Preschool Field Officer (PSFO)
The Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) supports the inclusion of children with additional needs in Victorian state funded three-and-four-year old kindergarten programs.
PSFOs also assist kindergartens to link families with services available for children with developmental concerns and broader child and family supports.
The PSFO is funded by the Department of Education (DE) and Hobsons Bay City Council and is offered as a free service to kindergartens. PSFOs have extensive experience in early childhood development with a background in early childhood teaching. PSFOs use a locally responsive approach that includes consultative support, resourcing and practical advice to assist early childhood teachers.
Role of the PSFO
- Engage with the early childhood teachers, rather than work one on one with children
- Actively build the capacity of the teachers to support the access and participation of eligible children
- Support partnerships between teachers and families in their programs
- Attend kindergarten programs to conduct play-based observations of referred children
- Assist with the development of strategies for teachers to include in their individual learning and development programs for eligible children
- Support and resource families
- Assist teachers and families in applying for additional funding
- Provide information, support and resources to teachers
- Facilitate and encourage teachers to engage in professional development and networking opportunities
Criteria for Accessing this Service
Children who are eligible for PSFO support include those with:
- social or emotional issues
- speech, language or communication concerns
- developmental delays
- advanced abilities and skills
- challenging behaviours
- a diagnosed disability
- trauma
- vulnerable children who attend a state funded kindergarten program and are not currently accessing early childhood intervention services
How can this service be accessed?
If you are an early childhood teacher, please see the PSFO contact details below.
If you are the parent or guardian of a child who meets the criteria, you are encouraged to discuss these concerns with your child’s teacher. Where the parent directly contacts the PSFO service, the PSFO will liaise with the relevant teacher to progress the referral.
All referrals(PDF, 133KB) must be completed and signed by parent/guardian and teacher.
More information
Contact the PSFO program on 9932 1540 or psfo@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.
Department of Education Program
Preschool Field Officer program | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)