The early childhood survey was conducted by VIC ROADS to establish the extent to which traffic safety education has been included in the activities of Victorian preschools and child care centres. The survey was also used to determine the level of usage of the Starting Out Safely program (SOS), the value of this and other materials to staff, and to identify resources which may require change. This report has been provided from responses by 92 early childhood centres. The majority of the centres surveyed carry out some sort of traffic safety education within their centres. An overwhelming majority of staff believe traffic safety education is important. Of the centres surveyed, 55% indicated they are using the SOS program. Of the centres that indicated they were not using the program, the main reasons indicated were pressure of other demands, the program was too costly, or that centres were unaware of, or unfamiliar with the SOS program. Those using the program rated the components as easy to use. Overall respondents indicated that the program was worthwhile, valuable, and a good source of support. Although staff at the majority of centres (72%) were aware of the Traffic Safety Education consultancy services offered by VIC ROADS, very few (24%) had used these services. However 39% indicated that they would like a consultant to call. The speaker at parent information nights was found to be the most popular aspect of the consultancy service.
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