Early Childhood Supports Explained
Early childhood supports can help young children with developmental needs, daily routines, family support, social skills and community participation.
What Are Early Childhood Supports?
Early childhood supports are services that help young children with disability or developmental delay build skills in daily life. These supports may also help families understand the child’s needs and connect with suitable services.
Support may include help with routines, communication, play skills, behaviour support, community access, family guidance and working with other professionals where consent is provided.
Advice Care provides early childhood supports in a respectful, family-centred and child-focused way across Melbourne where suitable.
Child-Focused Support
Support is planned around the child’s needs, routines, strengths and goals.
Family Support
Families can receive practical support to understand routines and needs.
Skill Building
Support can help children build confidence, communication and daily skills.
How Early Childhood Support Can Help
Young children learn through daily routines, play, family connection and community experiences. Early support can help children practise skills in a safe and familiar way.
Support should be practical and suitable for the child’s age, development, communication style, family situation and NDIS goals.
- Support with daily routines
- Support with play and social skills
- Support with communication needs
- Support with community participation
- Family and carer guidance
- Connection with other services where needed
Family-Centred Support
Early childhood support should help both the child and the family feel supported.
Learn MoreExamples of Early Childhood Supports
Early childhood support can look different for every child. Support should match the child’s needs, family goals, routines and NDIS plan.
Daily Routine Support
Helping children and families with structured routines and daily activities.
Play Skills
Supporting children to build confidence through play and interaction.
Social Skills
Helping children practise sharing, turn-taking and social interaction.
Community Access
Support to attend parks, activities, appointments and community places.
Community ParticipationFamily Guidance
Helping families understand support needs and practical strategies.
Service Connection
Working with support coordinators and professionals where consent is provided.
Support Should Be Safe and Age Appropriate
Children need support that is safe, respectful and suitable for their age and development. Support workers should communicate clearly with families and follow agreed support plans.
Early childhood support should also consider culture, family routines, communication needs, safety risks, sensory needs and the child’s comfort.
Families should feel comfortable asking questions and giving feedback. Support should be reviewed if the child’s needs, routines or goals change.
Related Advice Care Supports
Therapeutic Supports
Capacity-building support for wellbeing and daily life outcomes.
Therapeutic SupportsCommunity Participation
Support to attend activities, appointments and community programs.
Community SupportLife Skills Development
Support to build daily living, independence and practical skills.
Life SkillsQuestions to Ask Before Starting Support
Before starting early childhood support, it is helpful to discuss the child’s needs, family routines, goals, risks and current services.
- What support does the child need?
- What goals are in the NDIS plan?
- What routines are important for the family?
- Are there communication or sensory needs?
- Are therapists or other professionals involved?
- What safety information should be shared?
Need Child Support?
Contact Advice Care to discuss early childhood support, referral options and service availability.
Make a ReferralLooking for Early Childhood Supports?
Advice Care can discuss your child’s support needs, family goals and referral options.
Contact Advice CareFrequently Asked Questions
What are NDIS early childhood supports?
They are supports that help young children with developmental needs, daily routines, communication, social skills, family support and community participation.
Can early childhood support help families?
Yes. Support can help families understand routines, needs, strategies and service options.
Does Advice Care provide early childhood supports?
Yes. Advice Care provides early childhood supports where suitable and where the support matches the child’s NDIS plan and needs.
Can support coordinators refer children?
Yes. Support coordinators can refer through the Advice Care referral form or contact page.