When parents and carers have concerns about their child’s development, their GP may connect them to a range of mainstream services and refer them to an Early Childhood Partner.
The Early Childhood Approach supports children 0 to 6 with developmental delay or disability. Qualified professionals build the skills and knowledge of families and other people in the child’s life to support them to learn new skills, participate in everyday activities and be included in mainstream environments.
When children need longer term supports, the partner will support families to access the NDIS.
Children with developmental delays or concerns do not need a diagnosis to be referred to the Early Childhood Approach.
EACH is the Early Childhood Partner in South West Sydney.
Find your local Early Childhood Partner
The Early Childhood Approach Guidelines
Best Practice in Early Intervention Parent Handout
EACH Phone referrals: 1300 003 224
Send referral form to: PITC.EACH.ENQUIRIES@ndis.gov.au
This article was written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.