Early childhood approach

How the NDIS supports children younger than 9 with developmental delay or disability.

What it means

The early childhood approach is the way the NDIS supports young children younger than 9 who have a developmental delay or disability, along with their families. It is delivered by Early Childhood partners, who are local organisations funded by the NDIA to work with families in their area.

A key feature is that your child does not need a formal diagnosis or an approved NDIS plan to get help. Any family who is worried about their child's development can contact an Early Childhood partner and start a conversation. The approach is built around the idea that the people who know a child best, and who spend the most time with them, are their family and everyday carers, so support is focused on building their confidence and skills.

In practice

When you contact an Early Childhood partner, they talk with you about your child's development and what is worrying you. Depending on what your child needs, the partner might give you information and advice, connect you with community and mainstream services such as playgroups, your GP, child health services or your child's early learning centre, or provide some short-term early supports directly.

If your child is likely to need longer-term, individualised support, the partner can help you request access to the NDIS and gather the evidence needed. If your child becomes an NDIS participant, the partner can also help develop and use the plan. The aim is to get the right help early, in everyday settings, without families having to navigate the system alone.

A real example

For example, Priya noticed her two-year-old son was not yet using any words and rarely made eye contact. She contacted her local Early Childhood partner without needing a diagnosis first, and they arranged a conversation about his development. The partner shared strategies she could use at home, linked the family to a local playgroup, and helped her organise a hearing check with her GP.

Early childhood approach — FAQs

Does my child need a diagnosis to use the early childhood approach?
No. You can contact an Early Childhood partner without a diagnosis and without an NDIS plan. The approach is designed so families can get help early when they are worried about a child's development. The partner will talk with you, provide information and support, and help you work out what your child needs, including whether pursuing a diagnosis or NDIS access would be useful.
What age does the early childhood approach cover?
The early childhood approach supports children younger than 9 who have a developmental delay or disability. It is aimed at getting support in early, during the years when it can make the biggest difference. As children get older or their needs change, the way they are supported may shift, and the Early Childhood partner can help explain what happens next for your family.
How do I contact an Early Childhood partner?
You can find your local Early Childhood partner through the NDIS website or by contacting the NDIA directly, and referrals can also come through services like your GP or child health nurse. Partners are local organisations working in specific areas, so the one you connect with will be based near you. You can reach out yourself as a parent or carer at any time.
Will my child automatically get an NDIS plan through this approach?
Not automatically. Many children are supported well through information, community and mainstream services, or short-term early supports, without ever needing an individual NDIS plan. If your child is likely to need longer-term, individualised support, the Early Childhood partner can help you request NDIS access and gather evidence. Whether a plan is approved depends on your child meeting the access requirements.
What kind of support can an Early Childhood partner actually provide?
Early Childhood partners can provide information and advice, connect your family to community and mainstream services such as playgroups and health services, and in some cases deliver short-term early supports directly. They can also help you request NDIS access if needed, and support you to develop and use a plan. Their focus is building your family's skills and confidence in everyday settings.

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