NDIS funding to support a child with developmental delay. Helping build firm foundations for early childhood
Image Description: Little boy playing with toys
We know that early childhood is critical and sets the foundation for how children develop. That’s why it’s important that children with developmental delays and disabilities receive adequate care early in the picture.
A developmental delay is attributed to either a mental or physical impairment, or a combination of both that’s seen to impact self-care, receptive or expressive language, cognitive development like understanding information, and/or motor development - which is everyday activities like moving around the home.
The problem is, sometimes mental or physical impairment can be harder to measure in very young children. This is where the opinion of an Early Childhood Partner (ECP), or health or allied health professional is important.
What are ECPs and what do they do?
ECPs are organisations that the NDIA has partnered with to help you to see if your child - or a child you care for - has developmental delays. ECPs can gather information about how your child, or a child you care for, does everyday activities, and use it to determine if they have developmental delays and can access the scheme. If they are eligible to access the NDIS, ECPs can help you to gather evidence to support an NDIS access request. If you live in a non-ECP area, you can request a doctor, child health nurse or educator that knows your child well to provide evidence to support access to the scheme.
What happens once your child has NDIS access?
Once your child has NDIS access, your ECP - or an NDIS planner if you live in a non-ECP area - will work with you to develop a plan to help your child achieve their developmental goals.
Your child’s NDIS plan may be reviewed annually to look at how they are progressing with the help of their NDIS supports. They may have made great developmental gains and no longer need the support of the scheme, or they may need to continue with their NDIS supports.
Download our FREE Factsheet outlining the NDIS Pathway for Early Years to show you what the Early Childhood Approach looks like in a snapshot.
Join us on Kinora this month as we explore the early childhood approach that's embraced by NDIS so that you or someone you care for can feel confident moving forward.
Look for support for a child with developmental delay? We can answer your questions about early childhood approach and point you in the right direction.
