Early Childhood Intervention Directory A guide to services for children with developmental delay and/or disability Southern Metropolitan Region Any questions?
Regional Intake Coordinator Interpreting Services Information about specific early If you need an interpreter, first ask the childhood intervention services in organisation you want to speak with if the Southern Metropolitan Region. they can organise an interpreter for you. Discuss concerns about a child’s development, or obtain a referral. Translating and Interpreting Telephone: 1300 720 151 Service (TIS National) If you still need an interpreter, Parent Support Coordinator telephone 13 14 50. Support and information for parents and carers of children with special needs, Information in community including links with other parents. languages Ask the organisation you are interested Telephone: 8552 2222 in if they have printed information in the language you require. Association for Children with a Disability Information, support and advocacy. Telephone: 9500 1232 or 1800 654 013 Website: www.acd.org.au A guide to services for children with developmental delay and/or disability Southern Metropolitan Region Includes the local government areas of Bayside, Casey, Cardinia, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip and Stonnington. Prepared by: Justine Bell, Specialist Children’s Services, in collaboration with early childhood intervention agencies and services. Department of Human Services, Southern Metropolitan Region. June 2003 Information contained in this publication was believed to be accurate at the time of publication. © Copyright State of Victoria, Department of Human Services, 2003. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the State Government of Victoria, 122 Thomas Street, Dandenong 3175. Printed by Print Bound, 8 Apollo Court, Blackburn, Victoria, 3130 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 3
Foreword
As part of the Government’s strong commitment to early years services, the Department of Human Services in the Southern Metropolitan Region funds and provides a range of early childhood intervention services. These services assist families with children from birth to school entry who have a disability or developmental delay. For the first time, this directory brings together information on every specialist therapy, education and support service available in the region. This is the information families will need to make decisions about the support their child or children may require. To keep this directory up-to-date, we will reprint it periodically. You are encouraged to give us your feedback, so that future editions can be expanded, updated and improved. We would like to acknowledge and thank the many services and families who have contributed to the development of this directory. Their input has been crucial in ensuring that the directory is an accessible and valuable resource for families.
Laurie Harkin Regional Director Southern Metropolitan Region 4 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Contents
Introduction...... 9
Referral to early childhood intervention services...... 11 Who does what in early childhood intervention services...... 12 How to use this directory: A message for parents and carers...... 14
Early childhood intervention services...... 15 General information and direct support for parents/carers...... 16 Association for Children with a Disability ...... 17 Parent Support Program ...... 16 Early childhood intervention services ...... 19 Specialist Children’s Services (Department of Human Services) ...... 19 Biala South East Inc...... 20 Biala Peninsula Inc...... 21 Brotherhood of St Laurence Greater Dandenong Early Childhood Psychology Service...... 22 Casey Community Health Service ...... 23 Early Education Program for Hearing Impaired Children...... 24 Education Program for Infants & Children Inc...... 25 Elwyn Morey Centre...... 26 Noah’s Ark Family Resource & Toy Library—Endeavour Hills...... 27 Noah’s Ark Family Resource & Toy Library—Windsor ...... 28 SCOPE Victoria (South East Specialist Services) ...... 29 Yooralla Society of Victoria—Cardinia ...... 30 Yooralla Society of Victoria—Narre Warren Central Preschool ...... 31 Yooralla Society of Victoria—Tarlina Early Childhood Centre...... 32 Early childhood intervention services at community health centres...... 33 Caulfield Community Health Service ...... 34 Frankston Community Health Service...... 35 Inner South Community Health Service ...... 36 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 5
Community health centres ...... 37 Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service...... 38 Casey Community Health Service ...... 39 Central Bayside Community Health Services...... 40 Greater Dandenong Community Health Service ...... 41 Peninsula Community Health Service...... 42
Statewide early childhood intervention services ...... 43 Australian Hearing...... 44 Autism Victoria ...... 45 Education Program for Infants and Children Inc...... 46 Monnington Centre ...... 47 Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind...... 48 Taralye Early Childhood Intervention Program ...... 49 Villa Maria Society...... 50
Hospital-based assessment and therapy services...... 51 Early childhood intervention services ...... 52 Developmental Disabilities Clinic...... 53 Department of Child Development and Rehabilitation...... 54
Mental health services for children (CAMHS)...... 55 Alfred Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service ...... 56 Southern Health Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service...... 57 Services to support children in child care, preschool and kindergarten...... 59 Children’s Services Resource and Development Officers ...... 60 Preschool Field Officers ...... 64 Koori Early Childhood Field Officers ...... 67 Preschool Support Program ...... 68 6 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Support for children and families/ carers through specialist programs ...... 69 Early Choices Program...... 70 Anglicare Family Centre, Rosebud...... 71 MOIRA...... 71 Windermere Child and Family Services Inc...... 72 Family Choice Program...... 72 Royal Children’s Hospital ...... 73
Parent/carer support services...... 75 Specific support ...... 76 Association for Children with a Disability ...... 17 Parent Support Program ...... 16 Carer Respite Centre Southern Region ...... 76 General support...... 77 Parentline ...... 77 ParentZone ...... 77 The Queen Elizabeth Centre ...... 78 Mother Baby Unit/Sleeping Difficulties Clinic...... 79
Maternal and child health ...... 81 Maternal and Child Health Line...... 82 Maternal and child health centres...... 83
Local councils...... 85 Bayside City Council ...... 86 Cardinia Shire Council...... 86 Casey City Council ...... 87 Frankston City Council ...... 87 Glen Eira City Council...... 87 Greater Dandenong City Council ...... 87 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 7
Kingston City Council ...... 88 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council ...... 88 Port Phillip City Council...... 88 Stonnington City Council...... 88 Schools offering early education for children with a learning delay and/or disability...... 89 Bayside Early Education Program, Bayside Special Developmental School ...... 90 Carronbank School for Deaf Blind Students ...... 91 Dandenong Valley School (Special Developmental School) ...... 92 Frankston Special Developmental School...... 93 Monash Special Developmental School ...... 94 Mornington Special Developmental School ...... 95 Noble Park Special Developmental School...... 96 Port Phillip Specialist School: Early Education Program ...... 97 Southern Autistic School...... 98 Yarrabah School...... 99
Visiting teacher services ...... 101 Hearing impaired ...... 102 Physically disabled and health impaired...... 102 Vision impaired ...... 102
Transition to school ...... 105 Applying for a second year of funded preschool ...... 106 Delayed school enrolment...... 107 The Program for Students with Disabilities ...... 108
Disability services ...... 111 8 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Respite services...... 115 Commonwealth Carers Associations ...... 116 Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres...... 116 Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres...... 117 Interchange Southern Region Association Inc...... 118 Time for a Break ...... 118
Private therapy services...... 119 Australian Association of Occupational Therapists Victoria Inc...... 120 Australian Physiotherapy Association—Victorian Branch ...... 120 Australian Podiatry Association ...... 121 Australian Psychological Society...... 121 Dietitian’s Association of Australia...... 122 Speech Pathology Private Practice Association of Victoria ...... 122
Financial support services...... 123 Centrelink...... 124 Payments...... 125
Useful organisations and resources...... 127 Action on Disabilities within Ethnic Communities...... 128 Australian Early Childhood Association Inc...... 128 Koori websites ...... 129 Playgrouping Victoria ...... 130 Victorian Aboriginal Health Service ...... 131 Additional Yooralla services ...... 132 Library and information services ...... 132 Equipment library...... 132
Parent/carer feedback ...... 133
Professional/organisational feedback ...... 133
Quick-find...... 134 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 9
Introduction What is the purpose of What is early childhood this directory? intervention? (ECI) This directory has been developed in A wide range of specialist therapy, consultation with early intervention educational and general support service providers in the Southern services to infants and young children Metropolitan Region, to provide (from birth until school entry) who have accurate information about, and improve a developmental delay and/or a access to, early childhood intervention disability, and their families. services for children and their families/carers living in the region. What are the aims of early childhood intervention? Who is this directory for? To offer professional services for • Parents/carers, once their child has children within the above age group and been assessed and given a diagnosis their families, by: of a developmental delay and/or a supporting families/carers and disability, to help them make their • promoting the health, wellbeing and own choices about what their child developmental needs of children with needs and to see what is available in a developmental delay and/or a their local community. disability Parents/carers already in the early • enhancing the family’s/carer’s childhood intervention system who • capacity to care for and manage the want to ensure they know about all child’s developmental delay and/ services that would benefit their or disability child, or whose child’s needs are changing as they develop. • minimising the impact of the child’s developmental delay and/or disability Health professionals who have • on the child and family/carer concerns about a child’s development and are seeking information for • improving access and inclusion in parents/carers on early childhood services such as child care and intervention services available to preschool. their child. 10 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
What do early childhood Who is eligible for early intervention services provide? childhood intervention services? Therapy, support and assessment for A child is eligible if they meet all of the children with additional needs and their following criteria: families, from birth until school entry. • Aged between birth and school entry. Services may include: • Has a developmental delay and/or a • therapy and educational programs for disability that is attributable to an children intellectual, physical or sensory • assessment of individual needs (child impairment, which is apparent before and family) the child starts school. • information, education and support • One or more of the following are for families affected: • training and support for parents to – self-care and independence skills implement programs at home – receptive and expressive language • coordination of services to meet the – cognitive development (thinking child’s needs skills/problem solving) • support to preschool and child care – motor development. centres where the child attends • There is a need for an individually • transition support for starting school. planned and coordinated range of specialist programs and generic services. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 11
Referral to early childhood intervention services Please note: there may be a waiting list for some services. Who can refer? c. An appointment will be made with the parents/carers for an initial Referrals can be made by the service needs assessment. family/carer, a GP, paediatrician, or anyone concerned about a child’s What is an initial service development. Signed parental needs assessment? consent is always required. One service will meet with How to make a referral parents/carers and the child, to 1. Parents/carers coordinate access to services by: a. Read through this directory • explaining what early childhood and choose a service intervention is (Quick-find page 134). • discussing parental/carer concerns b. Telephone the service and discuss • obtaining more information about the your needs. child’s development • informing parents/carers about 2. Referrers (professionals) service options to support the child a. Discuss your concerns with the and family family. • developing a Family Service and b. Check that the child is not already Support Plan (FSSP), identifying goals receiving an early childhood and an action plan. intervention service. c. Obtain signed parental consent for a What about choosing referral to be made. another service? d. Submit referrals on the referral form Parents/carers are encouraged to (please contact the relevant contact individual services to discuss organisation for their referral form). their options. However, an initial service needs assessment should only be What happens next? completed once. The plan is then a. The service will contact the transferred to each new service, so that parents/carers directly. families do not have to keep retelling b. The referrer will receive confirmation their child’s history. that the referral was received. 12 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Who does what in early childhood intervention services
Educational advisor help children maximise their functioning. Examples may include making splints An educational advisor monitors the to promote hand function, or child’s developmental progress, recommending particular cutlery to educational and social needs. They plan encourage independent feeding. specific learning programs based on a child’s individual learning style, Physiotherapist providing support to encourage skill A physiotherapist supports skill development both at home and within development in the areas of movement, group settings. posture and balance. They monitor the They can explain a range of options child’s gross motor needs and devise a including child care, preschool and special program for the child, based on centre-based early childhood their assessment. intervention programs. An educational The physiotherapist can teach the advisor provides information and assists parents/carers how to encourage families to plan a smooth transition for improved movement and development their child, from preschool to school. where needed. Occupational therapist Psychologist An occupational therapist is focused on A psychologist is focused on the child’s a child’s ability to perform their daily cognitive (thinking skills/problem activities, which can include play, solving), developmental and behavioural eating, dressing and toileting. They aim needs. They develop and implement to maximise a child’s independence in individual and group programs for everyday activities. children with specific developmental Occupational therapists have particular needs or delays. Psychologists offer skills in problem solving and breaking behaviour management strategies to down activities to make them easier to address and help improve the social, manage and learn. They can assess fine emotional and overall development motor skills, visual perception, and gross of children. motor skills. The psychologist will work in partnership An occupational therapist also provides with the parents/carers, according to advice and assistance on equipment to the child’s needs. They can also provide Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 13
