Early Childhood Early Intervention or ECEI is available to children with developmental concerns, developmental delay or disability from birth until they turn 6, after which they will either transition to the NDIS or no longer have access to funding. This will depend on their diagnosis or level of need as to their eligibility for the NDIS.

If your child does meet eligibility criteria to become an NDIS participant then your early childhood partner or NDIS planner will use information gathered about goals, assessments and connections with the community and mainstream supports to help create your child’s plan.

This time of transition can be challenging for some families. In the lead up to the end of your final Early Childhood plan, there are some things you can do to prepare for this change and ensure that any assessment of your child’s eligibility for the NDIS is as informed as possible.

Things to do:

• The NDIA should be in touch with you in the lead up to the final months of your ECEI plan, if this doesn’t happen you might choose to get in touch with your Early Childhood Partner or the NDIA directly.
• Gather updated information which will be useful in helping the NDIA to understand your child and their needs. This might include:
  • Any recent medical records including an updated report from your paediatrician, including a diagnosis if appropriate
  • Recent reports from therapists including recommendations for future supports/therapies
  • Reports and other documentation from your child’s school which highlights their progress
  • Take some time to think about what your goals are for your child in the next 12 months
  • Take the time to write down a review of your child overall which describes your child and their circumstances (family life, school, etc), what supports they have in place and what supports they might need in the future to reach their goals
• You can provide a copy of these documents to your Early Childhood Partner who will enter your information onto the system in preparation for your Local Area Coordinator who will then be in touch with you and your Early Childhood Partner to gather more information. The Local Area Coordinator will then create a plan for review by the NDIA who will then assess if your child’s needs meet the eligibility criteria for transitioning to the Scheme.
• If you are not sure if your child is eligible you can follow this link to learn more https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible

Further information

Our partners at Xavier, are the peak body for children with developmental delay in Queensland and can provide further information and support for families after Early Childhood Early Intervention. Visit their website or call them on 1800 XAVIER.