We provide family centred early childhood intervention services to children and families maximising educational and learning experiences within local communities.
Who can use the Early Childhood Intervention Service?
You may be eligible for the Early Childhood Intervention Service if your child:
- is aged from 0-4 years
- has a diagnosed disability and/or difficulties in two or more of the following developmental areas:
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- physical
- intellectual
- communication
- play
- sensory
- social
Who can refer to the Early Childhood Intervention Service?
The following people can refer families to the Early Childhood Intervention Service:
- Parents, caregivers and family members
- Community Health staff
- medical practitioners/ paediatricians
- therapists
- other agencies working with young children and their families
Early Childhood Intervention Service
The Early Childhood Intervention Service provides early childhood intervention services for your child with additional needs, from birth to school entry.
How do we work?
- We focus on your whole family, not just your child.
- We work with you and your family in close partnership.
- You choose which skills you want to work on with your child so that he may become successful in family and community activities.
How do we know we have succeeded?:
- Your child learns new skills
- Your family gains confidence in meeting your child's needs
- Your family connects with community resources and activities.
Who are our Team?:
- Early childhood special education teachers
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech pathologists
- Teacher assistants
- Social worker
- Guidance officer
Family centred childhood intervention
Family centred childhood intervention is based on a number of important principles:
- Family centred
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- Your family is the most important influence in your child’s life.
- Your family is the focal point for support.
- Strategies are structured around your family’s daily activities and routines.
- Partnerships
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- We support your family through partnerships between:
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- your family
- your community
- your service and health care providers
- We enhance the competence of your family to develop lasting networks of natural support.
- Natural environments
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- We provide service and support which
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- is comfortable for your family
- works in your family’s home and your community
- fosters opportunities for your child to develop peer relationships with children without disabilities
- Best practice
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- Our service to your family reflects current values for best practice:
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- families and staff work in teams, sharing knowledge and skills, communicating, planning and collaborating with each other
- IFSP plans are outcome oriented and easily understood by your family
- strategies are based on developmentally appropriate practices and geared to the needs of your child
- service is based on the most accurate and recent research available
- Respect and choice
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- We respect your knowledge, beliefs, aspirations, culture and preferences.
- Your family is an important part of the decision making team.
- You can choose programs to suit your child and family.
An Individualised Family Service Plan (ISFP) can help you make the most of educational and learning experiences in your daily environment. It can help your family to support the child’s learning and development.
We work with your family to address the individual needs of children and families. Early Childhood Intervention Programs may include group programs, home visiting, individual educational sessions, therapy, support for your child within a regular child care centre, transition to school and resources and information.
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Individualised family service plans