parenting education in an individual or counselling for the family can assist with group setting, based on the needs of issues of loss, grief and adjustment. the child and parents/carers. Families may also be provided with practical assistance, such as information Social worker about community resources. Social workers provide information, advocacy and counselling for individuals, Speech pathologist couples and families. They assess A speech pathologist can offer strategies family needs and refer to appropriate to enhance the child’s communication services—along with family service skill development, such as understanding coordination and initial contact in and using language, articulation, fluency complex family situations. and voice use. Where the child has a suspected or A speech pathologist can also provide diagnosed developmental delay and/or advice about feeding and eating skills disability or challenging behaviour, for children. 14 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
How to use this directory A message for parents and carers
The organisations in this directory all If you are unsure about which service offer a variety of services that can be would be best for your child, you are accessed directly by you when seeking welcome to telephone the Regional appropriate early childhood intervention Intake Coordinator for the Southern services for your child. Metropolitan Region on 1300 720 151. Your choice of service will depend very The coordinator has an overview of all much on the age and developmental the services, and can help to match a stage of your child—this will also service with your child’s needs. influence how you use the information Before you make your final choice, within this directory. consider the implications for your family, If you are using the directory to choose such as the distance from home that a service for your child, you are you will need to travel to the service, encouraged to start by considering the transport arrangements, availability of needs of your child and family. The sessions and the impact of this on your Quick-find at the back of the directory family routine. is designed to help you search for You may also wish to discuss your information. You could use the directory options with your health professional, by checking the Quick-find for topic, including your GP, paediatrician or identified need, or therapy-type. maternal and child health nurse. Your child will have individual needs, Be aware that: and we recommend that you telephone • Most services operate within local the service that you think will best government areas. suit your child’s needs and talk to the • High demand for service may mean professionals there. They will be happy that you encounter a waiting list. to give you further advice before you • Enrolment for specific therapy in one make your choice. agency may limit your involvement with another agency or service (‘double-dipping’). Always ask organisations if this is the case. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 15
Early childhood intervention services 16 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
General information and direct support for parents/carers Parent Support Program
Address: Programs: Located at MOIRA Parent Support Program 928 Nepean Highway Hampton East 3188 Offers links to local support groups currently operating in the Southern Postal address: As above Metropolitan Region. It includes a Contact: Parent Support Coordinator monthly newsletter, carer’s weekends Telephone: 8552 2222 away, advocacy, general information, referral, and community development Fax: 8552 2233 such as information evenings and guest Email: [email protected] speakers. Website: www.moira.org.au Parent to Parent Program (PTP) Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan For parents/carers whose child has Region. recently been diagnosed with developmental delay and/or disability. Eligibility: Any parent/carer of a child The PTP has a pool of trained parents with a disability. who also have children with Services: Parent/carer support developmental delay and/or disability. coordination. The program aims to reduce the isolation—emotional and geographical— felt by many parents/carers after they learn that their child has a disability. This assistance comes through the sharing of common experience, information and emotional support. This support may be either a telephone call or a meeting with another parent. Fees: No fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 17
Association for Children with a Disability
Address: Siblings support directory 590 Orrong Road The association’s Siblings Project Armadale 3143 provides families and service providers Telephone: 9500 1232 with information on supporting siblings or 1800 654 013 of children with disabilities. Fax: 9500 1240 A statewide directory of programs offering support to siblings of children Email: [email protected] with disabilities has been compiled. Website: www.acd.org.au The programs include both recreational The Association for Children with a and therapeutic approaches and are Disability is a statewide non-profit tailored to the age, gender, personality organisation, managed by parents of and disability experience of the child children with a disability. or young adult. Siblings are given the opportunity to share experiences and The association works closely with a explore their commonality. Also, these network of Regional Parent Support activities indirectly provide respite for Coordinators in Victoria (see above) and siblings and parents. various statewide and national parent support groups, including the Australian Other areas of the Siblings Project Association for Families of Children include research on sibling issues, with Disability. workshops for parents, and the development of sibling websites by For parents/carers, there is free professionals and the children and telephone information and advice young adults themselves. about issues relating to children with a disability, including education, respite, For more information on the project, aids and equipment, home care and please contact the association on the recreation. above telephone number. For a copy of the siblings support directory, telephone or email the association. It can be posted or emailed to you. You can also view the directory at www.acd.org.au/siblings/directory.htm 18 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Publications from the Association Helping You and Your Family for Children with a Disability Self-help strategies for parents NoticeBoard with children with a disability The association’s bi-monthly This booklet is available free from the magazine association. One of the best ways to keep up to Sharing Our Story date is to become a member of the Parents of children with a disability association and receive their bi-monthly talk about their lives magazine, NoticeBoard. Membership The Sharing Our Story video explores the costs only $10 per year for families lives of five families who have children ($5 for low income families) and $25 with a disability. If you are involved in for organisations. NoticeBoard includes providing services or other support to real-life accounts from families of children with a disability and their children with a disability. families, Sharing Our Story will move Through the Maze and inspire you to better understand the A guide to benefits and services for world from their perspective. A range of families of children with a disability community education training packages is also available. Key regional contact information supplements this information booklet, available free from the association. A summary version is available in various community languages. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 19
Early childhood intervention services Specialist Children’s Services (SCS) Department of Human Services
Addresses: Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan Cheltenham Office Region. Level 1, 4–10 Jamieson Street Eligibility: Children with a Cheltenham 3192 developmental delay and/or disability, Dandenong Office aged from birth until school entry. 122 Thomas Street Services: Physiotherapy, psychology, Dandenong 3175 speech pathology, occupational therapy, Frankston Office educational advisors. Level 1, Chatsworth House Programs: Services at child care, 431 Nepean Highway playgroup or preschool, on an individual Frankston 3199 basis at home, or at one of three office General postal addresses: As above locations in the region—Cheltenham, Postal address for Intake: Dandenong, or Frankston. Team Regional Intake Coordinator members work in partnership with the Specialist Children’s Services family to develop and implement an Department of Human Services individualised early childhood 122 Thomas Street intervention program: Dandenong 3175 • specialist assessment and individualised programs Contact: Regional Intake Coordinator • groups for children and Telephone: 1300 720 151 (central parents/carers telephone number) • family service coordination Fax and email: SCS does not accept • parent support faxed or emailed copies of referrals. This • referral to relevant community ensures that the child’s health support services information remains confidential. • consultancy and community Website: education. www.dhs.vic.gov.au/regional/southern • Hanen Click on ‘Our Services’/‘Children’s Fees: No fees apply. Services’/‘Specialist Children's Services’ 20 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Biala South East Inc.
Address: Programs: 75–81 Willora Crescent Centre-based: Cranbourne 3977 • preschool and pre-kinder groups Postal address: • toddlers groups and babies group. PO Box 96 Community-based: Cranbourne 3977 • consultancy support to child care Contact: Manager centres, preschools or other generic Telephone: 5996 7026 early childhood services. Fax: 5995 2578 Outreach service: • psychology services to children aged Email: [email protected] from birth–six years experiencing Website: Not available social and/or emotional problems, Area serviced: City of Casey. or who are vulnerable to developmental delay. Eligibility: Children aged from birth–six years, with a significant developmental Additional information: delay and/or disability. Provides ongoing counselling and support to families enrolled in the Services: Special education teachers, centre-based program and the outreach psychology, speech pathology, service, as well as parent education. occupational therapy, physiotherapy. Community workshops are held regularly on: • Makaton • parenting a child with a disability. Please contact the manager for further information. Fees: Term fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 21
Biala Peninsula Inc. Address: • Biala Peninsula offers services from Elizabeth Street (behind the Mornington a speech pathologist who is a trained Information Centre) Hanen facilitator. Parents are offered Mornington 3931 an Hanen program twice during Postal address: the year. PO Box 172 • Outreach programs providing speech Mornington 3931 pathology and occupational therapy services at Frankston North Contact: Manager (Mahogany Centre), Hastings Telephone: 5975 1820 (PCHS rooms at old Hastings Fax: 5975 1187 hospital), and Tootgarook (Tootgarook preschool). Each outreach program Email: [email protected] operates one day per week. Website: Not available • Fortnightly group at Anglicare Rosebud Area serviced: City of Frankston, Shire for children 18 months–three years, of Mornington Peninsula. offering family support and psychological services. Includes Eligibility: Children aged from some individual therapy, under birth–six years with a known disability special circumstances. or significant developmental delay in two or more areas—such as speech Additional information: Biala pathology and psychology. Peninsula has a volunteer committee of management, elected annually, with a Services: Early education teachers, strong parent representation. Biala psychology, speech pathology, operates school terms, occasionally physiotherapy, music therapy, running intensive therapy programs occupational therapy, family support during school holidays. worker and mothercraft nurse. Fees: Term fees apply. Programs: Additional fees are charged for • Centre-based program at Mornington, school holiday programs. with consultancy to community settings—preschools, playgroups, and child care centres. Operates five days per week. 22 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Brotherhood of St Laurence Greater Dandenong Early Childhood Psychology Service
Address: Programs: Individual, comprehensive 229 Thomas Street developmental programs and support to Dandenong 3175 young children aged birth–six years with developmental delay or disabilities. Postal address: As above Includes family services coordination, Contact: Psychologist behaviour management therapy, Telephone: 8792 2200 transition to school and support to the local service (such as preschool or Fax: 8792 2201 kindergarten) attended by the child. Email: Available upon request Fees: No fees apply. Website: www.bsl.org.au/services/ intervention.html Area serviced: City of Greater Dandenong. Eligibility: Children need to attend maternal and child health services, child care, preschool or kindergarten, or live within the Greater Dandenong area. Services: Psychology. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 23
Casey Community Health Service
Address: Programs: 140–154 Sladen Street • Speech pathology and psychological Cranbourne 3977 services for children aged birth–six Postal address: years with complex behavioural Locked Bag 2500 and/or emotional problems and Cranbourne 3977 communication difficulties. Primarily a short-term, group-based Contact: Intake Worker • program, fostering a positive Telephone: 5990 6789 relationship between the Fax: 5990 6207 parents/carers and their child and developing strategies to enhance Email: Available upon request communication, and manage the Website: www.southernhealth.org.au child’s challenging behaviours. Area serviced: City of Casey, Fees: No fees apply. Shire of Cardinia. Eligibility: Speech pathology: Children aged birth–six years. Psychology: Children aged birth–six years. Services: Speech pathology and psychology. 24 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Early Education Program for Hearing Impaired Children
Address: Programs: Family-centred programs 2 Francis Street aimed at parents and care-givers, to East Brighton 3187 help them develop the knowledge and Postal address: As above skills required to understand the implications of their child’s hearing loss Contact: Program Coordinator and to enhance their child’s Telephone: 9596 6830 development. Varied combinations of the following services are offered to Fax: 9596 6845 families, depending on individual needs. Email: [email protected] Centre-based: Website: Not available • playgroup Area serviced: • parent information, education and Southern Metropolitan Region. support group Eligibility: Families who have children • signing classes aged from birth–six years, with • assessments—speech, language, hearing loss. cognitive Services: Specialist teachers of the • audiology consultation deaf, speech therapy, educational • individual counselling. psychology/counselling, special Home and centre-based: education preschool teacher, audiology • regular individual sessions for consultant. speech, language, listening and communication development, with qualified and experienced teachers of the deaf. Community-based: • consultancy and support to child care and preschool staff regarding the needs of children with hearing loss • school transition programs. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 25
Education Program for Infants & Children Inc. (EPIC South)
Additional information: Address: Early education programs use: 68 Kingston Road • auditory–verbal approach to develop Heatherton 3202 listening skills Postal address: As above natural–oral approach to develop • Contact: Coordinator speech and language • visual communication, sometimes Telephone/Fax: 9551 7960 with signing, only when technology Email: [email protected] does not provide adequate auditory Website: www.epic.edu.au input for the child to access speech sounds, or if the child has additional Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan disabilities. Region. Fees: Term fees apply. Eligibility: Children aged from birth–six years, with developmental delay. Services: Speech pathology, physiotherapy, early education teachers, psychologist, preschool field officer. Programs: • individual and group programs • liaison service with preschools. Fees: Term fees apply. 26 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Elwyn Morey Centre
