The NDIS has an early childhood approach for children younger than 9 with delays in their development or disability. The NDIS provides support for Australians with disability in accordance with an approved NDIA plan. The NDIA assesses a child’s eligibility for funding supports and works with their family to develop support plans based on their aspirations and goals for their child.

Families of young children with developmental concerns can be supported by a NSW Early Childhood Intervention partner through the Early Childhood Approach. These support providers can be accessed through an early childhood education service or selected from the list of NDIA partners on the NDIS website. These providers will also support families with children who have a disability, to develop their NDIS plans.

For more information on accessing the NDIS in NSW and the Early Childhood Approach, you can access the NDIS website.

Other information relating to school aged children is also available.

Thriving Kids

Thriving Kids is a new, national reform focused on children 8 years and under with developmental delay and/or autism and their families, carers and kin. In NSW, Thriving Kids is being led by the Department of Communities and Justice. It will include expanding services that are already available, as well as some new supports, with a focus on supporting children’s development. Children will not need a formal diagnosis to access Thriving Kids.

Thriving Kids is being designed to improve access to early intervention services, especially for families who face barriers to services. Delivery will begin from 1 October 2026 and will continue through a phased rollout, before full implementation from 1 January 2028.

Thriving Kids will sit alongside, not replace, existing school-based and ECEC-based supports and disability provisions in education.

For more information, you can access the Thriving Kids website at dcjnsw.info/thrivingkids, where you can also register to receive any updates by email.

If you have any questions, please contact the NSW Department of Communities and Justice at thrivingkids@dcj.nsw.gov.au.