Early Childhood NDIS Support
Published: 09 July 2023
Published: 09 July 2023
Anyone under the age of 65 living with a developmental delay or a disability that significantly affects their daily life is eligible to request access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This includes children, some of whom may fall into the early childhood category (NDIS 2021).
Providers who deliver early childhood support are expected to adhere to the Early Childhood Supports Module within the NDIS Practice Standards, which sets out specific requirements for working with young children.
This article will provide an overview of each component of the Early Childhood Supports Module.
As of 1 July 2023, children under six years of age with developmental delay and children under nine years of age living with disability can receive support through the NDIS early childhood approach (NDIS 2023).
The early childhood approach is delivered via local providers funded by the NDIS known as early childhood partners. Early childhood partners have clinical expertise in supporting young children who are experiencing developmental delay or living with disability (NDIS 2022).
These providers can:
(NDIS 2022)
Early childhood partners might provie support in the following areas:
(RCHM 2017)
The following NDIS standards apply to providers who deliver early childhood supports:
Providers are expected to support children to develop functional skills and participate meaningfully in everyday activities with peers (NDIS 2020).
NDIS providers must meet the following quality indicators:
(NDIS 2021)
A strengths-based practice empowers children by focusing on their abilities and potential rather than what they are unable to do. It builds upon the existing capabilities of both children and their families, supporting them to exercise autonomy and recognise what they can offer (ECIA 2016).
The family of the child should receive family-centred support that is culturally inclusive, responsive and focuses on their strengths (NDIS 2021).
NDIS providers must meet the following quality indicators:
(NDIS 2021)
A vital component of this standard is family-centred practice, an approach to working with children and their families that recognises the critical role families play in their children’s lives and encourages providers to work with them collaboratively (ECIA 2016).
Family-centred practice enables and empowers families to participate in their child’s care. It acknowledges and values the expertise families can offer about their children and shifts the decision-making power to them. Providers adopt a more supportive role, offering resources and information while enabling the family to take charge (ECIA 2016).
The key principles of family-centred care are:
Culturally responsive practice involves fostering an environment that is welcoming and culturally inclusive of the child and their family. It recognises, respects and responds to the needs of diverse families, encouraging them to remain engaged (ECIA 2016). Culturally responsive practice may take into account:
(ECIA 2016)
Providers should support children in their natural environments while facilitating inclusive and meaningful social engagement (NDIS 2021).
NDIS providers must meet the following quality indicators:
(NDIS 2021)
Inclusive and participatory practice aims to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance for children living with disability. Regardless of any additional needs a child may have, they should be supported to engage in family and community life actively. They are expected to be given the same choices, opportunities and experiences as other children (ECIA 2016).
Active engagement means that rather than being an observer, the child is supported to participate in activities and feels that their contributions are valued (ECIA 2016). The child should be able to:
(ECIA 2016)
Providers should assist in the implementation of appropriate strategies and adaptations that allow children to participate in everyday activities meaningfully. This is a key component of the provider’s role (ECIA 2016).
A collaborative team comprising the child’s family and relevant providers should coordinate the delivery of support to the child while addressing specified needs and priorities (NDIS 2021).
A well-functioning collaborative team requires sound communication between the family and participating providers, in addition to joint decision-making and problem-solving. The aim is to foster a shared sense of understanding and responsibility whilst working towards the common goal of supporting the child. However, families should always remain the central decision-makers (ECIA 2016).
NDIS providers must meet the following quality indicators:
(NDIS 2021)
Children, families and their providers should be assisted in developing knowledge, skills and abilities. By enhancing their skillsets, families and providers will become more adequately equipped to support the child’s learning and development. This may be achieved through coaching or collaborative work (NDIS 2021; ECIA 2016).
NDIS providers must meet the following quality indicators:
(NDIS 2021)
Providers are expected to deliver evidence-informed support based on research and practice. Evidence-informed practice should take into account:
(ECIA 2016)
In order for providers to remain informed and up-to-date, they should:
(ECIA 2016)
NDIS providers must meet the following quality indicators:
(NDIS 2021)
Supports should be goal-oriented and identify desired outcomes for the child (NDIS 2021). Rather than focusing on service outcomes, providers are expected to focus on positive results for the child and their family. Outcomes should be individualised to suit the child’s circumstances and may even be set by the child’s family. Key outcomes for the child may include:
(ECIA 2016)
Key outcomes for the family may include:
(ECIA 2016)
NDIS providers must meet the following quality indicators:
(NDIS 2021)
Question 1 of 3
True or false: It is beneficial for children living with developmental delay or a disability to interact with children who do not live with disability or developmental delay.