Address: Programs: Monash University • family support/family service Wellington Road coordination Clayton 3800 • centre-based group programs for Postal address: children and parents/carers PO Box 6 • consultancy for parents/carers: Monash University 3800 psychology, speech pathology, Contact: Program Manager occupational therapy • outreach consultancy to generic Telephone: 9905 2887 services Fax: 9905 5400 • parent education. Email: Fees: Term fees apply. [email protected] Website: www.monash.edu.au (follow the links to the Elwyn Morey Centre) Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan Region. Eligibility: The service is for children aged from birth–six years with developmental delay or disability and their families. Services: Psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, early childhood intervention. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 27
Noah’s Ark Family Resource & Toy Library— Endeavour Hills
Address: Eligibility: Children aged from birth–six Tarlina Children’s Centre years who have a developmental delay Oban Close attributable to an intellectual, physical Endeavour Hills 3802 or sensory impairment. Postal address: As above Services: Occupational therapy, Contact: Coordinator speech pathology, physiotherapy, social work. Telephone: 9700 5755 (Thursdays only) Programs: Early childhood intervention Fax: 9700 6611 (Please mark clearly groups and toy and equipment ‘For Noah’s Ark’) borrowing. Email: Not available Fees: Fees apply for membership. Term Website: www.noahsarkvic.org.au fees apply for early intervention group. Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan Region. 28 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Noah’s Ark Family Resource & Toy Library—Windsor
Address: 28 The Avenue Programs: Windsor 3181 • Services are mainly centre-based. Postal address: As above Some home-based therapy and Contact: Coordinator—Windsor consultation available to generic children’s services, including child Telephone: 9529 1466 care and preschool. Fax: 9529 7061 • Family support is provided through Email: [email protected] parent/carer and professional partnerships and parent-to-parent Website: www.noahsarkvic.org.au contact and events with guest Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan speakers. Region. • An extensive toy and equipment Eligibility: Children aged from birth–six library is available for use by years with developmental delay and/or parents/carers and other agencies. a disability. Additional information: Support Services: Physiotherapy, occupational to children and young people in therapy, speech pathology, Commonwealth-funded child care dance/movement therapy, social work, services includes training, resource early childhood special education. development, consultancy support, specialist equipment and toys. Fees: Fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 29
SCOPE Victoria (South East Specialist Services)
Address: Programs: 669 Waverley Road • centre-based groups providing Glen Waverley 3150 integrated therapy Postal address: • outreach services to home, child care PO Box 208 settings and kindergartens Glen Waverley 3150 • psychology services available to Contact: Team Leader, Early parents/carers for education and Intervention counselling. Telephone: 9561 1233 Fees: Term fees may apply. Fax: 9562 1435 Email: [email protected] Website: www.scopevic.org.au Area serviced: Southern and Eastern Metropolitan Regions. Eligibility: Children aged from birth–six years, with physical and/or multiple disability. Services: Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychology. 30 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Yooralla Society of Victoria—Cardinia
Addresses: Eligibility: Children aged from Cockatoo site: birth–six years, who have C/o Cockatoo Kindergarten developmental delays in two or McBride Street more areas. Cockatoo 3781 Services: Pakenham site: Program coordination/early childhood C/o Homegarth Community Centre intervention, physiotherapy, speech 9A Dunbarton Drive pathology, occupational therapy, Pakenham 3810 psychology. Postal addresses: Programs: Combination of Cockatoo site centre-based in community PO Box 19 settings/outreach: The Patch 3792 • servicing local kindergartens/child Pakenham site: care, with visiting teacher support PO Box 345 • outreach therapy to children and Pakenham 3810 parents at Homegarth Community Centre, local kindergarten or the Contact: Program Coordinator child’s home Telephone: • playgroup for children aged Cockatoo: 9756 7853 birth–three years and their parents, Pakenham: 5941 6580 weekly at the Homegarth Community Fax: Centre Cockatoo: 9752 1835 • psychology, within the Cockatoo Pakenham: 5941 6580 program. Email: Fees: Term fees apply. Cockatoo: [email protected] Pakenham: [email protected] Website: Cockatoo: www.yooralla.com.au Pakenham: www.yooralla.com.au Area serviced: Shire of Cardinia. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 31
Yooralla Society of Victoria— Narre Warren Central Preschool
Address: Programs: 4 Malcolm Court • Three year old and four year old Narre Warren 3805 inclusive preschool programs Postal address: are offered. PO Box 228 • All children attend full-time preschool Narre Warren 3805 hours and are supported by specialist staff within the play programs. Contact: Program Coordinator • The program aims to develop a Telephone: 9704 6757 positive inclusive community to Fax: 9704 6757 maximise the developmental opportunities for all children within Email: [email protected] the kindergarten class. Website: www.yooralla.com.au • Families/carers actively participate in Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan the program. Region. • The program also offers access to Eligibility: Children who have hydrotherapy, music therapy, parent developmental delay in two or more support programs and sibling groups. areas. Fees: Term fees apply. (Department of Services: Speech pathology, Human Services subsidy applies for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, Health Care Card holders) specialist preschool teachers. 32 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Yooralla Society of Victoria—Tarlina Early Childhood Centre
Address: Programs: 19 Oban Close • centre-based playgroups and three Endeavour Hills 3802 year old kindergarten group Postal address: As above • home-based visiting (if needed) Contact: Program Coordinator • consultancy: support in child care centres (for children enrolled in Telephone: 9700 5997 Yooralla early intervention programs) Fax: 9700 6611 • hydrotherapy Email: [email protected] • music therapy the ‘Family Networks’ program Website: www.yooralla.com.au • Hanen communication group. Area serviced: South-Eastern suburbs. • Fees: Term fees apply, part-subsidy Eligibility: Children aged from granted if needed. birth–four years, with delays in more than two areas (such as speech or movement). Services: Early education, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, access to psychology as required. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 33
Early childhood intervention services at community health centres These organisations receive specific funding for early childhood intervention 34 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Caulfield Community Health Service (CCHS)
Address: Programs: 240 Kooyong Road • centre-based and home-based South Caulfield 3162 services Postal address: As above • multidisciplinary teams assessment for children with physical disabilities Contact: Intake Worker and developmental delay Telephone: 9523 6666 • consultancy support in child care Fax: 9532 8540 centres, schools and kindergartens. Email: [email protected] Fees: Fees apply. Website: Not available Area serviced: City of Glen Eira and City of Stonnington. Eligibility: Parents/carers must live, work or study in the City of Glen Eira or the City of Stonnington. Services: Occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, physiotherapy, podiatry. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 35
Frankston Community Health Service
Address: Programs: Individual assessments, Frankston Integrated Health Centre group programs, parent education and Frankston-Flinders Road support. Services are provided at the Frankston 3199 community health centre, as well as (next to Frankston Hospital) home and/or child care/preschool Postal address: settings. PO Box 52 Fees: Nominal fees apply. Frankston 3199 Contact: Intake Worker Telephone: 9784 8133 Fax: 9784 8149 Email: Not available Website: www.phcn.vic.gov.au Area serviced: City of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Shire. Eligibility: Children aged from birth–six years with significant behavioural concerns, and a developmental delay in one or more areas. Services: Psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and family counselling. 36 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Inner South Community Health Service
Addresses: Eligibility: Health Care Card holders Prahran site: and low-income families with the 240 Malvern Road following requirements: Prahran 3181 • speech pathology (preschoolers South Melbourne site: aged birth–six years) 341 Coventry Street • occupational therapy South Melbourne 3205 (birth–12 years). St Kilda site: All families/carers with the following 18 Mitford Street requirements: St Kilda 3182 • physiotherapy (preschoolers aged Postal addresses: As above birth–six years)—based at the South Melbourne site Contact: Duty Worker at relevant site • psychology (preschoolers aged Telephone: birth–six years). Prahran: 9525 1300 Services: Speech pathology, South Melbourne: 9690 9144 psychology, occupational therapy, St Kilda: 9534 0981 physiotherapy. Fax: Programs: Prahran: 9521 2474 centre-based assessment and South Melbourne: 9696 7228 • intervention, including group St Kilda: 9525 3180 intervention Email: Not available • kindergarten/school-based or Website: www.ischs.org.au home-based assessment and intervention, as appropriate Area serviced: City of Stonnington and City of Port Phillip. • groups run throughout the year that include language development, motor skills, school readiness and social skills. Fees: Small fees apply per session, depending on income. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 37
Community health centres These organisations receive general funding and choose to use it in part for early childhood intervention services 38 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service
Addresses: Services: Social work, psychology, Bentleigh East site community health nurses, other allied Gardeners Road health staff. Bentleigh East 3165 Programs: Highett site Centre-based: 4 Livingstone Street counselling, including parenting and Highett 3190 • counselling for postnatal depression Postal address: • young mothers’ group PO Box 30 ‘When Families Split Up’ workshops Bentleigh East 3165 • • postnatal depression support group. Contact: Duty Worker Fees: Negotiable. Telephone for both sites: Between 8:30am–12:30pm: 9553 6033 Between 12:30–5pm: 9575 5333 Fax: 9579 3623 Email: [email protected] Website: Not available Area serviced: City of Glen Eira (South of North Road) and City of Bayside. Eligibility: Anyone living, working or studying within the above area. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 39
Casey Community Health Service
Address: Eligibility: Berwick • speech pathology (birth–six years) 28 Parkhill Drive • occupational therapy (birth–12 years) Berwick 3806 • physiotherapy (birth–12 years) Cranbourne • counselling (all ages) Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre • child psychology. (primary school 140–154 Sladen Street age–12 years) Cranbourne 3977 Staff: Speech pathology, occupational Doveton therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, 67 Power Road psychology, dietitian. Doveton 3177 Services/programs: Primarily Postal address: centre-based, with some home Locked bag 2500 visits/kindergarten visits if required: Cranbourne 3977 • individual therapy: physiotherapy, Contact: Intake Worker occupational therapy, speech Telephone: pathology, child psychology, dietitian Berwick: 9704 9811 and counselling for parents/carers Cranbourne: 5990 6789 • groups for speech pathology and Doveton: 9791 5700 occupational therapy multidisciplinary groups (such as Fax: • speech pathology and occupational Berwick: 9704 0043 therapy together in a group). Cranbourne: 5990 6207 Doveton: 9794 5416 Fees: Nominal fees are charged, based on income. Email: [email protected] Website: www.southernhealth.org.au Area serviced: City of Casey. 40 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Central Bayside Community Health Services
Address: Programs: 335 Nepean Highway • therapy groups Parkdale 3195 • kindergarten groups Postal address: As above • maternal and child health referrals Telephone: 8587 0200 • agency referrals individual referrals Fax: 8587 0210 • • outreach program. Email: [email protected] Fees: Fees apply. Paediatrician visits Website: www.vicnet.net.au/~cbchs bulk-billed. Area serviced: City of Kingston. Eligibility: Children aged birth–18 years with behaviour, learning and developmental difficulties. Services: Paediatrics (GP referral needed). Speech pathology for preschool and school children, paediatric occupational therapy, paediatric physiotherapy. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 41
Greater Dandenong Community Health Service
Addresses: Services: Dietetics, speech pathology, Dandenong paediatric physiotherapy, counselling, 229 Thomas Street playgroup. Dandenong 3175 Programs: Springvale • playgroups 55 Buckingham Avenue • nutrition and dietetics Springvale 3171 • speech pathology (birth–six years) Postal address: As above • paediatric physiotherapy Contact: Intake Worker (birth–18 years) counselling Telephone: • Dandenong: 8792 2200 • individual assessment and therapy Springvale: 8558 9000 • group programs preschool and home visits Fax: • Dandenong: 8792 2201 • information sessions for professionals Springvale: 8558 9111 and parents. Email: (both sites) Additional information: The staff [email protected] work to promote good health and preventative health care, including Website: Not available physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Area serviced: City of Greater The therapists at this centre speak a Dandenong. variety of languages including Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien. Eligibility: • speech pathology for children aged Fees: Fees apply. birth until school entry with developmental delays and/or disabilities • physiotherapy for children aged birth–18 years • Playgroup for children aged birth–six years • counselling and dietetic advice for all ages. 42 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Peninsula Community Health Service (PCHS)
Address: Eligibility: All. Hastings site Staff: Counselling, speech pathology, Cnr. Victoria Street and Cool Store Road physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics. Hastings 3915 Services/programs: Mornington site Centre-based in community settings: 19 Albert Street parenting the preschool years Mornington 3931 • • individual therapy Rosebud site parent education and counselling Cnr. Mitchell Street and • diabetes education. Murray-Anderson Roads • Rosebud 3939 Fees: Individual therapy: small fee applies. Postal address: As above Groups: nominal fees may apply. Contact: Access Worker Telephone: Hastings: 5979 2894 Mornington: 5975 8266 Rosebud: 5982 2213 Fax: Hastings: 5979 4735 Mornington: 5975 8257 Rosebud: 5982 2392 Email: Hastings: [email protected] Mornington: [email protected] Rosebud: [email protected] Website: Not available Area serviced: Mornington Peninsula. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 43
Statewide early childhood intervention services 44 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Australian Hearing
Address: The Children’s Services Program See telephone number below for supports children who have a hearing connection to your nearest centre. loss—services include assessment, Postal address: As above fitting of hearing aids and rehabilitation. They offer support to the child and Telephone: Telephone 13 17 97 for family so that each child’s speech and connection to your nearest Australian communication ability is optimised. Hearing Centre. If parents suspect that their child may Fax: Available upon request from your have a hearing loss, they can self-refer. local centre. Often referrals are received from Email: See website below—there are primary audiological diagnostic ‘contact us’ buttons on every page. The centres—hospitals, GPs, ear nose and emails are then distributed to your local throat specialists and paediatricians. centre and your enquiry dealt with by Choices them. Victorian Choices is a free publication Website: www.hearing.com.au for parents of children with hearing loss. Choices is a guide to assist parents in Services: Australian Hearing has a the first six months after diagnosis, network of 73 centres nationally. In the describing the range of educational and Southern Metropolitan Region, centres communication options available, as are located in Frankston, Cheltenham, well as information about hearing Dandenong, Box Hill, Knox and Forest impairment and related issues. Hill. Telephone the above number to be connected toll free to your nearest Australian Hearing Centre. Australian Hearing is a Commonwealth Government Authority. They provide a full range of hearing services to children and young people up to age 21, pensioner concession card holders and most veterans. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 45
