DECD Intervac Funding

What is Inclusion? ‘Inclusion means being part of and participating in the environment. It means more than just ‘being there’. It means ‘being with’ ie. playing with, communicating with, learning with and socialising with peers. It means belonging.’ Source: Phillips & Lock 1994

PURPOSE Improves access and participation in approved OSHC services and State funded vacation care services for children with specific needs Supports the service to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Provides funding to services where there is a need for additional educators to include children with specific needs Supports families of children with disabilities or additional needs to enter or re – enter the work force, contributes to their wellbeing and assists them to manage the competing demands of work, study or family.

Guidelines Funding may be used provided all other avenues of support, such as Inclusion Support Subsidy, have been exhausted. Can support for a maximum of 2 hours a day for after school care and up to 8 hours a day for vacation care. For children requiring delegated care the service will refer to Women’s and Children’s Health Network.

PAPERWORK Referral form Service and family to complete referral form together. Service director and parent to sign the completed referral form. Health care plans to be completed.

PAPERWORK Planning tool Service to send completed planning tool 2 weeks to DECD OSHC unit prior to the care period. A representative of the approved provider is required to sign the planning tool. Where possible 1educator to 3 children used to increase the ratio and provide responsive care to all children maximising funding.

PAPERWORK Claim form Additional educator hours must be approved by the Assistant Policy Officer. Form to be returned by the due date for payment. Forms received after this date will not be paid. Funding subsidy rate is currently $15.61 per hour for the number of hours the additional educator is employed

Funding Accountablity A representative of the approved provider signs the planning tool and claim form. They are responsible and accountable for spending and acquitting the funding as its intended. Intervac funding must be accounted for on the service’s annual audit along with all other monies. Additional educator hours must be negotiated and approved with the OSHC Assistant Policy Officer. Additional educators employed with the Intervac funding are not to be counted in the minimum ratio.

Leadership and Environment Enrolment process Health Care Plans Working in partnership with class teacher Negotiating space and resources to support individual children Monitoring progress meetings Ongoing professional learning

Contact DECD OSHC UNIT Phone: Web: