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Early intervention style supports for children in the first years of life and their families.
Information
What early childhood development support involves
Used by families of babies, toddlers and preschoolers who need developmental support.
Supports are usually delivered as short blocks of sessions with clear goals, and often include coaching so parents and carers can practise strategies in everyday routines. Delivery may be in a clinic, at home, at kinder or school, in the community, or by telehealth.
When families commonly seek this support
Concerns raised at a maternal and child health check, kinder or school
Progress that seems different to other children of a similar age
Daily routines that are consistently difficult for the child or family
A referral from a GP, paediatrician or support coordinator
Questions worth asking a provider
What experience do you have with children of my child's age and needs?
How do you involve parents and carers between sessions?
What is your current wait time, and how is availability updated?
TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.
Published 4 October 2026Last reviewed 4 October 2026
Early Childhood Intervention: A Guide for Families and Referrers
Early childhood intervention is designed to support young children who have developmental concerns, developmental delay or disability, and to help families build their capacity to support development and participation.
Early intervention is not one single therapy. It can involve a combination of professionals, practical strategies, family support and services delivered in everyday environments.
The focus is usually on helping children participate, learn and develop while supporting parents and carers to use strategies in daily life.
What Can Early Childhood Intervention Include?
Depending on the child and local services, early childhood intervention may include:
The right combination depends on the child's needs and family circumstances.
speech pathology
occupational therapy
psychology
physiotherapy
family support
parent education
developmental support
early learning support
communication support
practical strategies for everyday routines
support for transitions into kindergarten or school
Why Early Support Matters
Development occurs rapidly in early childhood. When concerns are identified, families can benefit from understanding what their child needs and what practical supports are available.
Early intervention does not mean rushing into unnecessary therapy. It means responding to concerns in a timely and appropriate way.
The NDIS describes its early childhood approach as supporting young children to build skills and capabilities, participate in daily activities and be included in their communities. NDIS Early Childhood Approach
What Does an Early Childhood Intervention Provider Do?
An early childhood intervention provider may work directly with a child, coach parents and carers, collaborate with educators, or coordinate with other professionals.
Support may take place at:
A family-centred approach considers the child's everyday environments and the people who support them.
home
childcare
kindergarten
school
clinic
community settings
online where appropriate
Early Childhood Intervention and Thriving Kids
Current Australian Government information describes Thriving Kids as including practical support, family connections and targeted supports for children who need additional help. Targeted supports may include allied health and more intensive capacity-building support for families. Australian Government Thriving Kids
Victoria is progressively introducing Thriving Kids services, including targeted allied health supports and developmental checks. Victorian Government Thriving Kids
For Referrers
Referrers can help families by describing the child's functional needs and strengths.
Useful information may include:
Early childhood intervention works best when the people around the child share information appropriately and work toward practical goals.
developmental concerns
communication
movement
daily living
play and social participation
emotional or behavioural concerns
learning and kindergarten participation
family priorities
existing supports
For Early Childhood Intervention Providers
Providers should clearly explain their:
age range
service model
professional disciplines
service locations
home and community options
family coaching approach
collaboration with educators
referral pathway
current service areas
Finding Early Childhood Intervention Support
Families can begin by speaking with a GP, maternal and child health nurse, early childhood professional or another trusted health professional. Depending on the pathway, families may also contact relevant services directly.
Thriving Kids VIC provides an independent information and provider-discovery platform for families, referrers and providers. It is not a government assessment or referral service.
Early Childhood Intervention and Thriving Kids in Victoria
Early childhood intervention can involve more than one discipline. Depending on the child, support may involve allied health, parent coaching, early childhood professionals, practical strategies and community connections.
Victoria describes Thriving Kids as child and family-centred, strengths-focused and designed to help families build knowledge, skills and confidence. The state is progressively introducing developmental checks and targeted allied health supports.
Everyday settings matter
Thriving Kids support is intended to be available in or alongside places families already use, including kindergartens, childcare centres and community centres.
This makes it useful for families to ask providers not only what therapy they offer, but also where they deliver it and how they involve parents and educators.
