to education and care services in the provisions of culturally rich environments.

FKA can support early childhood professionals in a variety of ways:

1. Professional learning
2. Multicultural Resource Centre
3. A helpful website that includes:
   1. Translated information to download for families
   2. Information Sheets for educators on specific cultures
4. Cultural Inclusion Support Program

Please download the attached document for more information.

MULTICULTURAL HEALTH CONNECT (HEALTH DIRECT)

Multicultural Health Connect (MHC), is a new health program and national pilot funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health & Health Direct Australia. Delivered by the World Wellness Group, a specialist Multicultural Health Service.

MHC is a FREE and confidential Telehealth and Multicultural Specialist Service- the first national helpline to assist people in Multicultural communities get health information and advice.

Please download the attached document for more information.

For details of a variety of Multicultural services available in Wyndham download the Multicultural and Linguistic Support information sheet.

WHAT IS AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST?

Paediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop skills which enable them to achieve their best abilities in areas including independence in self-care, sensory processing, fine motor skills and gross motor skills.

The term ‘occupational’ in occupational therapy refers to the ‘occupations’ of our daily life. For a child this usually is kindergarten/school, self-care or play.

Occupational Therapy works towards helping to make ‘life easier’ for children with developmental challenges.

Download the document here to find out more information and details of charges.

NB the list of services included in the document is not exhaustive and is not a list of recommended services by the PSFO Service.  If you discover any new services in your area, we would be happy to add them to our list, please send details to psfo.service@wyndham.vic.gov.au.

WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT

If you have a child who has challenges with any of the following, an Occupational Therapist may be able to assist:

• Concentrating (on one thing at a time) and behaving appropriately
• Sensory Processing (for concentration and learning): sensory reactions within the body or in response to external stimulus which may impact concentration, behaviour and learning.
• Finger skills (Fine Motor skills): pencil and scissor skills (colouring, drawing, writing), opening lunch bags, manipulating toothbrushes, tying shoelaces.
• Whole body skills (Gross Motor skills): running, jumping, swimming, bike riding ball skills, posture at the table.
• Developing independence in self-care (mealtimes, dressing, toileting etc)
• Organising themselves (such as for playing a game, or packing their bags for school/kinder)
• Playing (both alone and with others)
• Self-Management: general organization, keeping track of personal items, understanding time, and using money.

HOW TO REFER

Parents/Guardians can call a Private Occupational Therapist of choice and make an appointment for their child; a referral is not required, unless you wish to access Medicare rebates.

Families may be able to obtain Medicare rebates (up to 5 allied health rebates per calendar year) to patients who are referred by a GP under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) - please refer to the section “Medicare rebates for seeingtherapists”

*Please Note* Children may be eligible for Community Health OT through IPC Health.

There are criteria that must be met in order to be eligible.  For eligibility criteria please contact your local IPC Health Service www.ipchealth.com.au/services-information/ or speak to your child’s Educators / PSFO.

WHAT IS A PAEDIATRICIAN?

A Paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in children’s health and development.

WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT

A referral to a Paediatrician would be made to gain support for any child showing concerns related to their learning, growth or development.

This may include:

• Developmental delay, including language delay
• Behaviour problems such as attention problems, aggression, poor emotional regulation, defiance and social challenges
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or suspicions of ASD
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or suspicions of ADHD
• Sleep and eating problems
• Learning difficulties
• Continence problems such as daytime wetting, soiling, constipation, night-time wetting
• General medical conditions such as asthma, eczema, food allergies, abdominal pain, failure to thrive, urinary tract infections
• Follow up for babies born prematurely or term babies who experienced difficulties during their neonatal period

HOW TO REFER

To see a Paediatrician a referral must be gained from the family doctor (GP). Once a referral is made by the family doctor, the parent is required to make contact with the Paediatrician’s office to make an appointment.

Download the document here to find out more information.

NB the list of Paediatricians included in the document is not exhaustive and is not a list of recommended services by the PSFO Service.  If you discover any new services in your area, we would be happy to add them to our list, please send details to psfo.service@wyndham.vic.gov.au.               

