Early Childhood Approach (ECA) and the NDIS Explained

The age range for NDIS Plan funding is 9-65; however, that doesn’t mean there are no options for people outside of the eligible ages. Children under nine (9) can access various supports through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach.

What is the NDIS Early Childhood Approach?

Formerly ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention), the early childhood approach helps children under six (6) with developmental delay, or children younger than 9 with disability, with fast access to support services.

The early childhood approach aims to support children and their families so that they can have the best start to life. Children under 6 do not need a diagnosis to access support through ECA.

This NDIS approach was developed through evidence-based research and the help of leading early childhood intervention experts.

Note: From mid-2026, the Thriving Kids program will divert some children from the NDIS to strengthened mainstream support systems. You can learn about it in our summary of NDIS vs Thriving Kids.

What does ‘early childhood intervention’ mean?

Childhood early intervention refers to therapy services and supports for developmental delay in early childhood (0-6). A delay in a child’s development can impact any area of their life, such as how they:

• Play and move (fine and gross motor skills)
• Take care of themselves
• Socialise with other children or family
• Communicate what they want

Research shows that the earlier intervention occurs in a child’s life, the better the outcomes. An early intervention approach like ECA has the potential to improve independence and build functional capacity, lessening the need for support (or the level of support required) later.

What early intervention support services are available?

Every child is different, and so are their support needs. Through ECA, Families can work with an Early Childhood Partner to identify their child’s development needs and become connected to local support services (such as daycare centres, playgroups, and child health and development programs). These are known as early connections.

Through an ECA provider, you may access services such as:

• Occupational therapy
• Positive behaviour support
• Exercise physiology
• Speech pathology
• Psychology
• Therapy assistance

What are Early Childhood Partners?

Early Childhood Partners are organisations funded by the NDIS; helping to support children younger than 6 with developmental delay and children younger than 9 with disability, and their families. In a nutshell, they are the professionals who deliver the NDIS early childhood approach to families.

An early childhood partner will work with you to plan and implement family-centred supports, and solutions that fit the life you and your child lead – such as play-based therapies. 

If you live in remote or very remote areas, you may be more limited in accessing an early childhood partner.

Accessing Early Childhood Approach NDIS resources

If you have concerns about your child’s development, start by speaking to their education or healthcare professionals. Ideally, this would be someone who knows your child well and is familiar with their history, like their GP.

You can also enquire with an early childhood partner or your local area coordinator, who can help guide you towards support and resources.

Early Connections with your Early Childhood Partner

With early connections resources, you do not need a diagnosis to access support for your child. Your early childhood partner can help you find:

• Services and supports in your community
• Information and helpful resources
• Other families with like experiences

Depending on your child’s needs, you may be connected to:

1. Early Supports: Designed to build capacity and promote everyday learning. These can be based in your home and in community environments.
2. The NDIS: If your child has developmental delay or disability, your early childhood partner can help determine whether your child is eligible to become an NDIS participant. If your child does make the transition from early connections to the NDIS, your early childhood partner will work with you to develop their individual NDIS plan.

What happens when my child is older than 9?

For children older than 9, support can be accessed by contacting NDIS local area coordination partners.

In this situation, an early childhood partner and local area coordination partners will work with you to determine your child’s needs and get you connected to supports in your area. Again, they can also help you to determine if your child is eligible for an NDIS plan.

For more information, see our article on NDIS eligibility criteria.

Navigating NDIS Funds with Plan Management

If your child is eligible for an NDIS plan, you will need to think about what style of plan management will work for you. Effective plan management is essential for making sure any supports or services engaged are compliant with your NDIS plan, and avoid having to pay back any funds later.

The different types of management are:

1. Self Management: You are responsible for the record-keeping, budget tracking, invoicing, and all other administration for the financial side of your child’s NDIS plan. This option offers the most freedom over provider selection but can be time-consuming and difficult due to the complexity of the NDIS system. You may also have to pay out of pocket occasionally and claim reimbursement.
2. Plan Management: An NDIS Plan Management provider (like NDSP) will manage the financial aspects of your plan and act as a go-between with the NDIS in these matters. You will retain much control over providers and how your budget is utilised, but the day-to-day load of financial management is handled by your plan manager.
3. Agency Management: This is when the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will directly manage your NDIS Plan. You will not have the same flexibility in providers, but it is also essentially ‘hands-free’ – making it appealing for those who lack time or capacity to handle aspects of their financial planning.

If you are looking for a balance between self-management and agency management, plan management might be right for you. NDIS Plan Management is funded for participants, though you will need approval from the NDIA to add it to your plan.

Note: The NDIA may change your plan management model if you need help managing your funds. At this time this rule only affects participants with self-managed plans, but will eventually encompass all kinds.

Related reading: What is NDIS Plan Management (and is it right for me?).

NDSP simplifies and eases your NDIS journey

Spend your time on what makes you and your family smile, not on tracking your budgets and submitting invoices:

• Our online, user-friendly Nappa portal features real-time budget tracking. 
• Informative and free resources from our participant toolbox can help you understand all things NDIS.
• We are experienced and trusted plan management services helping NDIS participants across Australia.

Our friendly team of experts can help you make the most out of your NDIS funding. Why not contact NDSP if plan management sounds right for you, and find out more about how we can help your NDIS plan run smoothly.