For Victorian providers
Early intervention providers should clearly explain age range, service model, professional disciplines, family coaching, locations and referral pathways. This helps families understand whether the service is a good fit before making an enquiry.
TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.
Providers relevant to early childhood development support
Independent Victorian providers offering services in this category. Availability and response data is shown where measured.
WK
WONDER KIDS OT
Verified information
Occupational Therapy
Speech Pathology • Early Childhood Development Support • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Assistive Technology • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Our occupational therapy services are designed to help children develop essential life and developmental skills through personalized and evidence-based therapy. We focus on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention, self-regulation, and daily living abilities while supporting children in becoming more independent and confident through engaging and child-friendly therapy sessions.
Dandenong
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services
Family Relationships Institute Inc., trading as RelateWell, was founded in 1978 and is a not‑for‑profit community organisation delivering essential prevention and early intervention services across key transition points in the family lifecycle. Family and relationship services deliver the strongest outcomes for children by providing early, structured support that strengthens parental wellbeing, reduces conflict, and promotes secure, healthy family relationships.
RelateWell’s services target the major stages of relationship formation, extension and separation, with a focus on strengthening relationships, preventing breakdown, and promoting wellbeing through counselling and psychoeducation. Our specialist mental health services provide structured, evidence‑based interventions tailored to the needs and complexities of adults, adolescents and children requiring targeted psychological support.
RelateWell is a recognised leader in primary prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery, working closely with key stakeholders to support community wellbeing during significant life events. We are committed to providing accessible, safe and inclusive services to all members of the community. RelateWell is a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, delivering specialised mental health, counselling and therapeutic services to eligible NDIS participants.
Our Family and Relationship Services (FaRS) are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) and have been Commonwealth‑funded since our inception in 1978. RelateWell is also a Commonwealth service provider of contracted mental health services. As a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, RelateWell is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services that support participants to improve wellbeing, build capacity and achieve their individual goals.
Coburg
Telehealth available
Ages 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years, 3-5 years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support
Registered Play Therapist offering play therapy, counselling and family supports to children and families in Geelong and surrounds. Through my practice, Canopy Children's Therapy in Newtown, I work with children in a warm, welcoming space where they can be themselves and feel understood.
My approach is child-centred, neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and strengths-based, and I work closely with parents and carers so the progress carries into home and school life. I support children with big feelings, separation anxiety, school refusal, social challenges, transitions and masking.
I have a special interest in supporting highly sensitive girls and children who have experienced medical trauma or fear of medical procedures.
Under our canopy, every child can thrive.
Clinic in Newtown
Telehealth available
Ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Short waitlistNDIS services offeredPrivate payment accepted
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Care For Your Mind is a private psychology and counselling clinic located in Central Victoria, with two convenient locations in Bendigo and Castlemaine.
We provide specialised therapeutic support for a range of mental health challenges, including:
Abuse (sexual, emotional, psychological, physical & neglect)
Trauma
Relationship breakdowns
Family dysfunction
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and loss
Sexuality and gender identity affirmation
Problematic Sexualised Behaviours
Sensory processing difficulties
Whether you are seeking therapy in Bendigo or Castlemaine, we are here to support you to Care For Your Mind.
Care For Your Mind is grounded in the belief that individuals truly engage and begin to experience significant change when they are seen, heard, validated, and understood.
We utilise a whole-brain approach that emphasises relational, sensory, and emotional safety to ensure our clients feel supported. Our treatment focus is person-centered and evidence-based, recognising that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for lasting change.
Our practice offers a variety of mental health services tailored to your unique needs, including:
Individual counselling
Couples and Family Therapy
Art and Expressive Therapy
Psychological Assessments
Neuroaffirming Therapy
EMDR therapy
As trusted therapists in Bendigo and Castlemaine, we are committed to guiding you on your journey to well-being.
Bendigo
Telehealth available
Ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Short waitlistNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Dr Grace Hancock - Clinical Psychology & Autism Support
Verified information
Psychology
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Dr Grace Hancock is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years experience supporting children, teens, and their families. Dr Hancock provides a range of clinical psychology services, with particular experience in autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. Services are neuro-affirming, evidence-based and focused on helping young people and their families better understand their individual strengths, needs and ways of functioning. She also focuses on balancing acceptance of differences while still working towards progress and growth.
