Pre-School Field Officer Program

A Pre-School Field Officer (PSFO) is a person qualified in early childhood development who has experience in working with children who have additional needs.

The Pre-School Field Officer service is funded by the State Government Department of Education and Training (DET) under the auspices of Baw Baw Shire Council.

What does the Preschool Field Officer do?

The role of the Pre-School Field Officer (PSFO) is to build the capacity of kindergarten teachers to provide an inclusive program which meets the developmental and learning requirements of children with additional needs.

Parent/guardian permission is required before the PSFO can work with the kindergarten teacher or speak with any involved specialists regarding the development and needs of their child. This is sought as part of the referral process.

The PSFO acts as a consultant and coach to the kindergarten teacher, rather than working directly with a child within a kindergarten setting.

The role of the PSFO includes:

Gathering information about a child to identify how a teacher can best support them at kindergarten. This includes the child's participation at the service
Providing advice, information or strategies regarding the inclusion of an individual child into the kindergarten program
Advocating for children and families
Assisting with referrals to other child or family support groups and professionals
Provision of support and advice to parents/guardians.

This information and support is typically provided via the kindergarten teacher, respecting the existing relationship families have with their child's service.

Eligibility Criteria

With parent/guardian consent, PSFOs can support children with additional needs attending a government funded 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten program, including Early Start Kindergarten.

During Term 4 of the year prior to attendance at a government funded kindergarten, PSFOs can support the transition into kindergarten for children presenting with developmental concerns.

What does additional needs include?

The PSFO Program Guidelines 2022 state that additional needs include, but are not limited to:

Children with developmental delays
Children with language delays
Children with disabilities
Children with social/emotional needs
Children with challenging behaviour
Children who have or are experiencing the effects of trauma.

Who can submit a PSFO referral?

Referrals are designed to be completed by the kindergarten service in consultation with parents/guardians, but can also be submitted with parental consent by:

Maternal and Child Health Nurses
Therapists
Doctors and Paediatricians
Other family and children’s service providers.

Early Childhood Educator Steps to complete a PSFO Referral:

Discuss your concerns with the family/guardian
Complete the referral form in consultation with the family/guardian, there are sections for both you and the family/guardian to complete
After submitting the form, wait for the PSFO officer to make contact Referral forms are available in the supporting documents section of this page.

For further information, please email the Preschool Field Officer or call 5624 2540.

What is the cost of the program?

The PSFO program is a State Government funded program and is available at no cost to all state funded kindergarten services.

What if a child is already receiving support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or an early childhood intervention provider?

If a child is an NDIS or an Early Intervention participant, kindergarten teachers in consultation with families, should first seek support from these providers.

In instances where NDIS does not include kindergarten support or services have been unable to offer supports, PSFO referrals may be submitted.