Early intervention helps children with developmental delay or disability get supports as soon as possible. It also empowers families to feel confident about their child’s future. By starting early, children can build important skills during the years when their brains grow fastest.
Key terms:
- Early intervention: Getting a child with developmental delay access to supports services as early as possible
- Early Childhood Approach: A program run by the NDIS for children under 6 with developmental delay or under 9 with disability
- Early connections: Is about giving quick access to support a child to develop the skills they need to take part in everyday activities.
What is the Early Childhood Approach (previously known as Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)?
Under the Early Childhood Approach, children younger than 9 with disability (or children under 6 with developmental delay) can access supports. These supports might include:
- Physiotherapy to develop motor skills
- Speech therapy to improve communication
- Social playgroups that help children interact and build friendships.
You don’t need to apply for the NDIS to access supports under the ECA. Some children and their families can access early connections and supports outside of the NDIS. Others will be assisted to apply for the NDIS, depending on their individual needs. The aim is to include a child in everyday life, boost their development and support the whole family.
Good to know: If a child gets early connections they might not need NDIS supports in the future.
Why should I start early?
The first few years of a child’s life set the stage for learning and growth. When families tap into supports early, children often:
- Improve physical coordination
- Learn new words and ways to communicate
- Feel more confident in social situations.
Starting early also benefits parents and carers. The right supports may help you feel more prepared to meet your child’s needs.
Best practice in early childhood intervention.
Best practice guidelines show that children and families gain the most when:
- The family is at the centre of decisions
- Services and supports respect the family’s culture, values and beliefs
- The child takes part in home and community life
- Daily routines become chances to learn and practise new skills
- Families and professionals form a team around the child
- Everyone shares knowledge, so parents feel confident each day
- Services focus on the goals the family has for their child
- Qualified professionals offer supports based on evidence and research.
How the NDIS Early Childhood Approach works.
The NDIS Early Childhood Approach includes children younger than 9. If your child is under 6, you can get help without a formal diagnosis. This means you can access supports right away, rather than waiting for an official assessment.
Early childhood partners are funded by the NDIS and act as local guides for families. They can:
- Explain best-practice early intervention and what NDIS supports are available to you
- Connect you with local therapists or community programs
- Help you decide if an NDIS Plan is right for your child
- Suggest other services like support groups, if you want them.
Having a main point of contact, called a key worker, means families can get consistent information and support. Your key worker will help you navigate your child’s supports without juggling multiple appointments or repeating the same information. This also makes it easier to share ideas, track progress and adjust goals over time.
Every child is unique. Some children may need help with communication while others might need help with movement or social skills. Liaising with a key worker means you can find the right supports for your child’s specific needs. This team-based approach helps families feel supported and keeps your child’s daily routines at the heart of everything you do.
Simple ways you can get started.
- Speak with a health professional. Talk to your general practitioner or child health nurse if you have concerns
- Ask about early childhood partners. They can help you find the right supports in your area
- Use everyday moments. Activities like reading together, playing games or cooking can build skills
- Join parent groups. Sharing experiences with others who understand can be very supportive.
Each family’s experience is different. That’s why early intervention supports can be tailored to match your child’s needs and your own goals.
The lasting impact of early intervention.
Early intervention builds strong foundations that can last a lifetime. Children often achieve better outcomes at school, feel more comfortable in social settings and have a greater sense of independence.
For children with developmental delay or disability, everyday experiences like family routines to playgroup or preschool become valuable learning opportunities. By practising new skills in these natural settings, children gain confidence and build stronger connections with their peers.
Parents and carers also benefit. Families grow their own skills and knowledge, allowing them to better support their child and adapt as needs change. Having the right strategies in place can ease stress, encourage ongoing growth and boost family wellbeing.
By focusing on your child’s individual strengths, your child can thrive, now and in the future.
We’re here to help.
Need help navigating early childhood intervention or your NDIS Plan? Reach out to the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78 or email crew@leapin.com.au. We’re here to help every step of the way!
Find out more.
Read the NDIS information and guidelines about its Early Childhood Approach.