Autism Victoria
Address: Services: Information and support 35 High Street service for parents/carers of people Glen Iris 3146 with an autism spectrum disorder. Postal address: Contact can be via telephone, email or PO Box 235 a scheduled appointment. Ashburton 3147 Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm. Telephone: 9885 0533 Fax: 9885 0508 Email: [email protected] Website: www.autismvictoria.org.au 46 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Education Program for Infants and Children Inc. (EPIC North-RMIT)
Address: Programs: A feature of the EPIC North RMIT University, Plenty Road (RMIT) services is that they are mainly Bundoora 3083 provided on a one-to-one basis. Postal address: Structured group activities are also PO Box 1094 provided, especially for preschool-aged Bundoora 3083 children: teaching/instructional programs Contact: Director • • physiotherapy and speech pathology Telephone: 9466 9022 • group play activities Fax: 9467 8442 • ‘School Support Service’ assisting Email: [email protected] children and their families in the transition from EPIC to inclusive Website: www.epic.edu.au environments such as kindergarten Eligibility: Children with developmental or school delays and/or disabilities, aged from • parent support and education. birth–six years. Fees: Term fees apply. Services: Physiotherapy, speech pathology, early childhood special education, psychology. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 47
Monnington Centre
Address: Programs: c/o Mulluana Secondary College • regular home-based sessions Cnr. Springfield and Mitcham Roads, • additional centre-based programs: Mitcham North 3132 – early learning groups (enter via Mitcham Road) – language enrichment groups Postal address: – parent discussion groups. PO Box 1077 Additional information: Mitcham North 3132 Monnington offers a choice of Contact: Manager or Team Leader communication options for deaf and hearing impaired children: Telephone: 9872 5577 • oral-aural programs—listening and Fax: 9872 6352 speaking are developed as the Email: [email protected] primary mode of communication Website: www.monnington.vic.edu.au • bilingual program—access to both Auslan and English, aiming for Eligibility: Any family with a child aged proficiency in both languages birth–six years who has a bilateral alternative approaches—a range of hearing loss, and has been prescribed • non-verbal communication strategies, hearing aids or an assistance device. which may include signs and Services: Teachers of the deaf, pre-symbol systems. psychology, speech and language Fees: No fees apply. therapy, social work, deaf family workers. 48 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB)
Address: Programs: 67–71 Atherton Road • home-based visits Oakleigh 3166 • consultancy to preschool, playgroups, Postal address: As above family day care, long day care, early childhood intervention programs Contact: Early Childhood Educator • in-services (tailored training for Telephone: 9569 7255 individual centres) related to vision Fax: 9569 7565 impairments Email: [email protected] • professional development programs transitional support. Website: www.rvib.org.au • Additional information: Families Eligibility: Any child aged whose children are eligible may attend birth–six years who has a suspected or centre-based programs at RVIB diagnosed vision impairment. A report education services (Burwood), where from an ophthalmologist is required. early intervention services include Services: Early childhood education. education, physiotherapy, speech Consultancy services: occupational pathology, music, occupational therapy therapy, orientation and mobility and orientation and mobility instruction. instruction and orthoptics. Fees: No fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 49
Taralye Early Childhood Intervention Program
Address: Programs: 137 Blackburn Road • centre and/or home-based individual Blackburn 3130 therapy sessions Postal address: • centre-based inclusive baby, toddler PO Box 137 and kindergarten programs Blackburn 3130 • service for families/carers in rural Contact: Director of Early Intervention Victoria Services • outreach and consultancy support to local child care and kindergarten Telephone: 9877 1300 programs Fax: 9877 1922 • in-service (tailored training for Email: [email protected] individual centres) and professional development programs. Website: www.taralye.vic.edu.au Additional information: Eligibility: Any child diagnosed with a paediatric audiology clinics sensori-neural hearing loss, aged from • birth–six years. • videoconference facilities for families in country areas Services: Multidisciplinary team: on-site accommodation for country audiology, educational psychology, • families speech pathology, social work, teachers extensive library of the deaf, child care workers and • kindergarten teachers. • research centre. Fees: • No fees apply for early childhood intervention services. • Normal fees apply for kindergarten programs. 50 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Villa Maria Society
Address: Programs: 3–13 Fernhurst Grove • sessional programs incorporating Kew 3101 education and therapy Postal address: • day programs incorporating Locked Bag 20 education and intensive therapy Kew 3101 • babies/toddlers playgroup for Contact: Manager parents/children language enrichment groups Telephone: 9854 5144 • • hydrotherapy Fax: 9853 6772 (school hours) • family service coordination Email: [email protected] • family support Website: www.villamaria.com.au • some home programs, depending on individual need. Eligibility: Children aged from birth to school entry with a developmental delay Fees: Fees apply. and/or disability. Services: Teachers, physiotherapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 51
Hospital-based assessment and therapy services 52 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Early childhood intervention services
Some hospitals in the Southern Metropolitan Region do offer early childhood intervention assessment and therapy services. However, in some cases it is by internal referral only for patients within the hospital. Or, a GP, paediatrician or other health professional will refer a child to the service. Monash Medical Centre holds a neuromuscular clinic and a spina bifida clinic on a monthly basis–by referral only from a health professional. The Developmental Disabilities Clinic and the Department of Child Development and rehabilitation (listed below) is an important services for children with suspected developmental delay and/or disability within the Southern Metropolitan Region. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 53
Developmental Disabilities Clinic Monash Medical Centre
Address: Programs: If a child has a suspected 246 Clayton Road developmental delay and/or disability, Clayton 3175 they can be referred to the clinic for an Postal address: assessment and for information on Locked Bag 29 additional services. The clinic aims to Clayton 3168 provide a full assessment of each child. Contact: Clinic Sister Professionals involved with the child’s assessment will provide the Telephone: 9594 2399 parents/carers with detailed written Fax: 9594 6925 reports on their child’s developmental delay and/or disability. Email: Available upon request Fees: No fees apply. Website: www.southernhealth.org.au Please note: Appointments are by Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan referral from a GP, paediatrician or other Region. health professional only. Eligibility: Any child with a suspected developmental delay and/or disability. Services: Paediatrics, psychology, paediatric speech pathology. 54 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Department of Child Development and Rehabilitation Royal Children’s Hospital
Address: • outreach clinics in the community at Flemington Road schools and centres Parkville 3052 • paediatric medical clinics for children Postal address: As above with developmental delay /disability Contact: The Secretary • Cerebral Palsy Clinic Telephone: 9345 5898 • Dysphagia Clinic Prader-Willi Syndrome Clinic Fax: 9345 5871 • • Rett Syndrome Clinic Email: [email protected] • Saliva Control Clinic Website: www.rch.org.au/cdr • spasticity management Area serviced: Statewide. • Spina Bifida Clinic Eligibility: Any child or adolescent with • Uncle Bob’s Child Development developmental delay or disability. Centre. Services: Clinical nurse consultancy, Additional information: The paediatrics, paediatric neurology, Department of Child Development and occupational therapy, physiotherapy, Rehabilitation promotes the highest psychology, special education teaching standards of care for children with and assistants, social work, speech disabilities and their families in the pathology. hospital and the community. Strong emphasis is placed on the principles of Programs: Services include normalisation, integration into local assessment, management, consultation, communities and parental participation liaison/outreach, advocacy, education in the decision making process. and research. Enquiries are welcome at any time. Specific clinical services include: Fees: No fees apply. team developmental assessments for • Please note: Appointments are by infants and preschool children referral from a GP, paediatrician or other inpatient services health professional only. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 55
Mental health services for children 56 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Alfred Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (Alfred CAMHS)
Referral: Parents/guardians, GPs, Programs: paediatricians, health professionals, • multidisciplinary assessment teams agencies and schools can all refer • developmental assessment program children to Alfred CAMHS. • educational assessment and learning Address: difficulties team Alfred CAMHS • individual, family and group therapy Alfred Hospital • infant team 2nd Floor, 999 Nepean Highway • disaster, trauma and sexual abuse Moorabbin 3189 team Postal address: As above • psychiatric consultation Contact: Intake Coordinator • crisis assessment (in office hours) Telephone: 8552 0555 • disruptive behaviours clinic. Fax: 9532 5631 Fees: No fees apply. Email: [email protected] Website: www.alfred.org.au/departments/ psychiatric_services.html Area serviced: City of Port Phillip, City of Bayside, City of Glen Eira, City of Stonnington, and parts of the City of Kingston. Eligibility: Young people (aged between birth–18th birthday) with emotional, psychiatric or behavioural disorders and/or developmental disorders. Services: Psychiatric nursing, psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, special education teachers, speech pathology. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 57
Southern Health Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (Monash CAHMS)
Southern Health CAHMS has four Address: sites—Clayton, Cranbourne, Dandenong, Monash Medical Centre and Frankston. 246 Clayton Road Parents/guardians can telephone the Clayton 3168 Intake Worker at the Clayton site and Postal address: they will take information from them Southern Health CAMHS about where they live and what the Monash Medical Centre specific problem is. Locked Bag 29 The child will then be referred to the Clayton South 3169 appropriate site. Contact: Intake Worker Referral: Monash CAMHS takes Telephone: 9594 1300 referrals from GPs and paediatricians, Fax: 9594 6333 as well as a number of agencies and schools. The Monash CAMHS referral Email: [email protected] process is currently under review, but at Website: www.southernhealth.org.au the time this directory went to print Area serviced: City of Greater (June 2003), Monash CAMHS were Dandenong, City of Casey, still accepting referrals from parents Shire of Cardinia, Shire of Mornington and guardians. Peninsula and the City of Frankston. However, this may change—it is Eligibility: Young people (aged proposed that parents and guardians between birth–18th birthday) with will soon need a referral from a GP, emotional, psychiatric or behavioural paediatrician or other health disorders, and/or developmental professional for their child to receive disorders. services from Monash CAMHS. Parents/guardians can check when they Services: Occupational therapy, ring intake. speech therapy, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work. At any time, if a child is referred by any source other than the parents or guardian, the parents/guardian’s informed consent will be mandatory for the intake process to proceed. 58 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Southern Health Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (Monash CAHMS) continued
Programs: • multidisciplinary assessment teams • individual, family, parent and group therapy • primary and secondary consultation • specialist programs include: – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment – SNAPP—behavioural/organic problems assessment – PAIRS—mother/baby interaction – Monash Autism Program— assessment – multi-agency clinic—assessing the needs of young people with conduct problems – continuum of care includes outpatient care for children and adolescents. For adolescents only, outreach, intensive day program, and/or inpatient treatment. Fees: No fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 59
Services to support children in child care, preschool and kindergarten 60 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Children’s Services Resource and Development Officers (CSRDO)
Children’s Services Resource and This may include: Development Officers (CSRDO) provide • training for staff and caregivers about support to Commonwealth-funded child the care of children with additional care services, including family day care, needs where there are children with additional • assistance with planning inclusive needs. The aim is to increase the programs and strategies for caring for access and participation of children all children with additional needs in child care • tapes, videos, books, information services. sheets and advice on particular Additional needs can mean: cultures, or on developmental needs • children with a disability of children with additional needs • children from non-English speaking • specialised resources such as toys, backgrounds videos, books and equipment • children from Aboriginal or • information to help parents make Torres Strait Islander communities. informed choices about child care and referrals for assessment CSRDOs support child care staff to develop the confidence and skills to • assistance with applying for funding include children with additional needs in to meet additional high needs, such a range of services—child care as the special needs subsidy scheme programs, occasional and family day and casual support pool care, before and after school care and • additional carers for a service, to holiday programs. enable all child care workers to work more closely with a child with additional needs. Thank you to The Southern Child Care Support Team for this information. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 61
CSRDO—City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia CSRDO—City of Glen Eira
Address: Address: Princes Highway Cnr Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads Narre Warren 3805 Caulfield South 3162 Postal address: Postal address: PO Box 1000 PO Box 42 Narre Warren 3805 South Caulfield 3162 Contact: CSRDO Contact: CSRDO, within the Glen Eira Telephone: 9705 5200 Children’s Services Support Program Fax: Available upon request Telephone: 9524 3333 Email: [email protected] Fax: 9523 0339 Website: www.casey.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] Area serviced: City of Casey and Shire Website: www.gleneira.vic.gov.au of Cardinia. Area serviced: City of Glen Eira. Fees: No fees apply. Fees: No fees apply. 62 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
CSRDO—City of CSRDO—City Greater Dandenong of Kingston