*Please Note* Children may be eligible for Paediatric Services (including the Paediatric Fellow) through IPC Health. Charges may also apply. For eligibility criteria and more information please contact your local IPC Health Service or speak to your child’s Educators / PSFO.

IPC Health Paediatrician Services:
Wyndham Vale Super Clinic - 510 Ballan Road, Wyndham Vale, 3024
Phone 9216 7991
https://www.ipchealth.com.au/paediatrician-service/

WHAT IS A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST?

Developmental Psychologists work with you and your child if you have questions or worries about your child in the areas of behaviour, emotions and social skills. This may include stress and anxiety issues and/or processing traumatic experiences. Therapy delivered by a Psychologist aims to improve children’s resilience, capacity to cope and thrive.

Download the document here to find out more information.

NB the list of services included in the document is not exhaustive and is not a list of recommended services by the PSFO Service.  If you discover any new services in your area, we would be happy to add them to our list, please send details to psfo.service@wyndham.vic.gov.au.

WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT

If you have a child who has challenges with the following, a Psychologist may be able to assist:

• Learning about, recognising and responding to their feelings appropriately
• Challenging behaviours including tantrums, aggression & anger management
• Sharing, talking to and playing with other children
• Being independent – including going to the toilet, feeding and going to sleep by themselves
• Low self esteem
• Managing anxiety including separation anxiety & social anxiety
• School / Kindergarten refusal
• Coping with grief / loss or adjusting to family circumstances (eg Separation)
• Psychological Assessment such as educational assessments, cognitive assessments and ASD assessments

HOW TO REFER

Parents/Guardians can call a Private Psychologist of choice and make an appointment for their child; a referral is not required, unless you wish to access Medicare rebates (see below).

The following list contains a variety of Psychologists in the Wyndham area - this list is not exhaustive and the PSFO Service do not endorse any service listed.  Please contact the service direct for more information and details of charges. 

You can also refer to the Australian Psychological Society website to search for a Psychologist within your area – www.psychology.org.au and go to the “Find a Psychologist“ link.  

Families may be able to obtain Medicare rebates (up to 20 allied mental health services per calendar year) to patients who are referred by a GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan - please refer to the section “Medicare rebates for seeingtherapists”.

*Please Note* Children may be eligible for Community Health Psychology through IPC Health.  There are criteria that must be met in order to be eligible. For eligibility criteria please contact your local IPC Health Service www.ipchealth.com.au/services-information/ or speak to your child’s Educators / PSFO

WHAT IS A SPEECH THERAPIST?

A speech therapist sees children who experience difficulties with talking or understanding language, including the social use of language as needed in conversing with others, asking for help etc. Advice is available to families in regards to encouraging language development at home. Speech therapists also work with children who have problems eating, drinking or other oral motor issues.

Download the document here to find out more information.

WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT

Speech therapy support would be necessary for a child who has speech and language delays. These may be in expressive language (i.e. the child’s ability to express themselves and be understood by others) or receptive language (i.e. the child’s ability to take in and process language to understand instructions etc.).  It is important to check if the child is having difficulty hearing if there are concerns about the child’s speech and language development.

HOW TO REFER

Contact the therapist directly.  A referral is not needed.  A parent can call and make an appointment for their child.

Families may be able to obtain Medicare rebates (up to 5 allied health rebates per calendar year) to patients who are referred by a GP under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) - please refer to the section “Medicare rebates for seeingtherapists”.

Usually a speech therapist will request the child to have a hearing test completed before a speech assessment is completed.

Free hearing tests are available through Wyndham Health Care at 233 Heaths Rd Werribee 3030, ph: 9749 2766.  These are bulk billed and require a referral from a doctor.

*Please Note* Children may be eligible for Community Health Speech Therapy through IPC Health.

There are criteria that must be met in order to be eligible.

For eligibility criteria please contact your local IPC Health Service www.ipchealth.com.au/services-information/ or speak to your child’s Educators / PSFO. There is a waitlist for these services.

• Building Partnerships with Families from Refugee Backgrounds
• Behaviour Individualised Interventions
• Communicating your Concerns to Families
• Developmental Alerts 2-6 Year Olds
• Emotional Regulation
• Guiding Children's Behaviour
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Red Flags Referral Guidelines