Kayce, a three-year-old, was sent home just 40 minutes after arriving at his childcare center on October 17.
“We received a call around 7:40 a.m. stating that his behavior was challenging and he needed to be picked up,” Kayce’s mother, Jaymie Barber, shared with 9News.
In response, Kayce’s family is advocating for enhanced training to better equip educators to handle a variety of behavioral needs in children.
“Nowadays, there are likely 10 children in a daycare with neurodiverse needs being overlooked. These children are slipping through the cracks, only to face even more challenges once they reach school,” Jaymie explained.
The Education Department has confirmed that Victoria’s early childhood regulator is investigating the incident.
“The health and safety of children remains our utmost priority,” stated a spokesperson from the Department of Education.
“The Regulatory Authority responds to any non-compliance in early childhood services, particularly when the safety, health or wellbeing of children may be at risk.”
A new, independent regulator called VECRA will launch on January 1, 2026, as part of landmark child safety reforms announced earlier this year.
The regulator will increase the number of compliance checks and strengthen the sector, the department said.
Early childhood educators at government-funded kindergartens have access to training on caring for children with additional needs through the Early Childhood Hub, the department said.