Services include comprehensive developmental and psychological assessments (including autism, ADHD, cognitive (IQ) and adaptive functioning), individual and parent-focused psychology support, and small peer group programs. Support may focus on emotional regulation and wellbeing, anxiety, executive functioning, social understanding and connection, everyday independence, and building a young person’s understanding of their own neurotype.
The practice also works collaboratively with parents, schools and other professionals to help translate this understanding into practical strategies and supports across home, school and community settings.
Williamstown North
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Speech Pathology • Psychology • Developmental Assessments • Parent & Family Support • Behaviour Support • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Alloy Health is a multidisciplinary allied health practice providing comprehensive assessment, evidence based therapy and consultation for children, adolescents and young adults. Our team works collaboratively with individuals, families, schools and other professionals to develop a clear understanding of each person’s strengths and support needs, and to translate clinical knowledge into practical recommendations that promote meaningful participation at home, in education and within the community.
Niddrie
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Speech Pathology • Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Assistive Technology • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills • Help Navigating Support Pathways
At The OT Group, our paediatric allied health team delivers integrated Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Pathology services across Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, and regional Victoria. We provide goal-directed, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming supports across home, clinic, early learning centre, and school environments to build capacity and empower children to achieve independence and active participation.
We focus on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults. We support children to address challenges associated with sensory, motor, social and emotional development which can impact a child's ability to perform everyday tasks, engage in meaningful activities and perform at school.
Our Occupational Therapists support children to develop the functional skills required for everyday activities, play, and learning:
Fine & Gross Motor Skills: Strengthening hand function, dexterity, posture, coordination, handwriting, and physical play skills.
Sensory Processing & Self-Regulation: Supporting sensory modulation and emotional regulation so children can comfortably engage and focus in various environments.
Independence & Daily Living Skills: Developing self-care routines, personal independence, and practical life skills.
Executive Functioning & School Readiness: Building organisation, planning, attention, task completion, and social participation skills
Our Speech Pathologists evaluate and support all facets of communication, literacy, and mealtime safety:
Early Intervention & Language Development: Assessing and treating expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language skills in early childhood and school-aged children.
Speech Sound & Articulation: Improving speech clarity, articulation, phonological sound production, and fluency.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC): Assessing, prescribing, and trialling low-tech and high-tech AAC devices using a total communication and neuroaffirming approach.
Literacy & Phonics Support: Conducting phonological awareness and literacy assessments to deliver evidence-based reading, writing, and spelling instruction.
Paediatric Feeding & Swallowing: Evaluating oral motor mechanics, drinking, and mealtime safety to provide interventions for eating and swallowing challenges.
Clinics in Bendigo
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Music Therapy Service (MTS) was founded in 2016 by Laurel Parkinson to provide high-quality care through music therapy to communities across Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Point Cook
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Capacity Building & Everyday Skills • Early Childhood Development Support • Assistive Technology • Family Support Services • Parent & Family Support • Developmental Assessments
At SdW Therapy Services, therapy is never a battle. We believe real progress starts with connection—not forcing a child to sit still, behave, or perform.
When your child feels safe, understood, and regulated, that's when the magic happens! Through play and positive relationships, we help kids build essential skills like emotional regulation, confidence, and active engagement.
Most importantly, we work right alongside you. You're an essential part of the journey, and we're here to make sure you feel supported, confident, and empowered every step of the way.
Melton
In person only
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
The Psych Approach Clinic | Broadmeadows
The Psych Approach Clinic provides warm, neuroaffirming and culturally responsive psychological support for children and families. We support young children experiencing developmental differences, autism, emotional regulation difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, behavioural challenges and other social-emotional needs.
Our approach is family-centred and evidence-based, incorporating play and art-based approaches, CBT, ACT, parent support and skills-based interventions. We work collaboratively with families and other professionals to help children build confidence, emotional skills and meaningful participation at home, school and in the community.
We are committed to making psychological support accessible and culturally safe for diverse families across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Broadmeadows
In person only
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
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