Currently the NDIS early childhood approach supports children younger than 7 and their families.
From 1 July 2023, the age of children supported under the early childhood approach will progressively change, to include children younger than 9.
This change will occur over the next 2 years.
Changing the age to include children younger than 9, ensures children and their families are supported by an early childhood partner during and after they transition to primary school.
From 1 July 2023
Children who are currently NDIS participants turning 7 after the 1 July 2023, will remain with their early childhood partner until they turn 9, if they require support up to this age.
Children who are currently NDIS participants, who are turning 7 before the 1 July 2023, will transition to a local area coordination partner, as is the current process.
Children younger than 9 with a permanent disability, who are new to the NDIS from the 1 July 2023, will be supported by an early childhood partner.
Including children younger than 9 under the early childhood approach is a deliverable under the recommendations in the ECEI Reset.
We last talked about the change in age range for children supported by the NDIS early childhood approach in the ECEI Reset update in July 2022.
This change aligns with the World Health Organisations definition of young children, which is zero to 8 years of age.
From 1 July 2023 we will be updating our website and information to show:
the age of children supported by NDIS early childhood partners includes children younger than 9
children who are 9 and older are supported by an NDIS local area coordination partner.
Children younger than 6 will continue being supported by an early childhood partner if they have:
a permanent disability
developmental delay
developmental concerns.
There is no change to the NDIS eligibility requirements or the definition of developmental delay under the early intervention requirements (s25 of the NDIS Act).
Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis to get support from an early childhood partner where there are concerns about their development.
If you have concerns about your child’s development or disability you should first speak with your doctor, child health nurse, early childhood educator or other health professional.
After talking with your child’s health or education professional our early childhood partners can help you connect to the right supports. Learn more about how to get help for your child and find your local early childhood partner.
If you live in an area with no early childhood partner and have concerns about your child’s development or your child is a participant, someone from the NDIA will continue to work directly with you, to connect you to supports.