Early Childhood Intervention

NDIS Capacity Building support

Early support for young children with developmental delay or disability, often involving therapists working with the child and the family to build skills and support daily routines.

The short answer

Early childhood intervention is early support for young children with developmental delay or disability. Therapists and educators work with the child and family so learning carries into everyday life.

About Early Childhood Intervention

The early years are a time of rapid growth in movement, communication, play and learning. When a child is developing differently, early support can help them build skills and confidence and can give families the tools to support them at home and in the community.

Early childhood intervention usually involves a team, which may include a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist and early childhood educator. Good teams work with the whole family, coaching parents and carers so that practice happens during daily routines such as meals, bath time and play, rather than only in appointments.

Families often have questions about what to expect and where to start. A child's doctor, paediatrician or early childhood health nurse can give advice about concerns and about what supports may help, and providers can explain their approach and how they involve families.

Who is this service for?

Families of young children with developmental delay or disability who want early support to build the child's skills and daily routines.

What a typical session looks like

Early childhood intervention is built around the child and family. Sessions are often play-based and may take place at home, in a childcare setting, at a clinic or in a group. A therapist or early childhood educator works with the child on skills such as communication, movement, play and self-care, and shows parents and carers what to do between sessions.

Families are treated as partners. A good practitioner listens to what you notice about your child, explains what they see, and sets goals that fit your family routines. Progress is shared in plain language, and the team keeps in touch with childcare, preschool or school so that everyone is working in the same direction.

Who delivers this support

Early childhood teams may include speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, early childhood educators and special educators. Some services offer a key worker who is the main contact and coordinates the rest. Look for practitioners who work with young children and understand family-centred practice, where parents are involved as the experts on their child.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Talk to your child's doctor or health nurse about your concerns.
  2. Write down what you have noticed and what you would like to work on.
  3. Contact providers and ask about their approach.
  4. Agree goals with the team and plan regular reviews.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Early support is often most effective when it fits into everyday life, including home routines, childcare and preschool. It works alongside health care, family supports and later transition to school. Because young children develop quickly, it helps to review goals often and to prepare early for changes such as starting school.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Early Childhood Intervention if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Early Childhood Intervention is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Early Childhood Intervention that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Therapy services providers on the NDIS register

10,460 NDIS providers list therapy services supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing therapy services

See all 10,460 therapy services providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What is early childhood intervention?

Early support for young children with developmental delay or disability. Therapists and educators often work with the child and family so learning carries into everyday life at home and in the community.

Why is early support important?

The early years are a time of rapid development, and support during this time can help a child build skills and confidence. Families are central to how it works.

How do I find an early childhood provider?

Ask your child's doctor, paediatrician or early childhood service for recommendations, then contact providers about availability, approach and how they involve families.

How do I know if my child needs support?

If you are worried about your child's development, speak to your doctor or child health nurse. They can talk through your concerns and suggest next steps.

Will my child have to go to lots of appointments?

It depends on the approach. Many providers coach families to work on goals at home, so appointments are focused and practical.

Can brothers and sisters take part in sessions?

Often yes. Ask the provider how they include siblings and the wider family.

Do we need a diagnosis to start early childhood support?

Not always. Support can often start when there are developmental concerns, and the team can help work out what is going on. Talk to your doctor or child health nurse about next steps.

What is a key worker?

A key worker is one member of the team who acts as the family's main contact, coordinates the other professionals and helps make sure everyone works toward shared goals.

How can I help my child between sessions?

Your therapist can show you simple activities to build into everyday moments such as meals, bath time and play. Small, regular practice is often more useful than long sessions.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Early Childhood Intervention?

If Early Childhood Intervention is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Early Childhood Intervention provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

Browse the NDIS and aged care provider directory

Helpful reading

All NDIS and aged care articles