Early Childhood Intervention Services - Continuity of Support program (ECIS -CoS)

Who is eligible:

ECIS-CoS supports children aged from birth to school entry who have:

·       a disability or developmental delay, which causes substantial functional limitations and requires a coordinated, long term, multidisciplinary service response.

·       been deemed ineligible for the NDIS due to not meeting the NDIS residency requirements.

A formal diagnosis is not required.

Please note: for children with Australian citizenship or a permanent residency visa requiring supports, please refer to information on the NDIS Early Childhood Approach page.

What support is available:

ECIS-CoS provides specialised therapy, planning and coordination of services, and assistance to access services such as kindergarten and early childhood education and care.

Services are tailored to meet the child and family’s individual needs and focus on supporting the child in their everyday environments and experiences. Support can be provided in the child’s home, at early childhood education and care settings and/or in other community settings. Supports may be provided  from a range of professionals, including:

·       Speech pathologists

·       Occupational therapists

·       Psychologists

·       Social workers

·       Physiotherapists

·       Early Childhood teachers.

Support may focus on communication, social and emotional development, play, self-care, movement and learning activities, as well as practical strategies for caregivers.

How to access:

If you have concerns about a child’s development, talk with a GP, Paediatrician, Maternal Child Health Nurse or Refugee Health service to discuss your concerns and referral pathways.  

To refer a child to the  ECIS-CoS program, families or referrers should contact their local NDIS Early Childhood Partner. The NDIS Early Childhood Partner will assess the child’s development and residency status. Details of the child’s visa will need to be provided.

If the child is deemed ineligible for the NDIS due to residency requirements, the child will be referred to the ECIS-CoS program for assessment.

Resources:

·      Find your local NDIS Early Childhood Partner here: Offices and contacts in your area | NDIS

·      Early Childhood Intervention Australia Victoria / Tasmania | ECIA- the peak body for ECI services in Victoria.  This flowchart from ECIA Vic/Tas might also help in navigating support pathways.

‍