Address: Address: 397-405 Springvale Road Brindisi Street Springvale 3171 Mentone 3194 Postal address: Postal address: PO Box 200 PO Box 1000 Dandenong 3175 Mentone 3194 Contact: CSRDO Contact: CSRDO Telephone: 9767 0826 Telephone: 9581 4867 Fax: 9767 0818 Fax: 9581 4501 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.greaterdandenong.com Website: www.kingston.vic.gov.au Area serviced: City of Greater Area serviced: City of Kingston. Dandenong. Fees: No fees apply. Fees: No fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 63
CSRDO—City of CSRDO—Southern Port Phillip Child Care Support Team
Address: Address: Community Services 39 Beach Street 222 Bank Street Frankston 3199 South Melbourne 3205 Postal address: Postal address: PO Box 3039 Private Bag 3 Frankston 3199 St Kilda 3182 Contact: CSRDO Contact: CSRDO Telephone: 9770 2530 or 9770 2521 Telephone: 9209 6415 Fax: 9770 1002 Fax: 9645 7629 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.vicnet.au/~playworks Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au Area serviced: City of Bayside, City of Area serviced: City of Port Phillip. Stonnington, City of Frankston and the Fees: No fees apply. Shire of Mornington Peninsula. Fees: No fees apply. 64 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Preschool Field Officers (PSFO) PSFO—City of Casey
The Preschool Field Officer Program Address: (PSFO) is an early childhood Magid Drive intervention outreach service available Narre Warren 3805 within state-funded preschools for any Postal address: child with developmental concerns. The PO Box 1000 PSFO program supports the access and Narre warren 3805 participation of children with additional needs in four year old preschool. Contact: PSFO Priority is given to children who are Telephone: 9705 5200 either not eligible for, or not able to Fax: 9796 7712 access, early childhood intervention Email: [email protected] services from a funded agency. Website: www.casey.vic.gov.au Support provided by the PSFO program includes: Area serviced: City of Casey. • observation and assessment of Fees: Free for any child enrolled in a children with developmental state-funded preschool program. concerns • referral to appropriate specialist and community agencies • consultancy support to preschool staff on planning, implementation and review of developmentally appropriate programs • linkage to community and specialist supports for children with additional needs and their families. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 65
PSFO—City of Greater PSFO—Shire of Cardinia Dandenong
Address: Address: Henty Way 33 Joffre Street Pakenham 3810 Noble Park 3174 Postal address: Postal address: As above PO Box 7 Contact: PSFO Pakenham 3810 Telephone: 9767 0814 Contact: PSFO Fax: 9767 0818 Telephone: 5945 4222 Email: [email protected] Fax: 5941 3784 Website: www.greaterdandenong.com Email: [email protected] Area serviced: City of Greater Dandenong. Website: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au Fees: Free for any child enrolled in a Area serviced: Shire of Cardinia. state-funded preschool program. Fees: Free for any child enrolled in a state-funded preschool program. 66 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
PSFO—Uniting Care Connections
Address: 274 High Street Windsor 3181 Postal address: As above Contact: PSFO Telephone: 9521 5666 Fax: 9521 5220 Email: Not available Website: www.careconnections.com.au Area serviced: City of Bayside, City of Frankston, City of Glen Eira, City of Kingston, Shire of Mornington Peninsula, City of Port Phillip and City of Stonnington. Fees: Free for any child enrolled in a state-funded preschool program. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 67
Koori Early Childhood Field Officers (KECFO) KECFO—Southern region
Koori Early Childhood Field Officers Address: (KECFO) are employed by the Department of Human Services Department of Human Services to 122 Thomas Street increase the number of Koori children Dandenong 3175 attending preschool, and encourage Postal address: As above preschool services to include Aboriginal culture in every child’s learning Contact: Koori Early Childhood Field experience. Officer (KECFO) Children are eligible to access this Telephone: 9213 2091 service if they have a Koori background. Fax: 9213 2143 The service is available to all Email: Available upon request preschools. Website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au KECFO support includes: • providing information and support to Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan families of Koori children and Region. preschool staff Fees: No fees apply. • breaking down the barriers that prevent Koori children from attending preschool • assisting preschool services to provide programs that reflect the contemporary lifestyles of the Victorian Aboriginal community. 68 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Preschool Support Program Yooralla Society of Victoria— Narre Warren Central Preschool
Address: The Preschool Support Program is for 4 Malcolm Court children aged from birth until school Narre Warren 3805 entry with severe disabilities, who need Postal address: support to access a regular four year old PO Box 228 preschool education program and who Narre Warren 3805 are receiving or eligible to receive the Carer Allowance (see page 125). In the Contact: Preschool Support Program Southern Metropolitan Region, the Coordinator, Yooralla Preschool Support Program is auspiced Telephone: 8790 1220 by Yooralla. Fax: 8790 1535 (Please do not send The program operates in state-funded application forms via fax, as an original preschool programs, stand-alone signature must be received) kindergartens or long day care programs Email: [email protected] offering state-funded preschool education programs. Website: www.yooralla.com.au Applications for preschool support need Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan to be submitted in the year before the Region. child attends kindergarten—by the end Fees: No fees apply. of term 3 (August). Please telephone Narre Warren Central Preschool on the number below to find out the specific cut-off date for applications. To obtain an application form, please telephone 8790 1220. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 69
Support for children and families/carers through specialist programs 70 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Early Choices Program
Early Choices is a family-centred Eligibility: A family may be eligible for program that provides case Early Choices if they have a child who: management and support to families. • has a severe disability and high The same program is run by three support needs—intellectual, sensory, different organisations within the physical, medical, social or Southern Metropolitan Region. The emotional—which result in the need choice of organisation depends on the for intensive case management and local government area in which family supports greater than those usually reside, as listed below. available through existing services The aim of the Early Choices program • is aged from birth until school entry is to enable families/carers with under • requires a range of coordinated school-aged children with severe services, without which the disabilities and high support needs parents/carers may not be able to requiring case management, to continue continue caring for their child at to care for their child at home by home. providing them with flexible respite Program: and support unavailable from any A case manager works in partnership other source. • with the family to identify the needs of the child and family and find ways of meeting those needs. • A family may be linked with existing services or, where necessary, funds may be available to buy services and equipment which are not available from any other service. • Families are provided with information and advocacy services. • Respite care options are available. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 71
The Early Choices Program is available from the following organisations Anglicare Family Centre Rosebud MOIRA
Address: Address: 1161 Point Nepean Road 928 Nepean Highway Rosebud 3939 Hampton East 3188 Postal address: As above Postal address: As above Contact: Disability Intake Worker Contact: Early Choices Coordinator Telephone: 5982 2586 Telephone: 8552 2222 Fax: 5986 5470 Fax: 8552 2233 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.anglicare.vic.org.au Website: www.moira.org.au Area serviced: City of Frankston and Area serviced: Inner South East: City Shire of Mornington Peninsula. of Bayside, City of Glen Eira, City of Services: Case management. Kingston, City of Port Phillip, City of Stonnington. Fees: No fees apply. Services: Case management. Fees: No fees apply. 72 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
The Early Choices Program is available from the following organisation Windermere Child and Family Services Inc. Family Choice Program
Address: The aim of the Family Choice Program is 48 Webb Street to support children or young people with Narre Warren 3805 ongoing medical needs and/or Postal address: As above dependence on medical technology to live at home with their family/carers. Contact: Central Services Officer This is applicable where the Telephone: 9705 3200 family/carers would experience Fax: 9796 7650 difficulty in meeting the high level of ongoing medical care needs of the child Email: or young person in the community if [email protected] additional support was not provided. Website: www.windermerecfs.com.au Area serviced: Shire of Cardinia, City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong. Services: Case management. Fees: No fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 73
The Family Choice Program is available from the following organisation
Royal Children’s Hospital
Address: Programs: Home and Community Care Family Choice Program: Flemington Road • A statewide program that provides Parkville 3052 home-based support to Postal address: As above parents/carers of children/young people aged between birth–18 years Contact: Manager—Royal Children’s inclusive, who have high levels of Hospital, Home and Community Care ongoing medical care needs. (RCH HACC). • The program provides case Telephone: 9345 5695 management, nursing support and Fax: 9345 6231 ‘top-up’ discretionary funds to support children and families at Email: [email protected] home and in their communities. Website: www.rch.org.au • The Royal Children’s Hospital is the Area serviced: Statewide. coordinating agency responsible for determining eligibility, implementing Eligibility: Children and young people and monitoring standards and aged birth–18 years with ongoing providing ongoing education for complex medical care needs. community and regional hospital staff. Services: Case management, nursing Fees: No fees apply. and brokerage funds. 74 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 75
Parent/carer support services 76 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Specific support See also Association for Children with a Disability on page 17 and Parent Support Program Please refer to the entry on page 16. Carer Respite Centre Southern Region
Address: Services: Regional Office • Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre 260 Kooyong Road Southern Region (CCRCSR) is a Caulfield 3162 regional contact point for parents, carers, families and the community Postal address: As above and is funded by the Commonwealth Contact: Duty Worker and state governments. Telephone: 1800 059 059 • CCRCSR provides information, carer (24 hours daily) support, respite coordination and resources. Fax: 9276 6139 • Careline (Freecall 1800 059 059) Email: Available upon request is CCRCSR’s 24-hour/7-day Website: www.carersouth.org.au telephone information, referral and support service available for parents, Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan carers and service providers. Region. • CCRCSR’s Carer Support Program Eligibility: Carers/parents/families. (Disability) provides assistance and support to parents/carers of people under 30 years old with disabilities. Assistance includes short-term counselling, respite planning and access, as well as referral and links to other support services. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 77
General support
Parentline: Don’t cope alone! Parentzone
Telephone: 13 22 89 Address: Fax: Not available Located at Anglicare—Frankston Family Services Email: Not available 51 Playne Street Website: www.parentline.vic.gov.au Frankston 3199 Staff: Professional counsellors Postal address: As above Services/programs: Contact: Team Leader • Parentline is a 24-hour counselling, Telephone: 9783 4888 information and referral service for Fax: 9783 4899 parents/carers with children aged birth–18 years. Email: Not available • Professional counsellors are available Website: Not available to discuss issues related to parenting Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan such as sleeping, managing tantrums, Region. teenage conflicts and family Eligibility: Parents/carers of children relationships. aged birth–18 years and professionals • A wide range of Positive Parenting tip who work with parents. sheets are available on request. • TTY line available for deaf, hearing or Services: Varies dependent on service. speech impaired. Parentline Programs: counsellors can access the • professional networks interpreter service if required. • parenting groups Fees: No fees apply. • special forums • facilitator training • an extensive range of programs—over 180 programs are offered across the region each term. For a full list, see the Parentzone quarterly newsletter. Fees: Range of fees depending on provider of services. Please contact organisation for more information. 78 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
The Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC)
Address: Programs: The Queen Elizabeth Centre 53 Thomas Street is a public hospital offering specialised Noble Park 3174 support, care and educational services Postal address: As above throughout Victoria to families experiencing difficulties adjusting to Contact: Receptionist parenthood, or managing the care of Telephone: 9549 2777 their infants or young children. Fax: 9549 2779 Many parents/carers do not feel fully prepared for some of the challenges of Email: [email protected] parenthood and feel they need extra Website: www.qec.org.au help. It may be a concern about a Area serviced: Statewide. baby’s unsettled behaviour, wakeful days and nights, problems with Eligibility: Families/carers with breastfeeding, a toddler refusing to eat, children from birth–four years. behavioural difficulties or how the Services: Early parenting care, support parents feel about themselves and and education. others. QEC offers: • day stay for families • home-based service • family residential service. Additional information: Brochures are available from QEC reception. QEC is a registered public hospital—services are free to clients with Medicare cards who elect to be public patients. Fees: Nominal fees may be charged for nappy laundry or disposal, visitor meals and so on. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 79
Hillview Maternity Unit Rosebud Hospital
Address: Additional information: 1527 Point Nepean Rd Mother Baby Unit Rosebud 3939 Dedicated to providing supportive care Postal address: for women experiencing adjustment Private Bag 3 difficulties in caring for their baby Rosebud Hospital antenatally, postnatally and during the Rosebud 3939 first twelve months of parenting. These difficulties include any issues associated Contact: Nursing Unit Manager with care of themselves or their baby. Telephone: 5986 0672 This may include postnatal depression, parenting issues, mother and baby Fax: 5986 0515 interaction and infant feeding/sleeping Email: Not available difficulties. Website: www.phcn.vic.gov.au Sleeping Difficulties Clinic Area serviced: Statewide. Some families will experience significant impacts on their wellbeing and daily life Eligibility: Mothers with infants as a result of their baby’s difficult sleep 0–12 months of age. behaviour. The Sleeping Difficulties Services: Early parenting care, support Clinic works in partnership with parents, and education, including feed and sleep acknowledging them as the primary difficulties. care and nurture providers. Together, Support for mild to moderate postnatal they explore the nature of the difficulty depression. and the options available to the parents. Programs: Fees: No fees apply. • Mother Baby Unit: 5 day in-patient program. • Sleeping Difficulties Clinic: One or two night program for 3–12 month old babies. • Day Feed Clinic for 0–12 month old breast or bottle fed babies.
Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 81
Maternal and Child Health 82 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Maternal and child health
Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29 This statewide telephone service operates 24 hours a day. Email: Not available Website: Not available The Maternal and Child Health Line is staffed 24 hours a day by trained maternal and child health nurses who can provide information, advice and referral to all parents/carers with young children. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 83
Maternal and child health centres
For a list of your local maternal and child Services/programs: health centre locations, please contact • all centres provide total maternal and your local council (see next section). child health program Most local councils offer services for • information provided on child health, children such as rental of baby development, feeding, behaviour and capsules, respite care, or family day care parenting in home settings. • new parent groups Eligibility: Maternal and child health • referral to community-based agencies services are free to all parents with for families experiencing significant children aged birth–six years. parental difficulties. Staff: Maternal and child health nurses, • home visiting service midwives, lactation consultants. • Information, guidance and support on issues including: – maternal health and wellbeing – family health and wellbeing – breastfeeding – sleep/settling – monitoring growth and development of young children – immunisation – nutrition – family planning – information on local support services – home and car safety for children – child accident and injury prevention. 84 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 85
Local councils 86 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Local councils offer resources Bayside City Council such as the disability parking Address: permit. It is worth contacting 76 Royal Avenue the local council to enquire Sandringham 3191 about the range of services Postal address: they offer. Some councils offer PO Box 27 a Care Respite Program or Sandringham 3191 home help/cleaning for people Telephone: 9599 4444 who are receiving the Carer Fax: 9598 4474 Allowance. Email: [email protected] Website: www.bayside.vic.gov.au
Cardinia Shire Council
Address: Henty Way Pakenham 3810 Postal address: PO Box 7 Pakenham 3810 Telephone: 5945 4222 Fax: 5941 3784 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 87
Casey City Council Glen Eira City Council
Address: Address: Princess Highway Cnr Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads Narre Warren 3805 Caulfield South 3162 Postal address: Postal address: PO Box 1000 PO Box 42 Narre Warren 3805 Caulfield South 3162 Telephone: 9705 5200 Telephone: 9524 3333 Fax: 9704 9544 Fax: 9524 3358 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.casey.vic.gov.au Website: www.gleneira.vic.gov.au
Frankston City Council Greater Dandenong City Council Address: Cnr Davey and Young Streets Address: Frankston 3199 397–405 Springvale Road Postal address: Springvale 3171 PO Box 490 Postal address: Frankston 3199 PO Box 200 Telephone: 9784 1888 Dandenong 3171 Fax: 9781 3117 Telephone: 9239 5100 Email: [email protected] Fax: 9239 5196 Website: www.frankston.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] Website: www.greaterdandenong.com 88 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Kingston City Council Port Phillip City Council
Address: Address: Brindisi Street Cnr Brighton Road and Carlisle Street Mentone 3194 St Kilda 3182 Postal address: Postal address: PO Box 1000 Private Bag 3 Mentone 3194 St Kilda 3182 Telephone: 1300 653 356 Telephone: 9209 6777 Fax: 9581 4500 Fax: 9209 6888 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.kingston.vic.gov.au Website: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Mornington Peninsula Stonnington City Council Shire Council Address: Address: Cnr Glenferrie Road and High Street Besgrove Street Malvern 3144 Rosebud 3939 Postal address: Postal address: PO Box 21 Locked Bag 1000 Prahran 3181 Rosebud 3939 Telephone: 8290 1333 Telephone: 5986 0200 Fax: 9521 2255 Fax: 5986 6696 Email: [email protected] Email: Website: www.stonnington.vic.gov.au [email protected] Website: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 89
Schools offering early education for children with a learning delay and/or disability 90 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Bayside Early Education Program, Bayside Special Developmental School
Address: Programs: Genoa Street • small groups (up to six children) in Moorabbin 3189 the all-day program Postal address: As above • playgroup for families (children aged birth–five years), with and/or without Contact: Coordinator, Early Education special needs, in local kindergarten Program setting Telephone: 9555 4155 • three year old kindergarten group: Fax: 9553 2476 children from mainstream and special needs combined in local kindergarten Email: [email protected] setting Website: Not available • outreach support to child care Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan settings Region. • outreach to three year old and four Eligibility: Children with special needs year old kindergarten aged between 2.8–4.8 years (at entry). • occasional home visits Services: Early education teacher, • weekly swim program teacher assistant, physiotherapy, speech • maximum of 15 hours of individual therapy, consultant occupational programs, which may be a therapy, sensory therapy. combination of services based upon family and/or the child’s needs • children are encouraged to attend local kindergarten (four year old); early education staff provide support to local settings in planning and programming. Fees: Term fees may be charged for swimming, playgroup and three year old kindergarten group. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 91
Carronbank School for Deaf Blind Students
Address: Programs: 7 Allen Street • Carronbank is a statewide Glen Waverley 3150 Department of Education and Postal address: Training (DE&T) school. PO Box 311 • The school focuses on the Glen Waverley 3150 development of communication and language. Contact: Principal • Communication alternatives such Telephone: 9561 2536 as touch cues, objects of reference, Fax: 9560 3262 picture systems, sign and Braille are used. Email: [email protected] • The specially adapted curriculum is based on the Curriculum and Website: www.carronbank.vic.edu.au Standards Framework Guidelines. Area serviced: Statewide. • The development of residual hearing Eligibility: Children aged from and useable vision, and training in three–18 years who have visual and mobility and orientation, are integral hearing impairments. parts of the curriculum. Individual programs are provided for Services: • each student. Carronbank has two teachers for • The Early Learning Group is for every three students • younger children and their families. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, • An Outreach Program is offered for speech pathology, audiology, • non-enrolled students. educational psychology, orientation and mobility instruction. Fees: No fees apply. 92 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Dandenong Valley School (Special Developmental School)
Address: Programs: Victoria Road • centre-based early childhood Narre Warren 3805 intervention program Postal address: As above • outreach to kindergartens/child care centres Contact: Principal/Early Education Program Leader • music therapy playgroup (with parent involvement). Telephone: 9704 9411 Program objectives: Fax: 9796 6298 • Develop skills that will enable the Email: children to access the most [email protected] appropriate social and educational Website: www.dandyvalley.vic.edu.au environment. Learning developmentally appropriate Area serviced: City of Casey, Shire of • skills in the areas of: Cardinia, City of Greater Dandenong. – cognition Eligibility: Children aged between – gross motor 2.8–4.8 years with moderate to severe – fine motor developmental delay/intellectual – communication disability, including sensory disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities. – sensory response – social and emotional responses Services: Special education teachers, – independence. teacher’s aide, physiotherapy, music therapy, speech therapy, occupational Fees: Nominal fees apply. therapy. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 93
Frankston Special Developmental School
Address: Sassafras Drive Frankston 3199 Postal address: PO Box 7294 Karingal Centre Karingal 3199 Contact: Principal Telephone: 9789 6844 Fax: 9776 5824 Email: [email protected] Website: www.frankston-sds.vic.edu.au Area serviced: Frankston, Seaford, Carrum Downs, Langwarrin. Eligibility: Children aged between 2.8–4.8 years with a significant developmental delay. Services: Special education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, guidance officer and social worker support on request. Programs: • therapy—both individual and group • parent/carer education and support. Fees: Nominal fees apply. 94 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Monash Special Developmental School
Address: Programs: 1 Renver Road • centre-based early intervention Clayton 3168 program for pre-kindergarten aged Postal address: As above children centre-based and community Contact: Principal • preschool program for kindergarten Telephone: 9543 4400 children Fax: 9562 9110 • individual and small group instruction: Email: [email protected] – sensory programs Website: www.monashsds.vic.edu.au – educational programs Area serviced: South-eastern suburbs. – therapy programs Eligibility: Children aged between – communication/language 2.8–5 years, who have a significant programs developmental delay. – music Services: Special education, – hydrotherapy/swimming physiotherapy, speech pathology, – art/craft. occupational therapy, psychology, Additional information: social work. • participation for under school-aged children is up to three days per week • participation for school-aged children is up to five days per week • daily sessions—Monday to Friday 9am–3pm • parent group. Fees: Nominal voluntary contribution. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 95
Mornington Special Developmental School
Address: Robertson Drive Mornington 3931 Postal address: PO Box 307 Mornington 3931 Contact: Principal Telephone: 5975 6111 Fax: 5975 6945 Email: [email protected] Website: Not available Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan Region. Eligibility: Children with an intellectual disability who are aged between 2.8–4.8 years. Services: Special education, speech therapy, consultant psychology, consultant social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy. Programs: Centre-based and outreach programs, including a sensory room. Fees: Nominal fees apply. 96 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Noble Park Special Developmental School
Address: Programs: 41-43 Callandar Road • developmental structure in all areas Noble Park 3174 • structured pre-school program Postal address: • cognitive programs PO Box 365 • individual developmental programs Noble Park 3174 • communication—cued articulation, Contact: Principal Makaton signing and speech Telephone: 9546 7666 • gross motor programs (PMP activities) • fine motor activities, including art Fax: 9558 4459 activities Email: • sensory programs [email protected] • structured play activities Website: www.noblesds.vic.edu.au • socialisation Area serviced: Please contact school • toilet training. for information. Additional information: Eligibility: • information morning teas for parents • children aged between 2.8–4.8 years • hours are 9am–2pm daily • referral from Specialist Children’s • children attend up to three full days Services, doctor or other agency, per week outlining significant delays in the • siblings’ days child’s development. • transition to the primary area of the Services: Special education, school. physiotherapy, speech therapy, music Fees: Voluntary contributions. therapy, counselling services and supports from school psychologist and social worker. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 97
Port Phillip Specialist School: Early Education Program
Addresses: Programs: Kindergarten • The early education program is based Early Intervention Services located at at Port Melbourne kindergarten and the Port Melbourne Uniting Church integrated into the kindergarten Kindergarten program. Bridge Street • This program is also supported by Port Melbourne 3207 specialist staff from Port Phillip School Specialist School. Nott Street • Children have access to the Port Melbourne 3207 resources and facilities of Port Phillip Postal address: Specialist School, including sensory Nott Street integration and hydrotherapy pool. Port Melbourne 3207 • Individual programs are developed in consultation with therapists, Contact: Early Education Coordinator parents/carers and other agencies Telephone: working with the child. 9646 3077 (Early Education program) • Parent support programs are offered 9646 0855 (School) for communication, behaviour Fax: 9646 0704 management and accessing community services. Email: The program is uniquely integrated [email protected] • into kindergarten, providing a very Website: www.portphillip.vic.edu.au relaxed and supportive environment Area serviced: Please contact school for children to learn and make for information. friends. Eligibility: Children with developmental Fees: Term fees apply. or intellectual disabilities. Services: Special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, music therapy. 98 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Southern Autistic School
Address: Programs: 12 Margaretta Street • The programs are curriculum-based, Bentleigh East 3165 including English, maths, technology, Postal address: As above science, studies of society and the environment, art, physical education Contact: Assistant Principal and the library. Telephone: 9563 8139 • Each student has an individual Fax: 9563 8415 program. Email: Fees: Voluntary contribution; please [email protected] contact school for further information. Website: Not available Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan Region. Eligibility: A diagnosis of autism by a multidisciplinary team, (such as Monash Medical Centre or Alfred Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service). Children aged between 2.8–4.8 years attend three days per week. When the child turns age 4.8, they can apply for funding to continue at the school five days a week because they are school age. Services: Teaching, teaching assistants, speech pathology. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 99
