Early Childhood Supports: Nurturing Potential from the Start
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) at Posity is about laying the strongest foundation for children during their most formative years. Recognising that the earliest years of life are critical for development, Posity’s ECI services are designed to support not just the child, but also the family and broader support network.
For our young ones, therapy is more than just play – it’s about laying the foundation for a fulfilling and independent life. We nurture their development, focusing on fine and gross motor skills, sensory integration, and social interactions, ensuring they’re ready to take on the world.
Assessment and Early Identification:
Our initial step is to conduct thorough and compassionate assessments to identify developmental delays or disabilities as early as possible. We use a combination of standardised tools and observational techniques to provide a holistic picture of a child’s abilities and challenges.
Family-Centred Practice:
We believe that the family plays a crucial role in a child’s development. Our interventions are family-centred, ensuring that family members are fully involved in the decision-making process and are equipped with strategies and resources to support the child’s development at home.
Multi-disciplinary Team Approach:
Our ECI services are delivered by a multi-disciplinary team that may include occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and early childhood educators, all working collaboratively to address the multifaceted needs of each child.
Individualised Support Plans:
Drawing from our assessments, we create individualised support plans that set measurable and achievable goals. These plans are dynamic, evolving as we regularly review and adjust them based on the child’s progress and emerging needs.
Inclusion Support:
Posity champions inclusive practices, assisting childcare centres and preschools to modify their programs and environments to ensure children with developmental delays or disabilities can participate fully alongside their peers.
Parent and Caregiver Training:
We offer training programs and workshops for parents and caregivers, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to support their child’s development and to advocate for their needs within the community.
Resource Development:
Our team creates a range of resources tailored to the individual child, including visual aids, sensory tools, and structured play activities, designed to reinforce learning and development at home.
Transition Support:
As children approach school age, we provide support to ensure a smooth transition into formal schooling. This includes collaboration with schools to prepare for the child’s arrival and ongoing support as they settle into the new environment.
ECI and Community Engagement
- Community Workshops and Seminars:
We hold community events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early intervention and how to access support. - Professional Development for Educators:
Recognising the pivotal role of educators in early childhood development, we provide targeted professional development sessions that focus on inclusion, early identification of developmental concerns, and strategies to support children within educational settings. - Advocacy and Policy Influence:
Posity is actively involved in advocacy, working towards shaping policies that support early childhood intervention and the rights of children with developmental delays or disabilities.
By offering these comprehensive ECI services, Posity contributes to a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, from the very beginning of their journey.
Key Worker Model in ECI
Central to our ECI program is the implementation of the Key Worker model, as defined in the NDIS. The Key Worker serves as the family’s primary contact point, ensuring a consistent and holistic approach to service delivery. This model offers families a single, knowledgeable professional who can guide them through the complexities of early intervention services and the NDIS landscape.
- Comprehensive Role of the Key Worker:
Our Key Workers are highly skilled professionals, often with a background in occupational therapy, who are adept at coordinating a multidisciplinary approach to support the child. They work closely with families to develop and implement individualised plans, provide direct support, and connect them with additional resources and services. - Family-Centred Approach:
The Key Worker is a champion for the family-centred approach, empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and skills, and ensuring that their concerns and goals are at the forefront of the intervention plan. - Navigating Systems:
Understanding the intricacies of the NDIS can be daunting for families. The Key Worker helps navigate the system, aiding in the understanding of funding, resources, and rights, ensuring that the child receives all the benefits and support they are entitled to.
In-Depth ECI Services at Posity
Early Identification and Assessment:
Early identification of developmental delays or disabilities is critical. Our comprehensive assessments are the first step in crafting a pathway tailored to each child’s needs.
Developmental Support and Therapies:
Based on the assessment outcomes, our Key Workers and therapists deliver targeted support and therapies designed to address the specific developmental goals identified for each child.
Educational Collaboration and Inclusion:.
We collaborate with educational settings to ensure that inclusion is not just a concept but a reality. Our Key Workers help create inclusive environments that allow children to learn and grow with their peers.
Transition Planning:
As children grow, their needs change. Our Key Workers assist in planning and implementing transitions, whether it’s starting kindergarten or moving to primary school, ensuring these changes are navigated smoothly and successfully.
Empowering Through Resources and Training
- Workshops for Families and Caregivers:
We offer workshops focused on specific developmental topics, equipping families with the knowledge to support their child’s growth at home and in the community. We Care Workshop are an evidence-based and proven support program for parents / caregivers who have a child who is recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurodevelopmental conditions or developmental delays. If you wish to further understand your child’s diagnosis and gain additional supports across a range of areas, you are welcome to attend the workshops. - Resource Development:
Our team develops personalised resources, including visual schedules, social stories, and sensory integration tools, to support children’s learning and development. - Support Groups and Peer Networks:
We facilitate support groups and peer networks, providing a platform for families to connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
- Community Awareness Initiatives:
Posity leads community awareness initiatives to highlight the importance of early detection and intervention, advocating for services that support young children’s development. - Policy Influence and Advocacy:
We engage in policy discussions and advocacy efforts to influence the direction of ECI services and ensure that the needs of children and families are represented.
Our ECI services, bolstered by the Key Worker model, are not just about addressing challenges but about celebrating each milestone and success. Posity is committed to ensuring that every child has the best start in life, with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.