December 2024

As the year comes to a close, the Learning Links SCB team would like to express our gratitude to all preschools participating in the Sector Capacity Building Program. Your commitment to fostering inclusive environments has been inspiring. We have witnessed the incredible efforts of preschools embracing new initiatives and embedding inclusive practices, ensuring every child feels welcomed and supported. It’s clear your hard work is making a lasting impact on children and their families across South West Sydney. 

By incorporating sensory tools like swings, trampolines, scoop rocker chairs, and weighted lap toys, children are receiving better support throughout their daily routines. Thoughtfully designed calm corners are helping with emotional regulation, and preschools are continuously reflecting on their routines and practices to ensure all children are supported.

We are proud of the way preschools are meeting the diverse needs of children, and these developments are a testament to your dedication. 

Disability Inclusion Program (DIP) Update

This term, preschools were given the opportunity to submit applications for High Learning Support Needs (HLSN) and Inclusive Environments (IE) funding for both returning and newly enrolled children. We understand how important this funding is in supporting children with high support needs, and we want to thank all preschools who worked diligently to meet the first submission deadline on 6 December 2024. 

For those who missed the initial deadline, please don’t worry - there is still time to apply! The next deadline for applications is Friday, 7 March 2025. Submitting by this date ensures that eligible funding will be processed, with payments made by 23 May 2025, and backdated to the child’s start date where applicable.

For the full list of 2025 quarterly cut off and payment dates please refer to the HLSN and IE funding guidelines below:  

• High Learning Support Needs Funding Program 2025 Guidelines

• Inclusive Environments Funding Program 2025 Guidelines

Key Reminders for Returning Children: 

For preschools that opted in for prepayment for returning children, it’s important to remember that these children still require a formal HLSN or IE application to be submitted by 7 March 2025. This is essential to ensure their funding continues and aligns with program guidelines. 

For New Children Starting in 2025: 

We know that many new children will commence preschool in the new year, and their specific support needs may not yet have been fully established. Please take the time to assess these children’s needs early in the year and submit applications by the 7 March 2025 deadline to secure funding for eligible children. 

HLSN and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) 

A reminder that all children receiving HLSN funding must have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) in place. This is a valuable tool for outlining goals and strategies tailored to the child’s unique needs. Preschools are welcome to use their own ILP templates, or you can access a suggested template here. 

If you require additional assistance with your DIP applications, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lauren for one-on-one support. 

Exciting New SCB Training Opportunities

This term, we made the decision not to host an SCB network meeting. We recognise that Term 4 is an incredibly busy period for preschools, with end-of-year celebrations and numerous commitments filling your calendars. 

Instead, our focus has been on providing practical and accessible resources to support ongoing professional development. We expanded our range of on-demand webinars, which are designed to facilitate team training in a more flexible way. We also hosted the live webinar on DIP applications, helping navigate the funding process and providing practical guidance. 

We are confident these resources will support teams in continuing to grow skills and strengthen inclusive practices. 

On-Demand Webinars

Our team has been working hard to develop new training resources tailored to professional development needs. These resources are now available on the Professional Learning page of our Inclusion Hub. With planning days coming up in the new year, this is a great opportunity for preschools to explore these webinars together as part of their team’s professional learning. New webinars include:

• Strategies to Support Sensory Regulation - this webinar offers an in-depth understanding of sensory processing and practical strategies for supporting children in early childhood settings. 
• AAC in Early Learning Environments - this session explores the benefits of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools and their role in supporting children’s language and communication. 
• Creating Social Narratives - this practical webinar, created with our speech pathologists, provides step-by-step guidance on designing and implementing social narratives to support children’s behaviour and participation.

We encourage you to visit the Professional Learning page on the Hub to find our full range of webinars, from behaviour management to inclusive practices.