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Rights In Action

NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)

In July 2023, there were changes made to the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention scheme. It was also renamed the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI).

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) refers to the additional support provided to young children who require assistance early in life, enabling them to develop essential skills for participating in everyday activities. This service is designed for children who may be experiencing developmental delays or disabilities.

ECI equips parents, caregivers, and families with valuable knowledge, skills, and specialised support to address their child's needs, fostering their development and encouraging participation in family and community life.

The current ECEI approach was established in 2016 and represents the first national strategy for early childhood intervention, aimed at helping children with developmental delays and disabilities, along with their families, to achieve optimal outcomes.

Currently, over 70,000 young children and their families across Australia are benefiting from the support provided through the ECEI approach.

Despite best efforts, some children are not receiving timely best practice supports, and families often express confusion regarding how early childhood intervention can assist them.

  • The age group eligible for early childhood services will shift from under seven years old to under nine years old.
  • Short Term Early Intervention (STEI) will be enhanced, offering early support regardless of a child's eligibility for an NDIS plan.
  • A distinct ECEI implementation model will be established, separate from the general Scheme. This model will ensure that young children receive the appropriate level and combination of support for the right duration, all through a family-centred approach aligned with best practices.
  • Planning and implementation will be more explicitly based on best practice supports.
  • Additional assistance will be provided to help young children and families transition successfully from NDIS supports to the next phase of their lives.
  • A national approach to early childhood intervention will continue, supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities, along with their families, to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Independent assessments will not be employed to determine eligibility and budgets for young children.
  • Early childhood partners will still customise support based on your child’s unique needs and situations.
  • Your early childhood partner will:
    • Provide you with relevant information.
    • Connect you and your child with suitable supports in your area, such as community health centers, educational settings, and playgroups.
    • Offer some short-term early intervention when identified as the most fitting support.
    • 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.

Additional Resources

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