If you have concerns about your child’s development, the best time to get help is now.

The Early Childhood Approach (ECA) program is designed to support children under nine years of age who have a disability or under six years of age who may have a developmental delay or concern.  

With early intervention, often we can help your child to develop essential skills that allow them to participate in everyday activities alongside their peers. Some families find that early intervention removes the need for long-term support, while others see significant progress in their child’s development and improvement in their wellbeing. No matter your situation, ECA can provide information and support to help your child realise their full potential.

Wanslea is the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) partner that delivers Early Childhood Approach support for children aged under nine.

Wanslea is the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) partner that delivers Early Childhood Approach support for children aged under seven.

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Supporting your family

Our ECA practitioners are trained professionals in early childhood development and will tailor a support pathway based on your child’s individual needs. They will work closely with you to:

• Understand the needs of your child and family
• Provide helpful information, connect you and your child with the most appropriate supports in your area

• Provide short term supports / interventions
• Assess your child’s needs
• Support you to set goals for your child
• Facilitate access to the National Disability Scheme if eligible
• Collect information and facilitate an application to access to the National Disability Scheme if eligible.
• Support you to implement your child’s approved plan

How to access support

1. Check your eligibility

The ECA program is designed to support children aged under nine years of age who have a diagnosed disability or under six years old who have a developmental delay or concerns. A diagnosis is not required to access the program if your child is under six years of age. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact us on 1300 969 645 or email ndis@wanslea.org.au

2. Complete a referral form

To take the first step, please download, complete and return the ECA referral form to help us understand your child’s needs.

3. We’ll contact you

A practitioner will contact you within two business days to discuss your family’s needs and assess your eligibility for the program.

4. Arrange a meeting

If your child is eligible for the ECA program, we will make an appointment at a time convenient for you and your child to discuss a support plan for your family.

More information

For more information on the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhood-approach

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) is the independent Commonwealth agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.

The NDIS Commission is now in operation in all states and territories. For information about making a complaint, visit the NDIS Commission website or call 1800 035 544.

Expression of interest for the Parent & Carer Reference Group

What is a Parent and Carer Reference Group?
A group of community members who meet to share their experiences and insights with team members of the early childhood approach with the goal of improving service delivery, identifying emerging trends and issues, and supporting the development and implementation of resources and projects. For more information, please open the Expression of Interest Form

Supporting the community to be inclusive of all children

Wanslea has created an Early Years Inclusion Guide to support the community to be inclusive of all children. Our Inclusion Guide is a resource for organisations, services, groups and/or local governments that provide early childhood services. The Guide includes suggestions on ways to create a more inclusive environment for children with developmental delays or disability and their families.

The guide has been structured to provide information at the planning stage of an activity, during the delivery of an activity and after an activity. The Guide allows for critical reflection and continuous improvement to providing an inclusive environment.