Early Connections
Contact your local Early Connections team to see how we can help.
Rewarding Careers
Family-friendly workplace
How can we help
Early Connections offers developmental supports and services to families who have a child with a disability or additional needs.
Families can access our supports and services through an NDIS funding package.
We create a team around your child based on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Best Practice. Our team understands the vital role families play in children’s lives and partners with you to help your child learn, grow and thrive. If you are concerned about any part of your child’s development, at any age, it is important to get help early.
Contact your local Early connections site for more details. Waitlists may apply.
I have a child aged 0 - 9
We will assign a Key Worker to your family, and they will be your primary point of contact.
Key Workers work in partnership with each child and family to identify goals and support you in implementing strategies into your daily routines.
Coffs Harbour currently supports ages 0-7 years only.
I have a child aged 9 - 12
For children over 9 years, there are a variety of supports, services and therapies available, including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Psychology.
Supports for this age group currently not available in Coffs Harbour.
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme gives families the flexibility to choose services based on a child’s individual needs, goals and aspirations.
Unsure if you are eligible? Read our NDIS Infopage or call your local Early Connections team.
Services and Supports
Early childhood intervention professionals work with children and families to provide support, education, coaching, assessment, advice and strategies to assist your child’s development and learning.
Key Worker
Key Workers work in partnership with each child and family. The Key Worker model supports the development of new skills for your child and coordinates supports within your everyday routines and activities.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists offer therapeutic intervention to promote the development of movement. Motor skills and early movement forms the building blocks for functional abilities. We can help you reach your child’s movement milestones.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children with gross and fine motor development and sensory integration and processing. Our therapists have extensive experience working with children with developmental delay and disabilities.
Speech Pathology
Speech therapy supports children with communication skills, including speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. Speech pathologists support your child’s eating, drinking and swallowing.
Psychology
Child and family psychologists provide assessment and treatment for children with developmental needs. When working with families, we draw on best practice and evidence-based approaches to establish clear intervention goals.
Psychology at Manning and Great Lakes, and Kempsey
Allied Health Assistants
The Allied Health Assistant (AHA) supports the Early Connections team to deliver allied health interventions, tools and resources to support children and families achieve a specific outcome or goal. AHA’s work under the supervision and direction of our allied health professionals.
Early Childhood Intervention Teacher
Teachers work collaboratively with the team to build the skills and knowledge of families, parents, carers and other important adults in each child’s life.
Early Connections acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, learn and play. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise the deep connection First Nations Australians have with the land, waters, and culture.
We are all part of a community-based not for profit Alliance, we are dedicated to creating a better future for all children, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
We promote the inclusion of children in their community and respect the diversity of individual values, culture and knowledge. Our goal is a world where every child’s potential is celebrated and nurtured. Early Connections Alliance supports families in Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Worimi and Biripi Country.
