Early Childhood Approach
Early Childhood Approach Pathway
ECA NT is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) partner delivering the early childhood approach in the Darwin Urban region, including Palmerston and Litchfield. The early childhood approach is a nationally consistent approach for working with children younger than nine who have a developmental delay or disability and their families.
The Early Childhood Approach links eligible children with developmental delay or disability and their families, to the NDIS. ECA NT delivers the Early Childhood Approach to children from birth – 9 years.
ECA NT have employed specialist personnel to work with families to understand their children’s developmental delay or disability and the impact that it has on their everyday functioning. Together we will identify goals and, using our expertise, will discuss evidence-based supports that can help meet the goals of the child and family. The type of supports offered will be different for every child and their family according to their individual needs.
From 1 July 2023, the age progressively changed from seven to include children younger than nine.
Changing the age to include children younger than nine 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 to five 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 six to nine and has a permanent disability, they may be eligible to receive support from the NDIS through the ECA program.
If you have any of the aforementioned concerns for your child, you can download the ECA Pathway referral form by clicking the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you help me?
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 I 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.