Early childhood approach
Our early childhood approach is about giving your child the best possible start in life. If your child is younger than 9 you may be able to access our early childhood approach. Our nationally consistent early childhood approach is for children younger than 6 with developmental delay or younger than 9 with disability.
Children younger than 6 who do not fully meet the definition of developmental delay and have developmental concerns will also be supported through the early childhood approach. If you have concerns about your child’s development your first point of contact will usually be your doctor, child health nurse, or other health professional.
They will help you work out what supports you and your child might need, and they may connect you with our early childhood partners. Our early childhood approach is about helping you support your child to learn new skills. It will also help your child to develop and take part at home and in the community. Your child doesn’t need a diagnosis to get support.
On July 1, 2023, we changed the early childhood approach to include children younger than 9. To find out more, check out our website .
When we say ’you’, we mean anyone responsible for the care of a child. You may be a parent, carer, or legal representative.
When we say ‘child’, we mean children younger than 9.
When we say ‘we’, we mean the NDIA.
Browse the guideline using the links or download a copy:
Find more resources about the early childhood approach in accessible formats on the booklets and factsheets page.