Early Childhood Services
Our Early Childhood Services (ECS) support families who have a child from 0-6 years of age with a disability or learning delay through a variety of therapy, inclusion and support services.
We recognise that families know their child best so we aim to meet your support priorities and ensure that you are at the centre of all decisions. We focus on what your child can do and what we can do to make a difference to your family life. Our relationships with families are based on respect, trust and working together.
We provide
Early Childhood Support
You will be allocated a key worker who will be the main contact for your family. This person will provide assistance, resources and information to support your family’s needs in a range of settings.
The key worker is part of a larger team that may consist of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, specialist early childhood teachers, psychologists, social workers and a family resource worker.
We are committed to supporting you at home within your daily routines and in community settings such as kindergarten or childcare.
Flexible Support Packages
Offering short term assistance (up to 6 months) to meet the specific needs of families who have a child with disability or developmental delay
Kindergarten Inclusion Support Service (KISS)
Providing supplementary assistance to early childhood services to support the inclusion of children with disability into their kindergarten program
Children’s Community Therapy
Specialist therapy services for children aged 0-18 years of age. This support enables children to gain independence skills at home, kindergarten, school and in the community
Additional programs
These programs are dependent on local demand and/or funding. Please contact the centre nearest you for further information.
Inclusive Kindergarten Groups for four year olds
Offering four year old community kindergarten groups in Altona North, Narre Warren and The Patch. These are funded by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD). Applications for these groups should be directed to your local council central enrolment office.
Inclusive Kindergarten Groups for three year olds
Can offer community inclusive kindergarten groups which are not funded by the DEECD.
Parent Support Groups
Provides parents or carers with opportunities to get together to form friendships and share knowledge, information and resources.
Sibs Groups
Supports brothers and sisters of children with additional needs, giving them the chance to join other siblings in similar circumstances and take part in fun recreational activities.
Aquatics Group
Provides swimming sessions for children with additional requirements. The sessions are designed to meet individual learning needs and abilities and are currently only available in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.
How to access Early Childhood Services
Our services can be accessed via the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Central Intake System in your region. We also provide children’s therapy funded by FaHCSIA and Medicare.
Contact us
To find out more about our Early Childhood Services, please contact the centre nearest you.
