New resources boost language support in Victorian early childhood services

The Victorian Government has unveiled a new resource pack to help funded kindergarten and early childhood services connect with the Early Childhood Language Services, a free interpreting and translation initiative designed to support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families.

What’s Included and How It Helps

As of 4 September 2025, services across Victoria have begun receiving the resource pack via Australia Post, accompanied by email guidance. The pack includes:

• A Welcome sign to promote a culturally safe and inclusive environment.
• Information on registering and accessing the interpreting services.
• A “Speak with us in your language” poster and family card, inviting families to share their preferred language.
• A quick guide for requesting interpreter support.
• Instructions on working effectively with interpreters in early childhood settings.
• Access details to the fka Children’s Services eLearning series, focused on engaging families through enrolment, orientation, and ongoing participation.

The tools are designed to bridge communication barriers, ensuring all families receive equitable access to information and meaningful participation in their children’s early learning. Services may request interpreters via on-site, phone, or video, and Auslan support is also available.

The resources reinforce inclusive practice by helping services welcome multilingual families and honour diverse linguistic backgrounds, an essential aspect of culturally responsive ECEC.

Providing families with accessible information and interpretation directly supports confident family engagement, leading to smoother enrolment, transition, and participation processes.

The quick reference and practical materials empower staff to facilitate effective communication and reduce the administrative burden of arranging interpreting services.

For more information refer to Early Childhood Language Services and Supporting CALD families to engage in kindergarten.