We work in partnership with families and the community to ensure every child can access, participate, and thrive.
Inclusive From the Very First Step
At Dubbo Early Learning Centre, we believe every child deserves to feel welcome and included. When our first child with a vision impairment was turned away from other services, we worked closely with their family and experts from Vision Australia and the NSW Department of Education to adapt our environment and practices. Their success helped us welcome a second child with similar needs. We continue to support children with cerebral palsy, chromosomal differences, and other medical conditions—always collaborating with families, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and specialist teachers to ensure every child can participate fully in our program.
Partnerships That Make Inclusion Possible
We maintain strong relationships with a range of community organisations and specialists. These partnerships ensure that support is tailored, timely, and accessible. Whether it’s organising regular check-ins, hosting relaxed coffee mornings with our local ECEC network, or welcoming professional visitors, we make sure our inclusion strategies are responsive and ongoing. Our approach aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework and our service philosophy: we believe in the capacity of every child to succeed, no matter their background or ability.
Reflecting to Improve, Always
We regularly reflect on how to improve children’s access and participation. This includes adjusting environments, creating calm spaces, offering sensory experiences, and promoting emotional regulation and social skills. Risky play is also encouraged—children of all abilities are supported to challenge themselves safely. Our team challenges biases about what children can do, who should perform certain roles, and how we define behaviour. We recognise that inclusion is not just about physical access—it’s about creating a culture of equity, respect, and high expectations.
Community and Culture Working Together
Our inclusive culture is made stronger by the families and communities we work with. We welcome input from families about cultural needs, social expectations, and daily routines. Children and families from diverse backgrounds feel seen and valued through meaningful adjustments and culturally responsive practices. Our location next to NSW Health allows for quick connections with expert medical advice, which means we can seek trusted guidance when families need it most. Inclusion is not a one-time decision—it’s an everyday practice, embedded into who we are.