What the early childhood approach is
The early childhood approach is the NDIS pathway for young children. It aims to help children build skills, take part in everyday activities and be included in their community, by working with the family and the places a child already spends time.
It is delivered by early childhood partners: local organisations funded by the NDIA. They are your first point of contact if you are worried about your child's development, and they also help children who already have an NDIS plan.
Who it is for
The approach supports children younger than 9 with developmental delay or disability. Until 1 July 2023 it covered children younger than 7. The age was extended to younger than 9 so families keep the same support through the move into primary school.
You do not need a diagnosis. If you have concerns about how your child is developing, you can contact an early childhood partner directly. A GP, child health nurse or early childhood educator can also point you to one.
What an early childhood partner can do
After talking with you about your child and your family, the partner works out what kind of help fits. These are called early connections, and they can include:
- Connections with community and mainstream services, such as playgroups, child health services and preschool
- Practical information about your child's development
- Connections with other families
- Early supports, for children younger than 6 with developmental concerns
- Help to apply to the NDIS if your child is likely to meet the eligibility requirements
Early supports and NDIS access
Early supports are a short period of early childhood intervention, usually 3 to 6 months and up to 12 months where needed. They focus on building your skills and confidence and on everyday learning at home and in other natural settings.
If it becomes clear your child needs longer term help, the partner can help you apply to the NDIS. A child must be younger than 6 to meet the early intervention requirements because of developmental delay. If your child becomes a participant, early supports stop and the partner helps you build the first plan.
A child who joined because of developmental delay is reassessed after turning 6. To stay in the NDIS they need to meet the disability or early intervention requirements for an impairment that is, or is likely to be, permanent.
Early childhood partner or local area coordinator?
Early childhood partners work with children younger than 9. From 9, children with an NDIS plan usually move to a local area coordinator. The early childhood approach is the overall pathway, and the early childhood partner is the organisation that delivers it in your area.
What is changing: Thriving Kids
From 1 October 2026, Thriving Kids supports start rolling out outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. Most will be delivered through community and government services, in the places children live, learn and play.
Nothing changes about how children access the NDIS until 1 January 2028. Children already in the NDIS keep their plans. From 1 January 2028, new applicants aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs will be supported through Thriving Kids instead of the NDIS. Children with high support needs or permanent and significant disability will still be able to access the NDIS.
Tips for families
- Contact a partner early. You do not need to wait for a diagnosis or a referral
- Write down what you notice at home, childcare or kinder, with examples and dates
- Keep copies of any reports from your GP, paediatrician or therapists
- Ask your partner which Thriving Kids supports are available near you as they roll out