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Bicultural support is time limited specialist support to assist children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to access child care care services and programs. Support is generally used when a child/family is enrolling or soon after the child has started care.
How much does it cost?
Bicultural support is free of charge for Australian Government Approved Child Care Services including long day care, outside school hours care, vacation care, family day care, occasional care, in home care and non-mainstream child care services.
You must fill in a Request for Service form and a Bicultural Support Request form to access Bicultural support.
Fee for service arrangments can also be negotiated for other organisations.
A Bicultural Support Worker can come to your service to assist with:
Supporting children:
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supporting transitions of children into care
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to help with settling into a new environment and assisting children to understand staff expectations and child care routines
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encouraging principles of family centred practice and inclusion
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facilitating an exchange of information about the children’s program and cross cultural child rearing practices
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implementation of culturally appropriate practices for the child
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to support children to develop friendships and foster children’s own self-worth and identity
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to give children a greater understanding of the environment that they are in
Supporting staff:
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assisting staff to communicate with culturally diverse families and children
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helping staff understand relevant cultural issues
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linking staff with professional development, inclusion support and other relevant services
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by providing cultural advice
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by teaching simple key words and phrases
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by translating simple key words and phrases for use in the program.
How do I apply for Bicultural Support?
- contact your nearest Inclusive Directions office
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a Service Support Plan (SSP) identifying the need for bicultural support is required and generally developed with an Inclusion Support Facilitator
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the parent/caregiver must provide consent before a Bicultural Support Worker can be allocated.
Browse and download our cultural information sheets and cultural resources.
Working with Bicultural Support workers
Are you interested in becoming a Bicultural Support Worker?
Our Bicultural Support Workers work with children, staff and parents in children’s services. Find out more here.
If you would like to apply download the application form.
The Bicultural Support Program is funded by the Professional Support Coordinator (PSC) Gowrie Training Centre under the Australian Government’s Inclusion and Professional Support Program. The program is being managed and delivered by Inclusive Directions Inc. |