An Independent parent guide by Everyday Independence
If you are concerned about your child’s development or disability, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
This guide explains the NDIS early childhood approach, where to find official information and what may happen next.
Every child develops differently. If you have concerns about your child’s communication, movement, play, learning, behaviour, relationships or ability to take part in everyday activities, it can help to speak with someone who knows your child.
You may wish to talk to your child’s:
They can help you understand what support may be helpful and may connect you with an NDIS early childhood partner.
The NDIS early childhood approach supports children younger than nine who have developmental delay or disability, and their families.
An NDIS early childhood partner can help you understand your options and connect with supports that suit your child and family. This may include information, community and mainstream services, peer support, early supports or help to apply to the NDIS.
Children younger than six with developmental concerns do not need a diagnosis before speaking with an early childhood partner. Some children may be able to access early connections or early supports without becoming an NDIS participant.
Learn about the NDIS early childhood approach
The NDIS and its early childhood partners manage the application process for children younger than nine. Everyday Independence does not manage or submit applications.
Talk to a professional who knows your child, such as their GP, child health nurse or educator. They can discuss your concerns and may help you understand the supports your child could benefit from.
An early childhood partner is a local organisation funded by the NDIS to work with children younger than nine and their families.
They can talk with you about your child’s everyday life, strengths, needs and development. They may also review reports or information from health professionals and educators.
Your early childhood partner may connect you with:
If an application is appropriate, the early childhood partner can help you understand the process and the information the NDIS may need.
The NDIA makes all decisions about whether a child is eligible for the NDIS and what funding may be included in an NDIS plan.
Find an NDIS early childhood partner
The NDIS or an early childhood partner may ask for information about your child’s development, strengths, daily activities and support needs.
This may include reports or letters from professionals who know your child, such as a GP, paediatrician, allied health professional or educator.
For current advice about eligibility, evidence and the application process, always use the official NDIS website or speak with an early childhood partner. NDIS requirements and processes can change.
Official NDIS information about applying for children
Everyday Independence provides early childhood therapy supports for children with an approved NDIS plan.
We are not an early childhood partner and cannot help you apply for the NDIS. Once your child has an approved plan, we can talk with you about therapy supports and whether our team may be the right fit for your family.
Our early childhood key workers support children and families in the places that matter most, including home, childcare, preschool and the community.
Your key worker is your main contact. They lead your child’s supports, work alongside your family and bring in other practitioners when needed, such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, positive behaviour support practitioners and habit coaches.
We can support your child to build skills for everyday life, including:
Already have an approved NDIS plan?
If your child has an approved NDIS plan and you are looking for early childhood therapy supports, Everyday Independence can discuss your family’s goals, service availability and next steps.
This enquiry form is for therapy services only. It cannot be used to apply for the NDIS, check eligibility or follow up an application.
No. Everyday Independence is not the NDIS, NDIA or an NDIS early childhood partner. We cannot receive, submit or approve an NDIS application.
For help with an application, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or find an early childhood partner through the official NDIS website.
The NDIA decides whether a child is eligible for the NDIS and whether funding is approved.
No. Children younger than six do not need a diagnosis to speak with an early childhood partner when there are concerns about their development.
An early childhood partner is a local organisation funded by the NDIS to help children younger than nine with developmental delay or disability, and their families, understand and access the right supports.
The NDIS early childhood approach may connect some children and families with information, community supports or early supports without the child becoming an NDIS participant. An early childhood partner can explain the options for your child.
Contact Everyday Independence if your child has an approved NDIS plan and you would like to discuss early childhood therapy supports. For help applying to the NDIS, contact the NDIS or your local early childhood partner.
Everyday Independence cannot accept or process NDIS applications. For information about your child’s eligibility, application or local early childhood partner, contact the NDIS directly.
Visit the official NDIS early childhood information page
Have an approved NDIS plan and looking for therapy?
Our early childhood team can discuss therapy supports for your child and family.
Enquire about early childhood therapy
Everyday Independence offers early childhood support services to NDIS-funded participants aged up to nine years.Our early childhood intervention services bring the following services together through a key worker model:
An early childhood key worker is your family’s main contact who plans and leads your child’s services and delivers most of your child’s therapy. They coordinate sessions with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, positive behaviour practitioners and habit coaches as needed to support your child’s development. Some of the skills we can support your child to build include:
Early intervention supports increase the chances of achieving positive outcomes for your child and family.
Once your child has received their NDIS plan, we’d be happy to support your family. Our team of key workers, therapists and practitioners are here to help children with a disability or developmental delay to develop their everyday skills.
Connect with Everyday Independence on 1300 179 131 or complete an online form, and we’ll be in touch to learn more about how we can assist you.
Please note: Everyday Independence can help you understand the process and access therapy supports, but NDIS eligibility and funding decisions are made by the NDIA.
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