Early childhood intervention services

Early childhood intervention services (sometimes referred to as early childhood early intervention) are family-centred and designed to support and inform parents, and provide optimal opportunities for the child to develop. Parents are supported in coming to understand their child’s disability.

Early childhood intervention services tend to focus on practical assistance (eg assisted communication, mobility) and teaching important skills (eg how to communicate needs), either directly to the child or through their parents. These services also facilitate inclusion of children in their communities by providing add-on services to regular childcare and preschools. If a child’s learning needs are complex, they may need to attend a special centre; paediatricians typically refer families to these. Funding for early childhood intervention services may be available through the NDIS; a functional assessment may be required to inform eligibility.

Early childhood intervention services enhance family functioning by providing information (ie about the child and disability services), practical assistance, and ideas for helping their child with self-care (eg eating, bathing, learning through play); they can also help to address behaviours of concern. It is important that families continue to use the techniques learned at these services in everyday life.