The national Early Childhood Approach (ECA) provides support to ensure children with developmental delay or disability get the best possible start in life. Early Childhood Partners (ECPs) are local organisations funded by the NDIS to deliver the early childhood approach.
An ECP understands the unique needs of the child and works with the family to set goals based on the child’s strengths and challenges This could include improving communication skills, enhancing social interactions or developing daily living abilities.
For more details, see The NDIS early childhood approach for children under 9 and A guide to early connections under the early childhood approach.
7 tips for setting your child’s NDIS goals.
- Start with small, achievable goals. Make targets manageable by breaking goals down into steps. This way the child and family can celebrate regular progress.
- Consider the child’s unique abilities, challenges and limitations. Focus on areas where they can make meaningful progress.
- Involve the child in goal setting. Encouraging their active participation can help them understand the purpose of goals and keep them interested.
- Have short and long-term goals in your child’s NDIS Plan. Short-term goals focus on immediate progress and skill building. Long-term goals define a broader vision for the child’s development.
- Collaborate with professionals. Seek input from therapists, teachers and early childhood partners.
- Track and monitor progress through observation, checklists or progress reports. This helps to identify areas that need adjustments or more support.
- See an ECP early. There are waiting lists for child therapy supports in many locations due to a shortage of qualified staff.
Top tip: Consider getting private assessments and diagnosis while receiving early childhood connections. Assessment reports are needed to submit an NDIS access request.