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CALD Kindergarten Participation Project

The Victorian Government has partnered with the MAV to deliver the Kindergarten Participation Project to provide implementation support to councils participating in the CALD Outreach Initiative as well as proactive support for all Victorian councils to strengthen kindergarten participation for CALD children.

How the MAV supports councils through the CALD Kindergarten Participation Project:

Community of Practice; Online collaboration via MS Teams; Resource Hub; Sharing updates and leading practice; One-on-one support

About the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Outreach Initiative

Funded by the Victorian Government's Department of Education, the CALD Outreach Initiative supports the inclusion of children from CALD backgrounds in kindergarten and Pre-Prep through CALD Outreach Worker positions at funded local councils and a partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

From January 2025 to June 2027, the Victorian Government is funding 26 councils to deliver the CALD Outreach Initiative.

The objectives of the initiative are:

  • To support the participation of Victorian children and families from CALD backgrounds in kindergarten and Pre-Prep
  • To support successful registration and enrolment of CALD children in kindergarten and Pre-Prep
  • To maximise CALD children’s attendance in kindergarten and Pre-Prep
  • To engage CALD children and their families in other early childhood supports in their local area, such as community playgroups and Maternal and Child Health (MCH)
  • To support CALD children to transition from kindergarten to school.

Participating Councils in the CALD Outreach Initiative

  • Alpine Shire Council
  • Ararat Rural City Council
  • Ballarat City Council
  • Banyule City Council
  • Brimbank City Council
  • Casey City Council
  • Darebin City Council
  • Greater Bendigo City Council
  • Greater Dandenong City Council
  • Greater Geelong City Council
  • Greater Shepparton City Council
  • Hobsons Bay City Council
  • Hume City Council
  • Maribyrnong City Council
  • Maroondah City Council
  • Melbourne City Council
  • Melton City Council
  • Merri-bek City Council
  • Mildura Rural City Council
  • Mitchell Shire Council
  • Moonee Valley City Council
  • Moorabool Shire Council
  • Whittlesea City Council
  • Wyndham City Council
  • Yarra City Council
  • Yarra Ranges Shire Council.

News, Update and Resources

CALD Kindergarten Participation Updates

To provide CALD Outreach Workers and stakeholders with regular updates, insights, and resources to support and enhance kindergarten participation efforts.

For more information on the CALD Outreach Initiative please contact your participating local council directly or the department at early.years.cald.programs@education.vic.gov.au.