Early Childhood Approach (ECA) and the NDIS Explained

The NDIS Plan funding is available for individuals aged 9 to 65, but there are still options for those outside this age range. The NDIS Early Childhood Approach supports children under the age of nine.

What does the NDIS Early Childhood Approach entail?

Previously known as ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention), the early childhood approach provides quick access to support services for children under six (6) with developmental delays or children younger than 9 with disabilities. 

The early childhood approach is designed to assist children, and their families ensure the best possible start in life. Children under the age of 6 can receive support through ECA without needing a diagnosis.

This NDIS approach was developed through evidence-based research and the help of leading early childhood intervention experts. 

What is the meaning of 'early childhood intervention'?

Early childhood intervention involves therapeutic services and support for young children (ages 0-6) experiencing developmental delays. Such delays can affect various aspects of a child's life, including their ability to:

• Engage in play and movement (fine and gross motor skills)

• Perform self-care tasks

• Interact socially with peers or family members

• Express their needs and desires

Studies indicate that intervening earlier in a child's life leads to better results. An early intervention strategy such as ECA can enhance independence and develop functional skills, reducing the necessity or extent of support needed in the future.

What support services are available for early intervention?

Each child is unique, as are their support requirements. Through ECA, families can collaborate with an Early Childhood Partner to determine their child’s developmental needs and connect with local support services, such as daycare centres, playgroups, and child health and development programs. These are referred to as early connections.

With an ECA provider, you might access services including:

• Occupational therapy

• Positive behaviour support

• Exercise physiology

• Speech pathology

• Psychology

• Therapy Assistance

What are Early Childhood Partners?

Early Childhood Partners are organizations funded by the NDIS to assist children under 6 with developmental delays and children under 9 with disabilities and their families. Essentially, they are the experts who provide the NDIS early childhood approach to families.

An early childhood partner collaborates with you to design and implement family-centred supports and solutions, such as play-based therapies, that align with your and your child's lifestyle. 

Accessing an early childhood partner may be more challenging if you reside in remote or very remote areas.

Accessing Early Childhood Approach NDIS resources

If you're worried about your child's development, begin by talking to their education or healthcare providers. Preferably, this should be someone who knows your child well and is aware of their background, such as their GP.

You can also consult an early childhood partner or your local area coordinator, who can help direct you to support and resources.

Early Connections with your Early Childhood Partner

With early connections resources, you can access support for your child without needing a diagnosis. Your early childhood partner can assist you in finding:

• Services and supports available in your community

• Information and useful resources

• Other families with similar experiences

Based on your child’s requirements, you might be referred to:

1. Early Supports: Designed to build capacity and promote daily learning, these supports can be offered at home and in community environments.

   
   

2. The NDIS: If your child has developmental delays or disabilities, your early childhood partner can help assess their eligibility for NDIS participation. If your child moves from early connections to the NDIS, your early childhood partner will work with you to develop their individual NDIS plan.

What happens when my child is older than 9?

For children over the age of 9, assistance is available by contacting NDIS local area coordination partners.

In this scenario, an early childhood partner and local area coordination partners will collaborate with you to assess your child’s needs and connect you to local support. Additionally, they can assist you in determining if your child qualifies for an NDIS plan.

For more information, see our article on NDIS eligibility criteria.

Navigating NDIS Funds with Plan Management

If your child qualifies for an NDIS plan, you should consider which type of plan management suits you best. Efficient plan management is crucial to ensure that all supports or services used comply with your NDIS plan, preventing the need to repay any funds in the future.

The different types of management are:

1. Self-Management:

   You are in charge of record-keeping, budget management, invoicing, and all other administrative tasks related to the financial aspects of your child’s NDIS plan. This choice provides the greatest flexibility in selecting providers but can be time-consuming and challenging due to the complexity of the NDIS system. You might also need to pay upfront at times and seek reimbursement.

   
   

2. Plan Management:

   A Plan Management provider for the NDIS (such as ELS) will handle the financial components of your plan and serve as an intermediary with the NDIS regarding these issues. You will maintain significant control over the choice of providers and your budget allocation while your plan manager handles the daily financial management tasks.

   
   

3. Agency Management:

   In this scenario, the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will manage your NDIS Plan. While this limits your flexibility in choosing providers, it offers a 'hands-free' approach, which is attractive for individuals who do not have the time or ability to manage their financial planning.

If you seek a balance between self-management and agency management, plan management could be suitable for you. NDIS Plan Management is funded for participants, but you must obtain approval from the NDIA to include it in your plan.

Note: The NDIA might alter your plan management model if you require assistance managing your funds. Currently, this rule only impacts participants with self-managed plans, but it will eventually cover all types.

Related reading: What is NDIS Plan Management (and is it right for me?).

Your plan, your way with ELS Plan Managers and Support Coordinators

ELS is a registered NDIS provider. We’re here to support you on your NDIS journey by managing the financial aspects of your plan so you can focus on doing what you enjoy and achieving your goals.

Our online portal phone app makes it even easier. It helps you keep track of your plan, covers all the important parts of plan management, and puts it at your fingertips.

Plan Management is a great middle ground between the total control of self-management and the hands-off ease of agency management. You still have control over how your funds are spent, but you don’t have to do all the admin – we’ve got you covered for invoice management, budget tracking, record keeping, and general financial administration of your NDIS plan.

To learn more or to get started, contact ELS today.