A new program is making it easier for families of children with severe disabilities, including suspected intellectual disabilities, to navigate the transition to Prep at state schools. Through the Enrolment Navigator Pilot, families can access tailored support to ensure their child's transition to school is smooth, informed and well-prepared.
What is the Enrolment Navigator Pilot
The Enrolment Navigator Pilot is a dedicated program designed to assist families of children with severe disabilities in Early Childhood Development Programs (ECDP) located at state schools, or early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. Currently delivered across Metro North, Metro South and South East Queensland regions, the program provides families with the tools and guidance they need to make confident decisions about their child's transition and enrolment at a state school.
How Enrolment Navigators support families
Enrolment Navigators are Department of Education officers who work closely with families to provide personalised support. Their role includes:
- offering clear information about enrolment processes and state schooling options
- assisting parents with completing forms and applications
- arrange discussions between families and schools to ensure the child's needs are understood and supported
- helping with transition planning to prepare children for their new school environment
- building parents' confidence by addressing concerns about their child's safety, care and wellbeing.
The role of ECDP and ECEC services
ECDP and ECEC services play a vital role in connecting families with Enrolment Navigators. These services can request a referral pack, which includes:
- fact sheets for families and service providers about the program
- a consent form to share student personal information with third parties for transition to school planning and support.
The Enrolment Navigator Pilot is built on collaboration between families, schools and early childhood services. By working together, the program ensures families feel informed, supported and confident about their child's transition to school.
Connect with the team
If you're aware of a family with a child that could benefit from the support of an Enrolment Navigator, you can provide them with the fact sheet for parents/carers. Having the family complete a consent form will allow you to share necessary details with the Enrolment Navigator team.
Contact the team via email at
EnrolmentNavigatorProject@qed.qld.gov.au for more information or to request a referral pack, parents/carers can also directly email as well.