Yarrabah School
Address: Programs: 23 Mill Street • consultancy support in preschools Aspendale 3195 and child care centres (for children Postal address: As above enrolled in Yarrabah early education programs) Contact: Coordinator • fine motor activities Telephone: 9580 0384 • gross motor perceptual motor Fax: 9580 5378 program (PMP) sessions Email: • music activity centre sessions [email protected] • sensory room sessions drawing, painting, play dough, cut and Website: www.yarrabah.sch.vic.edu.au • paste activities Area serviced: Mordialloc, Braeside, structured play activities Keysborough, Dandenong, Aspendale, • socialisation Aspendale Gardens, Bangholme, • Boardmaker, Makaton, cued Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Bonbeach, • articulation, and picture exchange Carrum, Carrum Downs, Patterson Lakes. • toilet training individual and group speech Eligibility: • pathology intervention. • Referral from Specialist Children’s Services, doctor or other agency Additional information: outlining significant delays in the • All children are assessed by the child’s development. speech pathologist and receive • Age for entry into early education speech therapy if required. between 2.8–4.8 years. • Children with high physical needs receive physiotherapy and Services: Special education, hydrotherapy. physiotherapy, speech pathology, counselling services from a visiting Fees: No fees apply. educational and developmental psychologist, music. 100 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 101
Visiting teacher services 102 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Department of Education and Training—Southern Metropolitan Region
Address: Eligibility: For students in government PO Box 6 schools who are either: Dandenong 3175 • hearing impaired: students with a Postal address: As above recognised hearing impairment that is impacting on their learning Contact: Coordinator • physically disabled and health Telephone: impaired: students with a physical Hearing impaired: 9790 6158 disability or serious health Physically disabled and health impaired: impairment 9532 5642 • vision impaired: student must: be partially sighted (distance vision Vision impaired: 9532 5642 with glasses, if needed, is worse than Fax: 6/18 or its equivalent) and/or Hearing impaired: 9790 1712 – have a visual field reduction to Physically disabled and health impaired: less than 20º 9553 2360 – be legally blind. Vision impaired: 9553 2360 Services: Special education. Email: Not available Website: Not available Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 103
Programs: Please note: Students who are vision • Home visits to physically disabled impaired need to meet the eligibility students with a serious health criteria to receive extra help from a impairment visiting teacher. • Preschool visits to hearing impaired There is an Educational Vision students Assessment Clinic (EVAC) at The Royal • School visits for children who are Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital in East vision impaired Melbourne, Melbourne. The purpose • Visiting teachers can work of the clinic is to determine if a visually one-on-one with students, either impaired child is eligible to work with in the home, preschool or school a visiting teacher at their school. The environment, depending on the clinic can also provide teachers with child’s individual needs information about the vision • Consultation services. impairment. Fees: No fees apply. Each student is assessed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including an ophthalmologist with paediatric expertise, an education officer and an educational psychologist. All students need a referral from an ophthalmologist for the clinic. The referral must be no more than six months old. 104 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 105
Transition to school 106 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Applying for a second year Important note of funded preschool
Permission from the Department of If a second year of preschool is being Education and Training to delay considered for a child, a formal enrolment at school does not provide a application to the Department of Human guaranteed place for a second year of Services regional office will be required. funded preschool. The processes of The ‘Application for a Second Year of applying for a second year of preschool Funded Preschool’ form will be available and applying for delayed school from the preschool teacher, late in term enrolment for a child are separate: three. • To apply for a second year at a • The application needs to be funded preschool, apply to the completed by the preschool Department of Human Services teacher in conjunction with the (please see ‘applying for a second parents/carers, to identify areas of year of funded preschool’ below). developmental needs and outcomes • To apply for delayed school for the child. enrolment if the child will turn six • The completed form should be years old in their second year of returned by the preschool teacher to preschool, apply separately to the the regional office of the Department Department of Education and of Human Services, by the closing Training (please see ‘delayed school date listed on the form. enrolment’ below). • The Regional Assessment Team at Both these applications must be made the Department of Human Services by the cut-off dates in the year before assesses applications against the second year of preschool: specified criteria, to determine • Second year of funded preschool: eligibility for a second year of September (Please check with your funded preschool. preschool teacher for the specific • The Department of Human Services date each year). will inform the preschool teacher if • Delayed school entry: October the application has been successful (Please check with the school or not. The preschool teacher will principal for the specific date each then inform the parents/carers of year). the decision. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 107
Delayed school enrolment
Students are eligible to attend school if Letters to request delayed school they turn five by 30 April in the given enrolment should be sent to: year they wish to commence school. Regional Director Children who will turn six during Southern Metropolitan Region the preschool year need an exemption Department of Education and Training from ‘school entry age requirements’ PO Box 5 from the relevant regional office of Dandenong 3175 the Department of Education and Training (DE&T). The parents/carers of the child must write a letter to the Southern Regional Director of DE&T to request approval for delayed school enrolment. The letter should include the reasons for the request and any supporting information. This request should be made to DE&T by the end of the October before the year for which the request is made—such as October 2003 for entry to school delayed until 2005. It is at the discretion of the Regional Director whether the child will receive approval to delay their school entry. This decision will be based on information provided during the application process and consultation with relevant professionals involved with the child as appropriate. Parents must present a copy of the letter of approval from the Regional Director to the preschool at the time of enrolment if the child turns six during the preschool year. 108 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
The Program for Students with Disabilities
The Department of Education and Please note: Training (DE&T) provides additional • Planning for the child to go to support to schools based in the local school should begin at least community—or one of the various 12 months before the expected specialist schools for students with school entry date. special needs and/or disabilities who • Detailed planning can be initiated by meet the eligibility criteria—to enable parents/carers, the early intervention improved learning opportunities for the worker from Specialist Children’s child at school, through the Program for Services, or an early intervention Students with Disabilities. agency working with the child. DE&T can provide information about the • In the first instance, parents/carers Program for Students with Disabilities should make contact with the for parents. Contact your local school, principal of their chosen school for or view the information on the website information about the range of www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/welfare/ schooling options available. The disabil.htm school will provide the paperwork for Eligibility criteria are based on World the application to DE&T. If the child is Health Organisation guidelines and are eligible for support, the school will designed to identify students with more receive funds from the Program for severe or profound disabilities. Students with Disabilities. • If there is a family support plan from the early intervention service, it should include details of the transition process, timelines and options available to the family. • The early intervention professional who works with the child will support the parents/carers in their decision on the school selected. They can offer advice, if the family wants it, as to the best educational option for their child. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 109
• The school will organise for a Parents/carers should take any ‘Program Support Group’ to be information, reports or assessments convened. This group consists of: (less than two years old) to the school – the parents/carers, guardian or when completing the application. This caregiver of the student may avoid the need for further formal – a parent/carer advocate (may be assessment. If formal assessment is chosen by the parents/carers) required for school entry, the purpose – a class teacher (primary), or of the assessment must be made clear teacher(s) nominated as having to the family/carers. responsibility for the student The school principal can arrange for any (secondary) additional assessments that may be – the principal of the school or needed to support an application for the nominee (to act as chairperson) Program for Students with Disabilities. – the student (where appropriate). • The ‘Program Support Group’ will make the application for support to DE&T together as a team. • The deadline for lodging an application is in early October each year. The closing date for each year is included in DE&T information material about the Program for Students with Disabilities, available from schools and on the above website. 110 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 111
Disability Services 112 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Disability Services Department of Human Services
Once children with a developmental Address: delay and/or disability turn 5 years of Floor 3, 4–10 Jamieson Street age they are eligible to be enrolled in Cheltenham 3192 school. In addition to the services Postal address: As above provided by the Department of Education, some families may be able to Contact: Disability Intake and access support from Disability Services. Response Team A Disability Services worker may meet Telephone: 1300 131 079 with families during the transition phase Fax: 9585 1590 to provide further information about the supports available. Email: [email protected] Disability Services fund and provide a range of programs designed to improve Website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability the quality of life of people with Area serviced: Southern Metropolitan intellectual, physical, sensory or Region. neurological disabilities, or an acquired Eligibility: brain injury. Please contact the A person must be six years of age or Disability Intake and Response Team for • over, or five years of age and more information on eligibility and attending school. services available. • A person must have an intellectual, physical or sensory disability, or an acquired brain injury. • The disability must be ongoing in nature and result in a substantially reduced capacity in communication, learning or mobility. • The disability must result in the need for continuing support. The Disability Services Intake and Response Team can arrange for an assessment to determine eligibility for services. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 113
Services/Programs Disability Services directly provide or fund a range of services for people with a disability and their families or carers, including: • case management and service coordination • family support, including respite and in-home support services • specialist services, including assistance with behaviour intervention • community inclusion and participation programs • aids and equipment. Fees: No fees apply. 114 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 115
Respite services 116 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Commonwealth Carers Commonwealth Carer Associations Respite Centres
There is a Carers Association in each There are over 80 Commonwealth State and Territory. Carers Associations Carer Respite Centres around Australia, operate Carer Resource Centres supporting carers to ‘take a break’. (see below) and carry out carer The centres provide information and advocacy, as well as supporting carers advice about respite options, help with with counselling, support groups, organising emergency or planned respite education and training activities. and financial assistance for short-term To contact your state or territory Carers or emergency respite when needed. Association, telephone: 1800 242 636. They provide a central coordination point for arranging your respite needs, helping you get the respite that meets your individual requirements. To contact your nearest Carer Respite Centre, telephone: 1800 059 059. See page 76 for further information. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 117
Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres
Carer Resource Centres are operated by the Carers Association in each state and territory. They provide carers with information and referral on the range of community services, emotional support, educational opportunities and government assistance available to support them in their caring role. Carers can call their Carer Resource Centre to speak to an experienced and friendly staff member and to request a free carer information pack. To contact your nearest Carer Resource Centre, telephone: 1800 242 636. 118 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Interchange Southern Region Association Inc.
