What is Early Childhood Intervention?
Early childhood intervention refers to specialist services and supports provided to young children under 9 years of age with developmental concerns, delay, or disability and their families.
These services and supports aim to strengthen the capabilities of families and other caregivers to provide their children with the experiences and opportunities that will promote optimal development and meaningful participation in everyday home and community life.
The ultimate aim is the same as for all children and families: to ensure that young children with developmental concerns, delay or disability and their families thrive. Revised 14 October 2025” Professional and Researchers in Early Childhood Intervention – https://www.preci.org.au/
What Can Early Intervention Do to Help my Child at Home and in the Community?
During the individual consultation at your home or in a community setting you will be able to meet with EarlyEd staff. They can provide you with advice and coaching on how to best support your child.
The staff will give you strategies to:
- Nurture your child’s development
- Teach your child how to learn new things in your everyday routines such as bath time, food times
- Engage in the natural play environment in your community such as going to the park, shops or sporting groups
- Develop skills for creative play, fine/gross motor, self-help skills and sing songs
- Listen to stories and generally have fun learning (e.g: library singing time)
- Assist with behaviour difficulties
- Support you with any other problems you may need assistance with
As well as receiving home or community visits your child may need to access other EarlyEd early intervention services. These might be support in childcare or school. Speak to your Key Worker for more information.
EarlyEd’s services and times are flexible and responsive to the needs of your family and child. We are family centred in our approach and together we can make a difference.
PRECI definition of Early Childhood Intervention
Early childhood intervention refers to specialist services and supports provided to young children under 9 years of age with developmental concerns, delay, or disability and their families. These services and supports aim to strengthen the capabilities of families and other caregivers to provide their children with the experiences and opportunities that will promote optimal development and meaningful participation in everyday home and community life. The ultimate aim is the same as for all children and families: to ensure that young children with developmental concerns, delay or disability and their families thrive. Revised 14 October 2025
In May 2025 the Australian Government released the National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention and updated the former guide. Find here links to the official sites
- with a specific link to the resources for families https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention/for-families-and-carers and
- a single image that represents what the Framework covers https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/the-national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention-at-a-glance?language=en
“The National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) gives clear advice on how to support children under 9 years of age who have developmental concerns, delays, or disabilities. It helps families and professionals understand what good support looks like and how to provide it. The goal is to make sure all children in Australia grow up in families and communities that help them thrive. The framework shows how to give children and families the help they need to take part in everyday life.” https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-best-practice-framework-for-early-childhood-intervention/about
Also find resources including information sheets, podcasts and translated postcards.