Early Childhood Intervention
Early Childhood Intervention provides young children with disabilities or developmental delays the support they need as early as possible. At BTS, we recognize that families know their child best, which is why our early intervention professionals work closely with families to equip them with effective strategies they can use in daily activities and routines at home and within their communities.
The goal of early intervention services for children experiencing developmental delays and learning disabilities is to promote each child’s growth, family and child wellbeing, and active community participation.
If your child is between the ages of 0-8 and has a disability, or if there are developmental concerns, they may be eligible for support through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach Service.
Why Early Childhood Intervention?
A child’s early years are crucial in setting the foundation for their future development. For children with disabilities or developmental delays, accessing suitable therapy services early can significantly improve outcomes, helping to reduce the need for long-term intervention and enabling them to lead fulfilling lives. Early support provides children with the skills and resources they need to thrive.
How the Early Childhood Approach Can Help
If you are concerned about your child’s development, the BTS Early Childhood Approach team can connect you to the right support. For children under 6, a diagnosis is not necessary to access support through the Early Childhood Approach.
Developmental Concerns May Include:
- How your child plays and moves around
- Their ability to take care of themselves
- How they socialize with other children
- How they communicate their needs
Speaking with a professional who knows your child well, such as your child’s doctor, early childhood educator, or child health nurse, is a good first step. After this discussion, our BTS Early Childhood Approach team can help connect you and your child to the right supports.
The Early Childhood Support Journey
Each child’s support journey will vary, but here are the general steps involved in accessing Early Childhood Approach (ECA) services.
1. Connect with an Early Childhood Partner
Your Early Childhood Partner is your main point of contact for guidance through the process, from access and planning to finding providers for therapy and support. Your partner can be accessed through the NDIA, a personal request, or a referral from your GP or pediatrician.
Before meeting with your Early Childhood Partner, you can prepare by:
- Gathering information to help them understand your child’s needs, social participation, and areas of support
- Identifying what is currently working well for your family
- Considering any community activities you would like your child to participate in
- Reviewing any existing supports, including established providers or informal support from family and friends
- Setting goals for your child, such as social, behavioral, or physical objectives
- Preparing any questions you have for the partner
2. Get Helpful Information
Your Early Childhood Partner will help you understand your child’s support needs, offering guidance to help you make informed decisions about appropriate services.
3. Discuss Support Needs
Your partner will work with you to set developmental goals for your child and explore programs, supports, and services that align with these goals.
4. Referral to Supports and Services
Your Early Childhood Partner will connect you with local services or provide some initial early intervention support if necessary.
5. Accessing the NDIS
If it is determined that your child would benefit from an NDIS plan, your Early Childhood Partner will guide you through the NDIS access and planning process.
6. Monitor Progress
Your Early Childhood Partner and service providers will work with you to monitor your child’s progress towards their goals.
Why Choose BTS for Early Childhood Intervention?
Choosing Brighter Tomorrow Support Services (BTS) for Early Childhood Intervention means partnering with a highly skilled and compassionate team. Our professionals bring years of experience in the health and disability sectors, specializing in support for children with developmental and learning challenges.
BTS not only focuses on the child’s needs but also empowers families with the resources, guidance, and emotional support needed for each step of the journey. We know that early intervention can be transformative in a child’s life.
Our Key Worker Model
BTS utilizes a Key Worker Model, where your Key Worker becomes your primary contact, coordinating your family plan and delivering most of your child’s therapy. This model is built on a child-centered, trauma-informed, family-focused, and culturally sensitive foundation.
What is the Key Worker Role in the NDIS?
In the NDIS Early Childhood Intervention approach, a Key Worker is a lead professional who coordinates a team of therapists and practitioners, delivering comprehensive and consistent support to children with disabilities or developmental concerns under the age of 9.
The Key Worker serves as the main point of contact for the family, managing the child’s broader team of therapy providers. This team may include professionals such as:
- Speech Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Behavioral Support Practitioners
- Allied Health Support Workers
The Key Worker integrates the knowledge and skills of each team member to provide consistent, coordinated care for the child.
Why Choose the Key Worker Model?
The Key Worker model is widely considered best practice for early childhood intervention. This approach offers several key benefits:
- Consistency and Trust: The Key Worker provides a stable, trusted relationship for both the child and their family.
- Streamlined Coordination: One professional who understands the whole picture allows for smoother communication and more efficient coordination between different services.
- In-Depth Expertise: Key Workers are experienced in early childhood development and can directly deliver therapy services to the child, with specialized input when needed.
Do You Have Funding for a Key Worker in Your NDIS Plan?
Funding for a Key Worker is typically included in NDIS plans under the Early Childhood Support line item, categorized as Capacity Building Support. If you are uncertain about your funding allocation, it’s a good idea to contact your Early Childhood Partner for clarification.
Why Choose BTS for Key Worker Support?
At BTS, we bring years of experience in early childhood and family intervention, with a strong commitment to supporting children and families with diverse needs. Our team is led by experienced professionals, and our director has over a decade of expertise in helping children and families thrive through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Our Key Worker Model at BTS is:
- Child-Centered: Placing the child’s needs, strengths, and interests at the heart of every decision.
- Trauma-Informed: Providing care that is empathetic and mindful of past experiences, fostering a secure foundation for progress.
- Family-Focused: Recognizing the essential role of family in a child’s development and empowering them to be active partners in the journey.
- Culturally Inclusive: Ensuring that our services respect and honor each family’s cultural background.
Choosing BTS means choosing a team dedicated to delivering compassionate, inclusive, and highly coordinated support for your child’s growth and development. We are here to be your partners every step of the way.
