The NDIS for children: the early childhood approach

How young children get support — with or without a diagnosis — and what families can expect.

When a young child has a developmental delay or disability, families often want to know how to help and where to turn. The NDIS has a dedicated approach for this, called the early childhood approach, designed around young children and their families.

This guide explains how the early childhood approach works, why acting early can make such a difference, and how to get started. The good news is that you can reach out for help without a diagnosis and without an approved plan.

In this guide

The early childhood approach

The early childhood approach is the way the NDIS supports young children with developmental delay or disability, and their families. It is designed for children younger than 9, recognising that young children have different needs from older children and adults, and that families are central to a child's development.

The approach is delivered by organisations known as Early Childhood partners. These partners work in local communities across Australia and are there to help families understand their options, find the right supports and take the next steps. They are experienced in early childhood and disability, so families do not have to figure everything out on their own.

Importantly, the approach is not only about NDIS funding. Much of what helps young children happens in everyday settings such as home, playgroups, childcare and health services. Early Childhood partners help families make the most of these everyday opportunities as well as any NDIS supports.

The aim is simple: to help each child build skills, take part in family and community life, and get the best possible start, with families supported and confident along the way.

You don't need a diagnosis to start

One of the most reassuring things about the early childhood approach is that your child does not need a diagnosis to get help. If you have concerns about your child's development, you can contact an Early Childhood partner and talk things through, even if no one has given a formal diagnosis.

You also do not need an approved NDIS plan before you reach out. The partner can offer information, advice and some supports straight away, based on your child's needs rather than on paperwork. This means help can start sooner, which is exactly when it tends to matter most for young children.

This lower barrier is deliberate. Waiting for a diagnosis can take time, and developmental delay does not always come with a clear label early on. The early childhood approach is built to respond to concerns early, so families are not left waiting when they are worried.

If, after talking with you, the partner thinks your child may need longer-term NDIS support, they can also help you request access to the NDIS. But that is a step along the way, not something you need before you begin.

What Early Childhood partners do

Early Childhood partners do several things. First, they provide information and advice. They can help you understand your child's development, what supports might help, and how the wider service system works, so you feel more informed and confident.

Second, they connect families to community and mainstream services. This includes everyday options like playgroups, childcare, and health services such as your GP, maternal and child health nurses, or therapists. Many of these are available to all families and can make a real difference without needing NDIS funding.

Third, partners can provide short-term early supports. If your child would benefit from some focused help for a period, the partner can arrange this without your child necessarily needing to become an NDIS participant. This is useful when a bit of early, targeted support is all that is needed.

Fourth, if your child needs longer-term support, partners help you request NDIS access and, if your child becomes a participant, work with you to plan supports. In short, they meet families where they are and guide them to the right level of help.

Early intervention and why it matters

Early intervention means providing support as soon as possible when a child has developmental delay or disability, rather than waiting. The early years are a time of rapid development, when children's brains are growing quickly and they are learning foundational skills for communication, movement, play and relationships.

Acting early can make a lasting difference. Support during these years can help a child build skills, take part more fully in everyday activities, and reduce the impact of delay or disability over time. It can also build the confidence and know-how of the family, who are with the child every day.

Early intervention is not about a child doing endless therapy sessions. Often the most powerful support happens in ordinary moments, such as play, mealtimes and routines, where children learn naturally. Good early support helps families weave learning into everyday life.

Because of this, the early childhood approach puts a strong emphasis on getting in early and focusing on practical, everyday goals that matter to the child and the family.

The family and key worker approach

The early childhood approach is family-centred. This means the whole family is seen as central to a child's development, and supports are shaped around family life, routines and priorities. Parents and carers know their child best, and their goals and insights guide the support.

A common way this works is through a key worker approach. Rather than a family juggling many different professionals, one key worker acts as the main point of contact. This key worker builds a relationship with the family, coordinates support and draws on other specialists as needed, so families are not overwhelmed.

The key worker helps parents and carers build skills and confidence, so they can support their child's development in everyday moments, not just during appointments. This makes support more consistent and more meaningful, because it fits into the child's daily life.

This approach reduces the pressure on families and keeps the focus where it belongs: on practical goals that help the child take part in family and community life.

As your child grows and how to start

As children get older, their needs and the way they are supported can change. The early childhood approach is for younger children, and as a child grows, they move toward the general NDIS pathway if they continue to need support. Early Childhood partners help families understand and prepare for this transition so it is as smooth as possible.

Not every child who receives early support will need the NDIS long term. For some, early help is enough, and they move on well. For others, longer-term support continues, and the transition simply means a change in how that support is arranged as the child ages.

Getting started is straightforward. If you have concerns about your young child's development, you can contact an Early Childhood partner in your area. You can find your nearest partner through the official information at ndis.gov.au, or ask your GP, maternal and child health nurse or childcare service to point you in the right direction.

You do not need to wait for a diagnosis or a plan. Reaching out early means you can get advice, connect to helpful services and, if needed, take the next steps, all with support along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the early childhood approach for?
It is for children younger than 9 who have a developmental delay or disability, and their families. It is designed around the needs of young children and recognises that families are central to a child's development. The approach is delivered by Early Childhood partners, who help families find the right information, services and supports.
Does my child need a diagnosis to get help?
No. Your child does not need a diagnosis to get help through the early childhood approach. If you have concerns about your child's development, you can contact an Early Childhood partner and talk things through. They respond to your child's needs rather than to paperwork, so support can start early, when it often matters most.
Do I need an approved NDIS plan first?
No. You do not need an approved NDIS plan before reaching out. Early Childhood partners can offer information, advice and some short-term early supports straight away, based on your child's needs. If your child needs longer-term support, the partner can then help you request access to the NDIS as a next step.
What do Early Childhood partners actually do?
They provide information and advice, connect families to community and mainstream services like playgroups, childcare and health services, and can provide short-term early supports. If longer-term help is needed, they assist you to request NDIS access and plan supports. In short, they guide families to the right level of help for their child.
What is early intervention?
Early intervention means providing support as soon as possible when a child has developmental delay or disability, rather than waiting. The early years are a time of rapid development, so acting early can help a child build skills and take part more fully in everyday life. It also builds families' confidence to support their child day to day.
What is the key worker approach?
The key worker approach means one main professional acts as your family's central point of contact, rather than families juggling many specialists. The key worker builds a relationship with your family, coordinates support and brings in other professionals as needed. This reduces pressure on families and helps parents feel confident supporting their child in everyday moments.
What happens as my child gets older?
The early childhood approach is for younger children. As a child grows and if they continue to need support, they move toward the general NDIS pathway. Early Childhood partners help families prepare for this transition. Not every child will need the NDIS long term; for some, early support is enough, while others continue with support arranged differently.
How do I get started?
Contact an Early Childhood partner in your area if you have concerns about your young child's development. You can find your nearest partner through the official information at ndis.gov.au, or ask your GP, maternal and child health nurse or childcare service to help. You do not need a diagnosis or an approved plan to begin.

Explore more NDIS resources

Official NDIS sources

Novida is an independent directory, not the NDIA. We explain each form in plain English and link you to the official copy — always download and submit the current version from the official website, as forms are updated from time to time.