As a parent or guardian, you’ll probably do anything to make sure your child (or children) are healthy and happy, right? Of course! To help your child learn and grow, the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention is available to eligible children with a disability or developmental delay under the age of seven.
Early Childhood Early Intervention… what does it mean?
Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) is an NDIS approach that supports children between the ages of 0-6 years with a disability or developmental delay. The purpose is to provide quick, tailored access to supports that will assist children with their development and wellbeing. With early intervention, children could develop the skills they need for daily activities. And for some, they may not need long-term support.
Children between 0-6 years don’t need a diagnosis of a disability to benefit from the NDIS. They do need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or other visa holder with a Protected Special Category Visa, and live in an area where the NDIS is operating (or will be operating).
How ECEI works in five easy steps
1. Contact an Early Childhood Partner if you have concerns or questions about your child’s development
2. Get the information you need from your Early Childhood Partner tailored to your child’s specific needs
3. Figure out your child’s support needs to help them to learn and grow
4. Talk with your Early Childhood Partner about the supports and services available in your local community
5. Your Early Childhood Partner will monitor your child’s progress and the goals that have been set
What happens next…
If your Early Childhood Partner concludes that your child needs long-term support, you’ll be recommended to apply for NDIS access. With your Early Childhood Partner, you’ll discuss your child’s goals and how access to supports can help them achieve those goals, and what support they already receive from family, friends, school, the community, or service providers. Together you’ll design a tailored plan to suit your child’s needs and submit it to the NDIA.
If the plan is approved, your child will start receiving funding from the NDIA. You can decide how you want your plan to be managed – Agency, Self or with a Plan Manager like First2Care – and start choosing service providers that can assist your child.
What options do I have when my child turns seven?
If your child is approaching the age of seven, needs long-term support, and has been given a diagnosis of a permanent or significant disability, talk to your Early Childhood Partner about transitioning onto the NDIS. Your Early Childhood Partner can help you to develop a plan for the individualised needs of your child and help you submit it to the NDIA. The NDIA will need to assess your child’s eligibility before they can be approved.
If your child transitions from ECEI to an NDIS plan, that doesn’t mean they’ll lose their previous providers. Speak with your Early Childhood Partner about how you can choose the Early Childhood Early Intervention providers you want to work with.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.