LOOKOUT Streamlining Access Officers
LOOKOUT Streamlining Access Officers (SAO) aim to improve the engagement of children aged 0-3 who have had contact with Child Protection and children in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), and promote enrolment into high quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).
High quality early childhood programs are beneficial for children in priority cohorts, including children in OOHC and children who have had contact with Child Protection, who are not yet old enough to access funded kindergarten. The Early Childhood Agreement for Children in Out-of-Home Care (the Agreement) acknowledges the benefits of participation in high quality long day care, community playgroups and other forms of early learning.
With a focus on children who have had contact with Child Protection, SAOs:
· Strengthen relationships and partnerships with key professionals supporting families of children who have had contact with Child Protection.
· Use data and local information to prioritise communities with the most need.
· Strengthen the knowledge of workforces supporting families of children who have had contact with Child Protection to facilitate navigation and access to quality ECEC and transition to Early Start Kindergarten.
· Promote Koorie Kids Shine and the benefits of kinder for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
LOOKOUT EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE CONTACTS
Reach out to your local SAO through the relevant region LOOKOUT contact:
North Eastern Victoria Region
lookout.nev@education.vic.gov.au
North Western Victoria Region
lookout.nwv@education.vic.gov.au
South Eastern Victoria Region
lookout.sev@education.vic.gov.au
South Western Victoria Region
lookout.swv@education.vic.gov.au
For more information:
