NDIS Early Intervention Funding: Could Your Preschooler Be Eligible for Support?
If you’re a parent, you may have noticed that your child is facing challenges in speech, language, or behaviour development. Perhaps an educator at preschool or family member has suggested the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as a source of support. However, you might be wondering if this is right for your child because, from what you’ve heard, the NDIS is exclusively for those with diagnosed disabilities.
The good news is that the NDIS offers a special pathway for children aged under 6!
Let’s clear up this misconception and explore how applying for NDIS funding could be an incredible opportunity for your child to overcome the challenges they are facing at home and in preschool.
Who Qualifies for NDIS Support?
First and foremost, let’s clarify that NDIS support is not limited to children with formal disability diagnoses.
The NDIS offers assistance to children aged 0 to 6 who are encountering developmental concerns, including speech and language delays, behavioural challenges, and social interaction difficulties. There’s no need for a formal disability diagnosis within this age group, thanks to the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach.
According to the NDIS Act (s.9), a child aged under 6 years may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
a) The child experiences a delay in development that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments.
b) This delay results in a substantial reduction in functional capacity in one or more of the following areas of major life activity:
(i) Self-care.
(ii) Receptive and expressive language.
(iii) Cognitive development.
(iv) Motor development.
c) The delay also results in the need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, or other services that are of extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
Understanding Developmental Delay
Developmental delay is a term used when a child’s development significantly lags behind that of their peers. If your child has a developmental delay, you might notice that they’ve been slower than their peers as they’ve learned to talk, or perhaps their social skills are not as advanced as their older brothers and sisters were at the same age.
The key thing to understand is that developmental delay means your child requires more time and practice to acquire skills in one or more areas. They need the same warm, secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment as their peers but may benefit from extra support to develop these skills.
Supporting Your Child’s Unique Journey
We understand that your child’s journey is unique, just like they are. That’s why the ECEI approach places your family at the centre of all services and supports. It values diversity, respects your family’s culture, language, social backgrounds, values, and beliefs, and aims to create a sense of belonging for your child in both home and community life.
At Kids First, we know the significance of this support. Our multidisciplinary team of Child Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Early Intervention Specialists, and Special Educators is here to assist every step of the way. We’re committed to our Core Values of Care, Kindness, Compassion, and Making a Contribution, ensuring your child receives the best possible care and support.
Contact Kids First today
If you have questions or wish to learn more about how NDIS can benefit your child’s development, please reach out. We’re here to support you and your family on this journey of growth and discovery.