Address: Services: Recreation work, Located at Moira social work, welfare work. 928 Nepean Highway Programs: Hampton East 3188 • Interchange Host Program: Postal address: As above – Volunteer ‘Host Carers’ are Contact: Program Worker matched with a child aged from birth–18 years with a disability. Telephone: 8552 2222 – The ‘Host Carer’ looks after the Fax: 8552 2233 child either one day or one Email: [email protected] weekend per month. Website: www.moira.org.au • Recreation Program: – A range of children’s and youth Area serviced: City of Bayside, City of groups are offered. Glen Eira, City of Kingston, City of Port – School holiday programs and Phillip, City of Stonnington. camps are open to children with Eligibility: Families/carers who disabilities aged eight–18 years. have a child with a disability aged Fees: Term fees may apply. birth–18 years living at home, within the five local government areas listed above. Time for a Break
Contact MOIRA on telephone 8552 2222 to request their free publication, Time for a Break. The booklet is a guide to respite care and recreation services for people with disabilities and their families in the Southern Metropolitan Region. Alternatively, the booklet can be downloaded in PDF format from the MOIRA website www.moira.org.au Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 119
Private therapy services 120 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Australian Association of Australian Physiotherapy Occupational Therapists Association—Victorian Victoria Inc. Branch
Address: Postal address only: Suite 4, 430 Rae Street Unit 6, 651 Victoria Street North Fitzroy 3068 Abbotsford 3067 Postal address: Telephone: 9429 1799 PO Box 1286 Fax: 9429 1844 North Fitzroy 3068 Email: Telephone: 9481 6866 [email protected] Fax: 9481 6844 Website: www.physiotherapy.asn.au Email: [email protected] Information: A register of Website: www.otausvic.com.au physiotherapists. The association can Information: A register of provide you with the details of five occupational therapists in private physiotherapists in your local area, over practice. The association can provide the telephone. you with the details of three private Cost: No fees apply. occupational therapists in your local area over the telephone, or post the whole list out to you. Cost: No fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 121
Australian Podiatry Australian Psychological Association Society (APS)
Address: Address: Suite 26, 456 St Kilda Road Level 11, 257 Collins Street Melbourne 3004 Melbourne 3000 Postal address: As above. Postal address: Telephone: 9866 5906 PO Box 38, Flinders Lane Post Office Melbourne, 8009 Fax: 9866 2094 Telephone: 8662 3300 Email: [email protected] Fax: 9663 6177 Website: www.podiatryvic.com.au Email: [email protected] Information: A register of podiatrists in private practice and within the Website: community. The association can provide www.aps.psychsociety.com.au you with the details of podiatrists in Information: A register of your local area over the telephone, or psychologists in private practice. post contact information out to you. By giving a brief description of the Cost: No fees apply. problem over the telephone, the society can provide you with the details of up to three suitable psychologists in your local area who are in private practice. Cost: No fees apply. 122 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Speech Pathology Private Dietitian’s Association Practice Association of of Australia Victoria
Address: Postal address: 1/8 Phipps Close 2nd Floor, 11–19 Bank Place Deakin ACT 2600 Melbourne 3000 Postal address: As above Telephone: 9642 4899 Telephone: (02) 6282 9798 Fax: 9642 4922 Fax: As above Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.daa.asn.au Website: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Information: There is a ‘Find a Dietitian’ function on the above website. Information: A register of speech pathologists in private practice. The If you do not have internet access, association can provide you with the contact the association for details of details of three private speech local dietitians in private practice. pathologists over the telephone, or post Cost: No fees apply. the whole list out to you. Cost: No fees apply. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 123
Financial support services 124 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Centrelink
If a child has a disability, their Disability, Sickness primary carer may be eligible and Carer’s Line to receive financial assistance Telephone: 13 27 17 from Centrelink to help them • For further information over the care for the child. telephone or to request a claim package for the Carer Allowance The information below is a and/or the Carer Payment, contact general guide only. Please the local Centrelink Customer Service contact Centrelink directly to Centre or telephone the above number. request further information. • Centrelink staff can also help with The Association for Children information on payment options, rates of payment and general with a Disability publish Through information for carers. the Maze, which is a guide to • For information in languages other benefits and services for families than English, please telephone and carers of children with a 13 12 02. disability (see page 17, 18). • For information on general parenting and family payments, please telephone 13 61 50. Website: www.centrelink.gov.au Lists updated information about payments and services. For information about state concessions for families, contact the Concessions Information Line on 9616 7600 or 1800 658 521. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 125
Payments
Carer Allowance Please note: The Carer Allowance is an income • A person may be eligible for either support payment for carers who are the Carer Allowance or the Carer looking after a child or adult with a Payment. In certain circumstances, severe disability, or medical condition a person may be eligible for both requiring additional care and attention. payments and they can be paid in The carer must be residing with the conjunction with one another. Please person they are caring for. confirm eligibility requirements with Centrelink. Please contact Centrelink on the above number for further information regarding: • eligibility • what the carer is entitled to receive. Carer Payment The Carer Payment is an income support payment for carers who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through full-time work. They are not required to live with, or adjacent to, the person they are caring for, but they must be providing constant care. Please contact Centrelink on the above number for further information regarding: • eligibility • what the carer is entitled to receive. 126 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 127
Useful organisations and resources 128 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Action on Disabilities within Australian Early Childhood Ethnic Communities (ADEC) Association Inc. (AECA)
Address: Postal address: 13 Munro Street PO Box 105 Coburg 3058 Watson ACT 2602 Telephone: 9383 5566 Telephone: (02) 6241 6900 or freecall 1800 626 078 Fax: (02) 6241 5547 Fax: 9383 5185 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.aeca.org.au Website: www.adec.org.au Services: AECA is the national peak Services: body advocating for the rights of • ADEC is a non-government children under the age of eight years. organisation that provides advocacy They run conferences for professionals services for people of a non-English who work with children. AECA is also a speaking background with specialist publisher in the area of disabilities. ADEC is a statewide children’s issues. As an example, a organisation and services all ethnic bestselling title for 2002 was a book for communities. parents/carers entitled Autism • ADEC has a range of services Spectrum Disorder. Telephone or email including language-specific carers the organisation for a free catalogue of groups, and a multicultural family their publications. respite service. Please telephone to discuss the full range of programs for people with a disability and their carers with a non-English speaking background. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 129
Koori websites • Australian Indigenous HealthInfo Net: www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au • Victorian Government Koori Health Unit: www.health.vic.gov.au/koori • Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (within the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment) find via: www.nre.vic.gov.au • Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc.: www.vaeai.org.au • Victorian Aboriginal Health Service: www.kooriweb.org/vahs • Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-op: www.vacca.org 130 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Playgrouping Victoria
Address: Playgrouping Victoria’s 346 Albert Street Inclusion Services Brunswick 3056 Playgrouping Victoria has a playgroup Postal address: As above hotline with trained personnel to assist families with special needs to join a Telephone: 9388 1599 playgroup and to assist playgroups to (country callers 1800 811 156) accommodate their particular needs. Fax: 9380 6733 The Playgroup Manual, distributed free Email: [email protected] to all member playgroups, contains the following information: Website: www.playgroup.org.au Welcoming Families Services: • Welcoming Different Cultures Playgrouping Victoria promotes • Including Families with a Disability resources and encourages playgroups • in Victoria. More than 28,000 families • Getting Everyone Involved. and 2,500 playgroups are members Fees: of Playgrouping Victoria. They have a • Nominal fees are charged for register of playgroups that specifically attending a playgroup. cater for families. Referrals are made • There is an annual membership fee to these playgroups as appropriate. for families of $18 with comprehensive playgroup insurance, or $8 without insurance. • Costs vary for starting a playgroup, depending on the rental costs of the venue and the equipment available. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 131
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
Address: 186 Nicholson Street Fitzroy 3065 Telephone: 9419 3000 Fax: 9417 3897 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kooriweb.org/vahs Services: Women’s and Children’s program includes: • general practitioners • paediatrician specialising in disability • maternal and child health nurse for developmental checks and immunisation • educational assessment • family/carer counselling • professional psychiatric services. 132 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Additional Yooralla services
Library and information services Equipment library Address: Address: 705 Geelong Road 705 Geelong Road Brooklyn 3025 Brooklyn 3025 Postal address: Postal address: PO Box 1101 PO Box 1101 Altona Gate 3025 Altona Gate 3025 Telephone: 9362 6143 Telephone: 9362 6111 or freecall 1800 686 533 Fax: 9314 9825 * Remote fax Fax: 9314 9825 Email: [email protected] Email: Website: www.yooralla.com.au/library [email protected] Services: Website: Extensive library collection of • www.yooralla.com.au/equipmentlibrary specialist information on physical and multiple disabilities. For the use of Services: Yooralla staff and clients, people with • The library has a wide range of disabilities, their families, friends and specialised equipment to assist carers, professionals, students and children and adults with disabilities. members of the community. Equipment is lent to meet a • Opening hours: Monday–Thursday short-term need, or so it can 10am–3pm. Telephone before visiting be trialled before purchase. the library, as it is staffed part time • Opening hours: Monday–Friday and may be unattended. 9am–4:30pm. Make an appointment • You are welcome to write, telephone, if therapy assistance is needed, to email or fax your information request. ensure that staff are available. • A full list of hire equipment is on the Yooralla website. Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 133
Professional/ Parent/carer feedback organisational feedback
This directory was developed in Professionals and organisations can consultation with a range of early also write to the above address to notify childhood intervention services, to the Department of Human Services of assist families/carers and professionals any changes to their details. in navigating the service system for children aged birth to school entry. Your feedback is very important to us. If you have comments about the content and/or layout of this directory, we would like to hear from you. Send us this information anonymously, if you prefer. Your comments will be taken into account when this directory is updated on our website and before the text is reprinted, to ensure that the information is useful and accurate. Please send your comments to: Administration/feedback directory Specialist Children’s Services Department of Human Services 122 Thomas Street Dandenong 3175 134 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Quick-find A D Aboriginal health 60, 67, 129, 131 Dance/movement therapy 28 Advocacy 13, 16, 17, 54, 70, 109, 128 Deaf family workers 44, 47 Anxiety (See psychology) Deafness (See hearing impairment) Assistance devices 44, 47 Deaf (teachers of the) 24, 44, 47, 49, 91 Audiology 24, 44, 47, 49, 91, 102 Delayed school enrolment 106, 107, Auslan 47 Diabetes education 42 Autism 45, 58, 92, 98 Dietetics 39, 41, 42, 83, 122 Disability parking permit 86 B Disability, Sickness and Carer ’s Line 124 Babies-toddlers groups 20, 49, 50, 78 Dysphagia 54 Behavioural concerns (See psychology) Bilateral hearing loss 44, 47 E Braille 91 Early childhood special education Breastfeeding 83 12, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31, 32, 46, 48, 50, 54, 56, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, C 106, 107, 108, 109 Carer Allowance 125 Early Choices Program 70, 71, 72 Carer Payment 125 Educational Vision Assessment Clinic 103 Carers 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 24, 75, 76, 77, 78, Emotional problems (See psychology) 79,116,117,118,124,125,133 Equipment borrowing 27, 28, 60, 132 Centrelink 124, 125 Cerebral Palsy Clinic 54 F Family Choice Program 72, 73 Child care 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 48, 49, 59, 60, 90, 92, 99 Feeding (See speech pathology) Community health centres 33, 34, 35, 36, Financial support services 80, 123, 124, 125 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 Fine motor programs 92, 96, 99 Counselling 12, 13, 24, 29, 35, 38, 39, 41, 42, 76,77,78,79,96,99 G Group therapy 19, 23, 25, 36, 39, 41, 42, 46, 56, 93, 99 Gross motor programs 92, 96, 99 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region 135
H Maternal and Child Health Line 82 Hanen 19, 21, 32 Midwives 83 Health impairment: Mothercraft nurse 21 visiting teacher services 102 Music therapy 21, 31, 32, 48, 50, 92, 94, 95, Hearing aids 24, 44, 47 96, 97, 99 Hearing impaired: visiting teacher services 102 N Hearing impairment 24, 44, 47, 49, 91, 102 Neurology 54 High support needs 70, 71, 72, 73 Neuromuscular clinic 52 Home and car safety 83 Nutrition (See dietetics) Home help 86 Hospital-based early intervention 51, 52, 53, O Occupational therapy 12, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 54 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 48, 50, Hydrotherapy 31, 32, 50, 94, 97, 99 54, 56, 57, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 120 Oral–aural programs 47 I Orthoptics 48 Immunisation 83 Outreach services 20, 21, 26, 29, 30, 40, 49, Individual therapy 19, 25, 41, 42, 46, 49, 56, 54, 64, 90, 91, 92, 95 93, 96, 99
K P Parent education 16, 19, 20, 24, 26, 29, 35, Kindergarten visits 19, 20, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32 41,42,46,77,78,79,83,93 Koori-specific services (See Aboriginal health) Parentline 77 L Physically disabled and health impaired: visiting teacher services 102 Lactation consultants 83 Physiotherapy 12, 19, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29, Language development 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, (See speech pathology) 50, 54, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 120 M Playgroups 19, 21, 24, 41, 48, 90 Makaton 20, 96, 99 Podiatry 34, 42, 121 Maternal and child health 78, 79, 82, 83 Postnatal depression 38, 78, 79, 83 136 Early Childhood Intervention Services: Southern Metropolitan Region
Prader-Willi Syndrome 54 Spasticity management 54 Preschool 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28, 32, 35, 41, Special developmental school 89, 90, 91, 92, 64, 67, 68, 94, 99, 106, 107 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 Pre-symbol systems 47 Special education Psychology 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, (See early childhood special education) 30, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 46, 47, 49, 53, 54, 56, Speech and language therapy 57,91,94,95,96,99,121 (See speech pathology) Speech pathology 13, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, R 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, Respite 16, 17, 70, 72, 76, 86, 112, 113, 115, 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 56, 57, 90, 116 , 117, 118 , 128 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 122 Rett Syndrome 54 Spina Bifida Clinic 52, 54 Support groups for parents/carers 16, 17, S 24, 31 Saliva Control Clinic 54 School transition 22, 24, 36, 46, 48, 96, 105, T 106, 107, 108, 109 Teachers of the deaf Second year of funded preschool 106 (See deaf, teachers of the) Sensori-neural hearing loss 49 Therapy group (See group therapy) Sensory • individual (See individual therapy) • disabilities 27, 90, 92 • • integration 97 Toilet training 96, 99 (See also psychology) • programs 94, 96, 99 Toy borrowing 27, 28, 60 Severe disability 70, 71, 72, 73, 92 TTY line 44, 77 Siblings 17, 31, 96 Signing classes 24, 25, 47, 91, 96 V Vision impaired: visiting teacher services 102 Sleep/settling 77, 78, 79, 82, 83 Vision impairment 48, 91, 102 Social problems (See psychology) Visiting teachers 30, 101, 102, 103 Social work 13, 27, 28, 34, 38, 47, 49, 54, 56, 57, 93, 94, 95, 96 For more information about early childhood intervention services within the Southern Metropolitan Region, please call 1300 720 151.
This directory is available for viewing or download from the Department of Human Services Southern Metropolian Region website, www.dhs.vic.gov.au/regional/southern Click on ‘Our Services’/‘Children’s Services’/‘Specialist Children’s Services’