The program teachers are qualified teachers who are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
The program will be delivered for up to 12 months (or longer if required). The focus of the program is on improving literacy and numeracy skills.
The program teacher will:
- meet the child or young person at their preferred location
- work with the child or young person, and their care team to address other barriers that are preventing them from attending school
- use trauma-informed approaches to support the child and young person’s learning and engagement in the program and with the education provider as part of the re-engagement plan.
Other education supports
The service provider will consider other supports that might be available to help the child or young person re-engage with education.
The program teacher will work with the child’s school and classroom teachers to plan re-engagement and access to in-school resources, if required. The program teacher will advocate with the school for the child or young person’s learning needs, including the child or young person in decision-making processes.
Education and other supports will be included in the child or young person’s re-engagement plan. This includes the educational needs analysis and cultural support plan.
Student Support Groups
The program teacher will attend Student Support Group meetings and connect with the school/education provider and care team to advocate for the child or young person.
Changes to care placement
A child or young person will be able to continue the program, if:
- there are changes to their care placement
- they move back to live with their family.
If the child or young person moves to a new area, the Education Supports for Children in Care program will be transferred to that area.
If the program is not available in the new area, the child or young person and their care team can choose to continue the program. However, if it is not possible to continue the program, other education supports will be identified for the child or young person in the area they are residing.
If the child or young person is placed into youth custody, secure care or mental health care, steps will be taken to continue the program where possible.
Leaving the program
If a child or young person becomes disengaged with the program, the program teacher will work to re-engage the child or young person.
If a child or young person decides they want to leave the program, the program teacher will talk with their carer, care team and school and consider other options.
Contact
For more information about the Education Supports for Children in Care program, please email careservices@dffh.vic.gov.au.