Resources to support language access in Victorian early childhood services

Resource pack launched by the Victorian Government aims to strengthen communication between kindergarten services and families who speak a language other than English or use Auslan.

All funded kindergarten services in Victoria have received a dedicated resource pack designed to enhance access to interpreting and translation services. Developed to support early childhood educators and services in engaging more effectively with linguistically diverse families, the resource initiative forms part of a broader commitment to equity, inclusion and cultural responsiveness in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

The Early Childhood Language Services program provides access to on‑site, telephone and video interpreting services, free of charge for eligible services. The new resource pack supports effective uptake and includes:

• A welcome sign to create a culturally safe, inclusive environment
• A “Speak with us in your language” poster and card to help families identify their preferred language
• A quick reference guide for requesting an interpreter
• Instructions for creating a user account and registering for the service
• A guide to working with interpreters in early childhood settings
• Details of an eLearning series by fka Children’s Services to support communication about enrolment, orientation and participation

Language is foundational to building strong partnerships with families, a key principle under the National Quality Framework (NQF). These new resources support:

• Equity of access: Helping all families engage in conversations and make informed decisions about their child’s education
• Cultural safety and inclusion: Encouraging services to proactively support language needs and respect cultural identity
• Improved communication: Equipping staff with tools and training to facilitate clear, inclusive dialogue
• Regulatory alignment: Strengthening evidence for Quality Area 6 Collaborative partnerships with families and communities and Quality Area 7 Governance and leadership.

Services are encouraged to plan ahead when booking interpreters, as demand across health and education sectors may affect availability.

To maximise the value of these resources, services can:

Unpack and display materials

• Place the welcome sign and multilingual poster in a visible, family-accessible location
• Invite families to indicate their preferred language using the provided card

Register and train staff

• Follow instructions to register and create accounts on the interpreter platform
• Ensure educators and administrators know how to request and work with interpreters
• Use the included guide and fka Children’s Services eLearning to build team confidence

Embed in service operations

• Include language support in enrolment and orientation procedures
• Add interpreter booking as a standard step when planning meetings with families who need support

Review and improve

• Track interpreter use and family feedback
• Review communication practices regularly to ensure language access is maintained

Communicate availability to families

• Promote the service through newsletters, websites, enrolment packs and information sessions
• Emphasise your commitment to inclusive communication and welcoming all families

By embedding these new language-access resources into day-to-day practice, services can strengthen their ability to meet the needs of all families, regardless of language background. This aligns not only with best-practice service delivery but also with the regulatory expectations of the NQF.

As the ECEC sector continues to champion inclusion and belonging, tools like these help ensure every family is heard, understood and supported throughout their early learning journey.

For more information on Early Childhood Language Services and to access digital resources, visit vic.gov.au.