June 2023

Welcome to our June edition of the SCB Inclusion Links newsletter. As we come towards the end of our first year of SCB support for Preschools across South Western Sydney, we can reflect on the wonderful journey it has been. We thank all the services that have participated in the program and your time committed to partner with Learning Links for improved outcomes of inclusion within your preschool program. Learning Links looks forward to strengthening our partnership in the coming year.  

Higher Learning Support Needs (HLSN) Applications

A reminder that High Learning Support Needs applications can continue to be submitted. Funding for eligible applications submitted up to and including 30 June will be backdated to the child’s enrolment start date for 2023. Funding for eligible applications submitted on or after 1 July 2023 will be backdated to 1 July 2023, or the child’s enrolment start date for 2023, whichever is the most recent date.  

Please note the quarterly cut off dates that determine the payment dates:  

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Friday 18 August 2023, submitted by 5.00pm.

Quarter 4 - October 2023 
(Funding is for October to December) 

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Friday 13 October 2023, submitted by 5.00pm.

Final adjustments* - December 2023 
*Only certain types of variations (increase in hours, decrease in hours, extended absence and child has left) and applications for children enrolled after the Quarter 4 application cut-off date will be considered for payment. 

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SCB Network Meeting

Thank you to everyone who has participated in previous Network Meetings. We look forward to continuing to host these in the future.  

Please note that the date set for our next Network Meeting is Tuesday 1 August 2023 at Catherine Field Preschool. We encourage your participation if possible as it is a great opportunity to meet others from the sector and collaborate regarding inclusive practices.  

If you are interested in hosting future SCB network meetings, please let Lauren know.   

Supporting the Whole Child 

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on how many of the practices that have been discussed can come together to provide a holistic education support program for children with diverse and complex support needs. In applying strategies such as Visual Aids and sensory supports to assist sensory and emotional regulation we also need to consider our environment, routine, and expectation of children.  

This month on the Inclusion Hub you will find a range of resources to support reflection and discussion on our connection with children, understanding their support needs and applying this to our overall routine and practice across the preschool.  

These articles and resources offer insight into the impact of transitions, how to support group times and building relationships with children:

Be You Disability Inclusion Guide

ACECQA: QA5 Relationships with Children

ACECQA: Q5 Supporting Children to Regulate Their Own Behaviour

How to: Plan Effective Transitions for Children 

CELA: A Reflection on the Ethics of Group Time

Phoenix Support For Educators: How do I 'manage' children's behaviour during group time?