Inclusion

High quality care embraces the inclusion of all children regardless of need.

The Inclusion Support Program (ISP) is designed to support child care services in building their capacity to create quality environments inclusive of all children.  Support is provided by Inclusion Support Agencies and is based on the following priority groups:

  • children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including refugee children
  • children with high ongoing support needs, including those with a disability
  • Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander children.

supporting the less able

Inclusion Support Agencies

ISAs will advise children’s services on including children with ongoing high support needs from the above priority groups.  ISAs are based in all three regions of Tasmania and are available to assist any eligible child care service.  View Support Agencies to find the ISA in your area.

Each ISA can provide:

  • specialist advice and support, including on-site inclusion readiness planning
  • access to funds to employ an additional worker to increase carer:child ratios
  • the loan of specialised equipment
  • access to Inclusion Support Subsidy or short term Flexible Support funding  where there is identified need to assist with the inclusion of a child with ongoing high support needs

Inclusion Support Facilitators

Previously known as SUPS workers, ISFs are employed by ISAs as specialist workers with expertise in inclusion who work directly with staff to build their capacity to provide high quality care for all children.  ISFs use a strengths-based approach to provide assistance when a service is including a child with additional needs. This can include bicultural support, access to specialised equipment, advice and support with inclusive practice.

The primary role of an Inclusion Support Facilitator is to assist in identifying and implementing practical ways to support inclusion by engaging services in ongoing processes of reflection and development.  ISFs work collaboratively with staff to formulate a Service Support Plan which identifies the existing strengths of the care environment to support inclusion, as well as the areas where support may be needed to build capacity for inclusion.

Inclusion Support Subsidy

Inclusion Support Subsidy was previously known as Special Needs Subsidy Scheme (SNSS) and Disabled Supplementary Services Payment (DSUPS).   ISS is available to assist eligible child care services where it can be shown that additional support is required to improve the capacity of the care environment to include a child with ongoing high support needs. The subsidy provides funding towards the cost of extra staff, releasing staff for inclusion training and access to specialised equipment.  Further information about Inclusion Support Subsidy is available through the Support page of this website.