NDIS Partner in the Community

Early Childhood Approach Pathway

 

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) NT Branch is an NDIS Partner in the Community delivering the Early Childhood Approach in the Darwin Urban region, including Palmerston and Litchfield. The early chilldhood approach is a nationally consistent approach for working with children younger than 9 who have a developmental delay or disability and their families.

From 1 July 2023, the age progressively changed from 7 to include children younger than 9.

Changing the age to include children younger than 9 ensures these children and their families are supported by an early childhood partner throughout their transition to primary school (a critical life milestone).

There is no change to the NDIS eligibility requirements or the definition of development delay under the early intervention requirements (s25 of the NDIS Act).

If your child is aged birth - 5 years and has a disability, or if there are concerns with their development, they may be eligible to receive support from the NDIS through the ECA program.

If your child is aged 6-9 and has a permanent disability they may be eligible to receive support support from the NDIS through the ECA program.

Feel free to download our ECA pathway referral form if you have any of the aforementioned concerns for your child.

How can we help you?

  • We will work with you to determine the best supports for your child and your family.

  • We will identify the appropriate information and community supports specific to your child’s needs.

  • Where required we will help to request access to the NDIS and develop with families individual plans of supports.

Who can access this program?

This program supports:

  • families with children aged birth – 5 years that have a developmental concern, delay or disability

  • families with children aged 6 - 9 years with a permanent disability

ECA are committed to supporting all families with children aged birth - 9 years so if you have any questions, concerns or queries please get in touch with us.

Program office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

What does it cost?

There is no fee for this service.

How can you access this program?

For families in the Darwin Urban region please call ECA: 1800 959 995

For families outside of this area please call the NDIA: 1800 800 110

For any feedback or complaints relating to this service, please visit this link.