Advocate:
An advocate is a person or persons selected by the family who may
provide support in one or more of the following ways:
• ensuring that the family understands what is being
discussed
• supporting the family in making decisions
• ensuring the family's views are valued and represented
• withdrawing from the role when and if necessary.
The advocate may be from the teaching staff or early childhood
setting only if requested by the family. The family has the right to
relieve the advocate of his or her role at any time.
Interpreters:
A trained interpreter may be needed to assist the family. The team
coordinator should arrange for a suitable person to be included
on the early learning support team. Interpreters may be needed
for parents from non English speaking background, or parents or
family members who have a hearing impairment.
Support for Aboriginal families:
The following agencies or personnel may also provide support in
situations where an Aboriginal child is the focus of the transition
process:
• Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
• Aboriginal health worker
• Aboriginal education assistant
• Aboriginal education resource teacher
• Aboriginal community liaison officer.
Contact your local school, council or health centre for information
on how to obtain these services.
For information on the full range of agencies who may provide
support to families, refer to the district disability programs
consultant.
The following diagram illustrates the composition of the early
learning support team.