What Parents Need to Know About the NDIS Early Childhood Approach

You clap your hands, hold out your arms, and wait for those first steps. Or you lean in, hoping today will be the day your toddler says “Mama” or “Dada.” Instead, your child smiles, babbles, or crawls past you. The moment you’ve been waiting for doesn’t come — and the questions start rushing in.

“Is something wrong?”
“Should I be doing more?”
“Why is every other child hitting milestones before mine?”

These thoughts can make everyday playtime feel like a test, where every missed step or unsaid word adds pressure. But development is not a competition. Some children simply take longer, and that’s okay. What matters most is knowing when patience is enough — and when extra support can help your child thrive.

What is the NDIS Early Childhood Approach?

The Early Childhood Approach is part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It’s designed to give children under 9 the right support at the right time, without unnecessary delays.

Unlike some programs, families don’t need a formal diagnosis to get started. The focus is on what the child needs now to grow, learn, and participate in everyday life.

The approach is:

Family-centred – recognising parents and carers as the most important people in a child’s life.
Flexible – tailored to the child’s unique strengths, challenges, and circumstances.
Practical – offering early intervention, therapy, and connections to community services.

At its core, the Early Childhood Approach is about making sure children and families don’t feel alone in their journey. It provides guidance and resources that fit into everyday routines and support long-term development.

How Does the Approach Work?

The Early Childhood Approach is designed to keep things simple. Families don’t have to navigate the system alone — support is provided step by step.

First contact

Call or visit your local early childhood partner.
Referrals can also come from a GP, paediatrician, or childcare educator.

Initial conversations

Partners listen to concerns and learn about the child’s strengths and challenges.
They explore daily routines and identify areas where support may help.
No diagnosis is required — the focus is on needs right now.

Support planning

Short-term early intervention.
Therapy sessions such as speech, occupational therapy (OT), or physiotherapy (physio).
Parent coaching and practical strategies for home.
Connections to local playgroups, schools, or health services.

Accessing the NDIS

If longer-term funding is needed, the partner will guide the family through the NDIS process.
They explain the paperwork and help gather evidence.

Ongoing support

Plans can be reviewed and updated as children grow.
Families remain connected with their partner for advice and new strategies.

At every stage, the approach is a partnership — parents bring knowledge of their child, and partners provide professional guidance to build the right support pathway.

Types of Support Available

The Early Childhood Approach offers a wide range of supports. What each child and family receives depends on their needs, goals, and circumstances. The focus is always on helping children develop skills in everyday life and making sure families feel confident.

Therapy supports

Speech pathologists – communication, language, and feeding.
Occupational therapists – play, daily activities, and fine motor skills.
Physiotherapists – strength, movement, and coordination.
Psychologists – behaviour, emotions, and social skills.

Early intervention

Short-term, targeted supports give families practical strategies they can use at home, in childcare, and at school.

Community and mainstream connections

Playgroups and kindergartens.
Local sporting or recreation programs.
Health and education services in the community.

Family support

Parents and carers are supported with information, coaching, and resources so they can respond to their child’s needs.

Specialist services

For children with more complex needs, the approach ensures access to tailored services that focus on long-term skill development and independence.

Who is Eligible?

The Early Childhood Approach is designed for young children who may need extra support in their development. Families don’t have to wait for a diagnosis before reaching out — eligibility is based on the child’s age and needs.

Children under 9 years old

The program is available for children younger than nine.
After the child turns nine, ongoing support may continue through the main NDIS pathway if needed.

Children with developmental concerns

Families who notice delays in areas like speech, movement, or social skills can access support.
Teachers, childcare staff, or health professionals can also raise concerns and suggest contacting an early childhood partner.

Children with disability or significant developmental delay

Children with a diagnosed disability are eligible.
Children showing signs of substantial delay without a formal diagnosis can also access support.

Benefits for Families and Children

The Early Childhood Approach is about giving children the best start while also supporting the people who care for them. Families often find that the benefits go well beyond therapy sessions.

For children

Early skill development in communication, motor skills, social interaction, and independence.
Confidence and participation in everyday activities at home, school, and in the community.
Tailored strategies based on each child’s unique strengths and needs.

For families

Guidance and reassurance with practical strategies for daily routines.
Connection to local health, education, and community services.
Flexibility — supports can change as the child’s needs change.

How to Get Started

Families don’t need to wait for a diagnosis or referral — they can take the first step as soon as they have concerns about their child’s development. Getting started is straightforward.

Contact your local early childhood partner

Every region has a partner organisation funded by the NDIS to deliver the Early Childhood Approach.
Parents can call or visit directly, or be referred by a GP, paediatrician, or educator.

Prepare for the first conversation

Your child’s strengths and the things they enjoy.
Areas you’ve noticed delays or challenges (e.g., speech, movement, behaviour).
Any supports already in place, like childcare programs or health services.

What happens next

The partner will listen, answer questions, and suggest the most appropriate supports.
If short-term intervention is enough, services may start straight away.
If longer-term support is needed, the partner can guide families through applying for NDIS funding.

Common Questions Parents Ask

Do we need a diagnosis first?

No. A diagnosis isn’t required to access the Early Childhood Approach. Supports are based on developmental needs, not labels.

Is there a cost?

There is no cost to families for accessing early childhood partners or receiving support through the Early Childhood Approach. If longer-term NDIS funding is required, this is also covered under the scheme.

How long does support last?

Some children only need short-term early intervention and strategies. Others may need longer-term support, which can continue through the NDIS after age nine.

What if my child’s needs change?

Plans and supports are flexible. As children grow and develop, their needs are reviewed, and services can be adjusted.

Can teachers or health professionals help us connect?

Yes. Referrals can come from GPs, childcare educators, health professionals, or families themselves. The process is designed to be easy to start from any pathway.

What if I’m unsure whether my child qualifies?

It’s always worth reaching out. Early childhood partners can talk through concerns, explain options, and let families know what support is available.

Final Thoughts

The early years matter. When children get the right support before the age of nine, it can shape their confidence, learning, and independence for life. The NDIS Early Childhood Approach was built to make this support easier to access, without long waits or overwhelming processes.

For families, it means:

Practical strategies you can use every day.
A clear pathway to therapy and community services.
Guidance from specialists who understand child development.
Reassurance that you’re not navigating this journey alone.

Every child’s path is different, but with the right help, they can all learn, grow, and take part in the world around them. The Early Childhood Approach is about giving children and families the best chance to thrive — today and into the future.

We’re an NDIS provider based in Sydney, offering allied health services for both NDIS participants and private clients.