About the framework
The National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) gives clear advice on how to support children under 9 years of age who have developmental concerns, delays, or disabilities. It helps families and professionals understand what good support looks like and how to provide it. The goal is to make sure all children in Australia grow up in families and communities that help them thrive. The framework shows how to give children and families the help they need to take part in everyday life.
Who it is for
The framework is designed for use by:
- practitioners who work with children and families
- people working with children, including early childhood education and care services, schools, community services, and government agencies
- families and carers.
What it covers
The framework outlines:
- universal and key principles
- practices
- outcome measures
- practical tools and resources for implementation.
The framework was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and led by the University of Melbourne.
Why it is important
The early years are very important for a child’s growth. Getting the right help early can improve health, learning and wellbeing for life. For children with developmental concerns or disabilities, early support is vital.
The framework helps make sure support is:
- focused on families
- safe and respectful of different cultures
- inclusive and easy to access
- given in everyday places, not just clinics.
Goals of the framework
The primary goal is that all children in Australia thrive in their early years.
We want to support children, families, communities, and services. This helps children with developmental concerns, delays, or disabilities take part in everyday life.
For children
We aim to build on what children are good at and what they enjoy. We want to help them learn, grow, and join in daily activities.
For parents, carers and families
We aim to respect different cultures and family values. We want to help families feel confident and skilled in supporting their children.
For communities
We aim to create places that are safe, friendly, and welcoming. We want communities to support all children and families.
For services and practitioners
We aim to build strong networks that work together. We want services to be easy to access, well organised, and part of everyday life.
Who we worked with
We developed the framework by working closely with a wide range of partners and contributors, including:
- University of Melbourne teams from
- Healthy Trajectories child and youth disability research hub
- Melbourne Disability Institute
- STRONG Kids, STRONG Future
- leading and peak organisations
- Children and Young People with Disability Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- Professionals and Researchers in Early Childhood Intervention
- SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
- ACD – Advocating for Children with Disability.
We also consulted with:
- practitioners
- families
- young people
- peak bodies
- organisations
- community groups
- national and international expert advisors.
Resources
National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention
Contact
