Early Intervention Service

Overview

The Early Intervention Service provides support to babies and young children (0-5 years) who have developmental delays and disabilities. After obtaining parental consent, the child’s needs are assessed and Early Intervention practitioners work with the children to help them acquire developmental milestones.

What you'll get

A family-centred approach for children with developmental disabilities, delays or syndromes in the first five years of life.

Eligibility

Children are eligible for the Early Intervention service if they are between 0 and 5 years of age and there is a
•    developmental delay in two or more areas of development (cognitive, communication, social emotional, self help, motor skills)
•    atypical development (demonstrate patterns of development that are different from their peers, e.g. Autism, specific language impairment)
•    medically diagnosed conditions that have a high probability of resulting in developmental delays (e.g. Spina Bifida, Down syndrome, etc…)

How to apply

The Early Intervention Service has an open referral system. For children up to three years of age, a referral form can be filled by parents, legal guardians or professionals, provided they meet the above criteria. Service is given at the child’s home or at the childcare. Once children start attending Kindergarten in a state school, a whole school approach is adopted and a formal referral is no longer required. Children attending a private or church school still require a referral form. Service is then provided in the kindergarten setting they attend.

Timeline

Not Applicable