Joey Program
Support for students in Years 1-3
** We are accepting referrals Semester 2, 2023 **
Address: Highview Road, Preston 3072
Ph: 9478 8895
Email: 3552-programs@schools.vic.edu.au
The Joey Program is a six month placement for primary school age students in Years 1 - 3 who exhibit social and emotional challenges. We work in partnership with the referring school and parents/caregivers to tailor supports for positive school engagement.
PROGRAM
The Joey Program offers a personalised Social and Emotional Learning program. Circle Time and social skills classes provide opportunity for social development and are integral elements of Positive Behaviour Supports. Time is also set daily for SMART goal setting, counselling and student self-evaluation. All students are provided with a personalised learning plan. Small groups, consistent care, predictable routines, appropriately modelled behaviour, negotiated responsibilities and a commitment to engage all students are key features of the program.
All students must be dual enrolled. For the first part of the placement, all students participate four days a week in the program and return one day a week to the main school (Wednesday), and in the second half of the placement all students participate three days a week in the program, returning two days to their main school (Wednesday and Thursday). Some students may be offered a modified program with adjusted attendance at Yarra Me School to support transition into the program.
INTAKE
Students can be referred by the student's main school and/or a DET Allied Health Officers at any time. An Enrolment Committee considers the referral and prepares a recommendation. Admission and commencement are subject to suitability and availability of space in the program.
DURATION
Placement in the program is for six months (two school terms). Students can be referred for a start of year placement or a mid-year placement. We enrol two groups over the course of the academic year. Group one commences the program in term one, completing the placement at the end of term two. The second enrolment intake, Group two occurs at the beginning of Term 3 and goes till the end of term four.
*There is no provision to extend placements beyond the initial six month period*
DOWNLOAD INFORMATION BROCHURE HERE
Ph: 9478 8895
Email: 3552-programs@schools.vic.edu.au
The Joey Program is a six month placement for primary school age students in Years 1 - 3 who exhibit social and emotional challenges. We work in partnership with the referring school and parents/caregivers to tailor supports for positive school engagement.
PROGRAM
The Joey Program offers a personalised Social and Emotional Learning program. Circle Time and social skills classes provide opportunity for social development and are integral elements of Positive Behaviour Supports. Time is also set daily for SMART goal setting, counselling and student self-evaluation. All students are provided with a personalised learning plan. Small groups, consistent care, predictable routines, appropriately modelled behaviour, negotiated responsibilities and a commitment to engage all students are key features of the program.
All students must be dual enrolled. For the first part of the placement, all students participate four days a week in the program and return one day a week to the main school (Wednesday), and in the second half of the placement all students participate three days a week in the program, returning two days to their main school (Wednesday and Thursday). Some students may be offered a modified program with adjusted attendance at Yarra Me School to support transition into the program.
INTAKE
Students can be referred by the student's main school and/or a DET Allied Health Officers at any time. An Enrolment Committee considers the referral and prepares a recommendation. Admission and commencement are subject to suitability and availability of space in the program.
DURATION
Placement in the program is for six months (two school terms). Students can be referred for a start of year placement or a mid-year placement. We enrol two groups over the course of the academic year. Group one commences the program in term one, completing the placement at the end of term two. The second enrolment intake, Group two occurs at the beginning of Term 3 and goes till the end of term four.
*There is no provision to extend placements beyond the initial six month period*
DOWNLOAD INFORMATION BROCHURE HERE
Important information about the referral process

Participation and success in the program for students in Years 1 - 3 is dependent on:
PLACEMENT PROCESS
Our referral process involves the following steps:
** Why we need current assessment results**
SUITABILITY OF PLACEMENT
PLACEMENT FEE
PARTNERING AGREEMENT
- the student being enrolled in a mainstream state primary school in the North Western Victoria Region.
- the student is at risk of disengaging from school.
- the student exhibits significant social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
- the school has demonstrated their 'referral pathway' in supporting the student in their school, including recent cognitive, and speech and language assessments
- the family/carer has been consulted about the program and are supportive of the placement
- the student is positive about the placement
PLACEMENT PROCESS
Our referral process involves the following steps:
- telephone/email/web enquiry from referring school or agency
- referral form completed, including
** Why we need current assessment results**
- student observation
- orientation visit for the student, parent and referring teacher
- completion of an enrolment form which is available from the Yarra Me School office
- half day trial
- notification of outcome from placement committee
- Student Support Group Meeting is held at the referring school prior to the student commencing the program
SUITABILITY OF PLACEMENT
- Once placement is confirmed, all students are offered an initial four-week trial period into the program that takes into account their suitability and response to the planned interventions, including the student's willingness to participate in the program.
PLACEMENT FEE
- A non-refundable administrative fee of $500 per semester/per student is charged to the referring school. YarraMe School does not charge parents or carers a placement or contribution fee.
PARTNERING AGREEMENT
- A service agreement must be completed be the referring school prior to the commencement of the program. This will be provided to the school by Yarra Me. For your reference a sample agreement can be accessed here
# # Grab our tip sheet on What makes a 'good' referral? here