How to access the NDIS for children under 9 (Early Childhood Approach)

What is the NDIS Early Childhood approach? (previously called ECEI)

Early Childhood Approach is the way the NDIS supports children aged 0-9 years who have a developmental delay or disability, and their families/carers. The NDIS Early Childhood approach will help all children with developmental delay or disability and their families to achieve better long-term outcomes through support services in their local community, regardless of diagnosis.

The NDIA have sourced experienced early childhood intervention service providers to ensure the NDIS supports all children as early as possible.

To become an access partner, service providers will need to demonstrate strong clinical expertise and utilise best-practice approaches. The NDIA will closely monitor service provider performance and outcomes to ensure all children receive the appropriate quality and level of support. 

These access partners are referred to as Early Childhood Partners.

Where do I start?

Children under 9 years old

You need to contact an Early Childhood  partner if you have:

• a child under 6 years of age and there are concerns about their development
• a child under 9 years old with a disability

NDIS Early Childhood Partners support is based on the impact of the disability or developmental delay on the child’s ability to participate in activities or perform tasks or activities. 

You do not need a referral from a health professional (although in some cases it may be your GP or a therapist who refers you).

You do not need a diagnosis.

You can find an NDIS Early Childhood Partner in your local area here

Find an NDIS Early Childhood Partner

Meet with an Early Childhood Partner

Your Early Childhood partner will meet with you and your family at home or in their offices. They may meet with you on multiple occasions and will discuss your concerns. They will learn about your background, your child's developmental progress and the impact on everyday life for you AND your family. 

An Early Childhood partner will get you started

It is the job of the Early Childhood Partner to help you find the supports you need. These may be basic and involve connecting with the community or they may be more complex and involve the necessity of NDIS funding. They will determine the level of support you need.

Early Childhood Partners:

• Will connect you and your child with the most appropriate supports in your area, such as the community health centre, educational setting
• Help you to request NDIS access if your child requires longer-term early childhood intervention supports. If your child becomes an NDIS participant the Early Childhood Partner will work with you to develop an NDIS plan.

The Early Childhood Partner will monitor and review your child’s progress against the goals you have set. Your Early Childhood Partner and service providers will support your family to improve your child’s independence and participation in everyday activities.

When can a child access the NDIS using Early Intervention Requirements?

If your Early Childhood Partner determines that your child needs longer-term support for NDIS access, they will recommend that you apply for NDIS access. 

Again, they will work with you to make this application. You’ll discuss your child’s needs and goals. You’ll talk about the support your child gets from family, friends, other services (like the education system) and community activities or service providers. And you’ll talk about how well this support works for your child.

They will have a planning meeting with you and help craft an NDIS plan that will give you the best supports to help your child.

Once the plan is approved, your child will start to get NDIS funding. You choose the providers you want to work with and start putting the plan into action.

What happens when you get your NDIS Plan?

Your Early Childhood Partner will go through your plan with you. They will help you access the MyGov Portal and help you decide how you want to manage your plan.

They will help you decide how you can spend your NDIS funds and they will monitor your progress until your plan review. At this time your plan may renew if determined that your long term support is still needed.Otherwise, you could exit the NDIS.

This continues until the child turns 7.

Find an Early Childhood  Partner

How do I know if my child has a developmental delay?

Developmental delay is a term used when a child takes longer to reach age-appropriate developmental milestones. For some children, developmental delays may be temporary. For others, it may be a sign they have another condition, such as Autism. Your Early Childhood Partner will determine this.