Supporting Northern Beaches children from Manly to Mona Vale since 2007

We see you, we understand you, we’re here for you.

See how we can help

At Kids First, we know first-hand the unique hurdles of caring for a child facing learning, social, behavioural, or developmental difficulties. Many of our staff have been on that same journey.

You might be at a complete loss having tried everything, feeling judged by other parents for not being able to ‘handle your child’, or upset over your child being described as a ‘problem’. Teachers not understanding, therapy not working, family not supporting you… it’s extremely tough.

But you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to catch you before you fall and help you find the way forward. We’ll empower you to become an informed advocate for your child while meeting your child’s needs with tailored therapy.

Our outstanding team of speech therapists, occupational therapists, child psychologists, and teachers all work together under one roof. This ensures your child will receive a therapeutic plan that’s just as unique as them.

Speech Therapy
Our speech therapists help children overcome various speech issues like stutters, lisps, or difficulty understanding words, helping them to speak with confidence. We help kids to become better readers, spellers and writers too.
Child Psychology & Family Counselling
Our experienced counsellors and psychologists can help children overcome and manage various issues like anxiety, learning difficulties, grief, bullying, and more with nurturing ongoing sessions.
Occupational Therapy
We find solutions to your child’s motor coordination or sensory processing issues in our purpose-built occupational therapy gyms. Here, we work on your child’s behaviour and self-esteem in fun, immersive sessions.
NDIS & Disability Support
We help children with disabilities live a confident, happy, and capable life combining several therapies like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social skills groups.
Assessments
Teachers, doctors and NDIS may refer your child to us for an assessment. Our allied health team can conduct standardised testing to help you make informed educational and developmental decisions for your child.
School Ready
Teachers may have told you that your child needs extra help getting ready to transition to ‘big school’. We help improve vital learning, socialising, and communication skills to get your child school-ready.

At Kids First, we help you feel

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Confident

We use your insights and our observations to thoroughly assess your child’s needs from every perspective. We’ll get to know their unique quirks, challenges, and lifestyle. You can feel confident knowing that your child is being looked after by people who really know them and care.

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Capable

Our team of therapists work together to develop a highly tailored long-term care plan for your child. Throughout the treatment, you’re given the information, guidance, and tools you need to feel capable of caring for their needs at every stage of their lives.

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Connected

We understand how isolated grown ups can feel. At Kids First, you’ll have access to a powerful support network of therapists, teachers, and other carers who understand your struggles and always have your back in times of need.

Providing quality therapy for kids with the L.E.A.R.N approach

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Our team of therapists are responsive to what you and your child need right now. Everyone’s journey is different and our customised therapy plans reflect that.

However, we like to ensure there is consistency in our approach. That’s why every member of our team is trained to care for your child based on the L.E.A.R.N approach.

This 5-step system ensures that each child is treated with a consistent, measurable and goal-orientated solution based on their individual needs.

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Listen
You know your child better than anyone. That’s why we make sure your valuable insights are considered and respected when devising a therapeutic program for your child.
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Explore Options
Our experienced, highly-trained team will help you to make an informed decision for your child by discussing the best treatment options available.
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Take Action
We develop a long term plan that includes clear goals, resources, and evidence-based strategies that can be easily implemented at home or in the classroom.
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Regularly Review
Every month, we will give you an update on your child’s progress with our ‘Monthly Milestones’ which highlight ‘big-wins’ for your child.
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Navigate & Graduate
When your child achieves their goals, we celebrate! We’ll continue to support your child after they graduate, helping them to navigate life feeling capable and confident.
L
Listen
You know your child better than anyone. That’s why we make sure your valuable insights are considered and respected when devising a therapeutic program for your child.
E
Explore Options
Our experienced, highly-trained team will help you to make an informed decision for your child by discussing the best treatment options available.
A
Take Action
We develop a long term plan that includes clear goals, resources, and evidence-based strategies that can be easily implemented at home or in the classroom.
R
Regularly Review
Every month, we will give you an update on your child’s progress with our ‘Monthly Milestones’ which highlight ‘big-wins’ for your child.
N
Navigate & Graduate
When your child achieves their goals, we celebrate! We’ll continue to support your child after they graduate, helping them to navigate life feeling capable and confident.

A lighthouse for struggling families

We light the way forward, working with you hand-in-hand every step of the way. From young children right up to adulthood, we’re here to help you and your family deal with the big emotions and challenges affecting them.

We’ll help you become an effective, confident champion for your child, enabling you to talk to doctors, teachers, other family members, and carers about their unique needs.

Kids First Children’s Services is fitted with all the facilities your child needs to learn and develop. We provide an amazing space where your child can have fun, hang out with other kids, and receive excellent therapy.

Our award-winning team collaborates with you to create a therapy plan for your child that addresses their key issues and equips you with everything you need to support their development at home and in school.

A little bit about us

Kids First was first established by teacher and best-selling author Sonja Walker in 2007, when she experienced first-hand the struggles associated with caring for a child with unique needs.

When her child started Kindergarten, it became obvious to Sonja that there were many families who really needed help, but local expertise and support wasn’t easily found in the area and she felt called to action.

More about us

Flick through our helpful resources

There’s nothing we love more than offering helpful guidance to parents, carers and educators. Feel free to browse through our resources filled with excellent information, guides, and tips covering a variety of children’s issues.

More about resources

We’re here to support you and your child - no matter what.

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