About early childhood supports
We deliver a National Early Childhood Program to support children with disability or developmental concerns (the NECP).
These services include:
- support for children
- support for parents and carers
- online information and resources through the Raising Children Network.
We are also leading the Early Childhood Targeted Action Plan to support Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–31.
Individualised support for children with disability or developmental delay may be available through the NDIS.
More information
- Call the NDIS National Call Centre on 1800 800 110 for advice on whether you can receive individualised support.
- Read about the Early Childhood Targeted Action Plan.
National Early Childhood Program for Children with Disability and Developmental Concerns
The National Early Childhood Program for Children with Disability and Developmental Concerns (NECP) supports young children (aged 0–8 years) with disability or developmental concerns and their parents and carers.
We commissioned Whereto Research Based Consulting (Whereto) in 2021 to work with stakeholders on the development of the NECP.
Whereto engaged approximately 600 stakeholders. This included parents and carers of young children with disability or developmental concerns, peak bodies and service providers.
Read the Whereto co-design summary report for a summary of this co-design process.
NECP services
We provide funding for the NECP, which consists of support for children, support for parents and online information and resources. Services commenced in February 2023.
Support for children
Playconnect+ is funded under the ‘Support and connection for young children with disability or developmental concerns’ grant.
It provides facilitated support, such as playgroups and music programs, to young children (aged 0–8 years) with disability or developmental concerns.
This helps to increase children’s readiness for school and provides an opportunity for them to socialise in a supported and family-centred environment.
Playconnect+ delivers face-to-face sessions in all states and territories during school terms. During school holidays, there are specific online and face-to-face activities.
Visit the Playconnect+ website or contact the project coordinator at info@playconnectplus.com.au.
Support for parents
ENVISAGE-Families is funded under the ‘Support and connection for parents and carers of young children with disability or developmental concerns’ grant.
It provides:
- facilitated workshops for parents and carers of young children (aged 0–8 years) with a newly identified disability or for whom there are developmental concerns
- opportunities for families early in their journey to access evidence-based information, family-focused strategies and peers with similar experiences
- 5 workshops facilitated by early child development professionals and parents with lived experience of raising children with developmental concerns
- at-home modules.
ENVISAGE-Families delivers face-to-face sessions in all states and territories and includes the option of online workshops.
Visit the Envisage website or contact envisage@acu.edu.au.
Early Childhood Outreach initiative
The Early Childhood Outreach initiative (EC Outreach) supports First Nations children with disability or developmental concerns, and their families and communities. This initiative is part of the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building program.