What is the Preschool Field Officer Service?

Preschool Field Officers play a key role in helping children with additional needs and their families to access and participate in State-funded kindergartens and childcare centres that provide a State-funded kindergarten program.

Preschool  Field Officers also support kindergarten staff by giving them information and advice so they can provide developmentally appropriate and inclusive programs.

What experience do Preschool Field Officers have?

Gateways Preschool Field Officers are:

• Qualified in early childhood development with a background in preschool teaching.
• Experienced in working with children with additional needs and their families.
• Part of the Gateways Support Services Child and Family Services Team.

Gateways Preschool Field Officers are understanding, skilled and experienced in working with young children. They are responsive to children with additional needs and their families, good at team work, and able to provide coordinated services to families.

What is the role of a Preschool Field Officer?

Preschool Field Officers will:

• Support, advise and give families the feedback and information they need to help them make informed decisions about their child’s educational options and other services.
• Provide information and support to preschool staff at kindergarten or childcare.
• Refer families to specialist services (where appropriate with parental permission).
• Liaise and consult with community services and other professional groups.
• Help with the processes of applying for a funded second year of preschool (if needed).
• Provide transition to school support (as required).

Who are the children that Preschool Field Officers support?

Preschool Field Officers support children with additional needs including:

• Children who need extra support in the kindergarten setting.
• Children with a developmental delay.
• Children with challenging behaviour.
• Children with social / emotional difficulties.
• Children with difficulties in communicating.

Gateways Preschool Field  Officers work in partnership with families to help children make the most of their kindergarten year.

Some of the ways Gateways Field Officers may help:

• Observing your child within a play environment at preschool. This may tell us: how they interact with the children and adults outside of home; how they follow instructions; how they can manage their bodies at a variety of activities; and, give us an indication of their skills in comparison to a child of a similar age.
• Developmental screening and assessments if needed.
• Assisting in the development of individual programs for children with developmental difficulties or additional needs.
• Visits to the kindergarten or childcare centre to build up a positive relationship with your child to support their skill development and continually provide the family with feedback.
• Supporting the parent/guardian in their decision-making by providing information about resources, services and options.

How do I find out more information?

For further details about the Preschool Field Officer Service contact the Family and Community Support Manager on 5221 2984 or via Contact Us.