by Kelly King | Aug 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
Celebrating Over 192 Years of Collective Expertise: Early Connections Coffs Coast Leads the Way in Early Childhood Intervention
At Early Connections Coffs Coast, helping children thrive isn’t just our work; it’s our passion, purpose, and promise to every family that walks through our doors. Early Connections – Coffs Coast is a children’s charity operating in Coffs Harbour for over 40 years.
We are proud of our dedicated team of early childhood intervention professionals who bring together over 192 years of collective experience in early childhood interventions, encompassing Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Early Childhood Education and family counselling. Their extensive knowledge and skill is the foundation of our continued success in supporting children aged 0-7 years and their families in the Coffs Coast community.
Our team of 21 highly skilled professionals share a wealth of experience that is simply unmatched in our region. Every team member is committed to delivering meaningful, family-focused education, therapy, and support, ensuring the very best developmental opportunities for every child.
What sets Early Connections Coffs Coast apart is not just the years of experience, but the stability, consistency, and dedication of our team. In an industry where frequent staff changes can disrupt a child’s progress, our long-term staff retention means families benefit from familiar, trusted faces and enduring relationships. We know that security and connection are the foundations for optimum learning environments. When children are surrounded by people they trust, they can be ready to explore, learn, and grow. Our team provides support to guide families every step of the way.
Early Connections proudly operates under a Key Worker model. This means that your family is matched with a primary professional (your Key Worker) who is your central point of contact and who works closely with you to understand your family’s unique needs in order to develop and implement an individual program for your child. But the support doesn’t stop there. Behind every Key Worker stands the collective expertise of our entire transdisciplinary team, ensuring each child benefits from the combined knowledge, collaborative problem-solving, and creativity of all our professionals. We truly build a Team Around the Child and Family, offering wrap-around care and integrated support tailored to your family’s journey.
As a registered NDIS provider, we deliver vital early childhood intervention education, therapy, and support for families with young children experiencing developmental delays or living with disabilities. From your child’s earliest days through to school age, our focus is always on relationships, working in partnership with you, respecting your goals, and empowering your family.
At Early Connections Coffs Coast, our greatest pride is the trust we have earned from local families. With nearly two centuries of cumulative expertise, we are devoted to helping every child grow, connect, and flourish. Thank you for letting us be part of the Coffs Coast children and family story for 192 years and counting.
by Kelly King | Nov 14, 2024 | Careers, News, Uncategorized
We are seeking another motivated Physiotherapist to join our team!
Full or Part-Time Position
Early Connections- Manning and Great Lakes (formerly Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention) is seeking a highly motivated Physiotherapist to join our expanding team. Our staff of 24 includes skilled EC Teachers, Therapists and Allied Health Assistants who will offer a supportive environment for our new staff member. Learn how to become a Key Worker in the “Team around the Child”, family centred approach. The position is available either as a full or part time position and offers a family friendly, flexible workplace.
Early Connections – Manning and Great Lakes is the leading service provider within the region, servicing children 0-12yrs with a diagnosed disability or significantly delayed development. We are a registered NDIS Service Provider providing Therapy and Educational supports through this system.
COME AND SEE WHY OUR STAFF LOVE WORKING FOR EARLY CONNECTIONS!
- Paediatric focused position, build your career working with children and families!
- Training and extensive supervision in role and generous PD.
- Gradual caseload and reasonable billable targets.
- 5 WEEKS leave per year!
- Save tax through generous Salary Sacrificing, unique to Public Benevolent Institutions (PBI’s) – (up to $15,899), Meal and Entertainment Card (up to $2,650) and Novated Leasing all available.
- Staff tell us they feel more supported in our team than they have with other employers – “the Team at EC feels like Family”.
- Local Community Connector available to support you to navigate and settling into community (accommodation, partner’s job support, childcare/school, leisure connections and more, value $2,500).
- Subsidised relocation/accommodation costs offered ($3,000). Come and see what the Great Lakes and Manning regions have to offer!
Why work for us:
- Specific training and supports to make sure you feel supported and succeed in your early career.
- Supervision and mentoring from experienced Physio’s.
- PD allocation of $2,000 in first year and $1,000 annually thereafter (pro-rata). PD courses may include Paediatrics in Physio, Key Worker, Behaviour supports & self-regulation etc.
- Full or Part time roles negotiable with potential for RDO’s and flexible hours.
- Salary packaging and financial incentives, including significantly above award rates, plus additional paid leave.
- Access relocation costs where needed.
- Diverse range of clients with a variety of needs and diagnosis.
- Highly experienced team of Early Intervention Teachers, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, Psychologist and Allied Health Assistants.
- Be a part of the Early Connections Alliance (from Forster to Coffs Harbour) and benefit from the knowledge and experience of a vast allied health and education team.
- Staff are supported through access to wellbeing and psychology supports through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Access Employment Hero program, including staff rewards and recognition program.
- We are an established NDIS provider and also offer supports throughout the community.
The role:
- Provide assessments, interventions and therapy to children 0-12yrs with a diverse range of disabilities.
- Gradual caseload and achievable billable expectations.
- Service aimed at building the capacity of the child and family in natural, inclusive settings. Early Connections – MGL has extensive existing relationships within the community.
- Opportunity to work within a transdisciplinary model and to provide consultation to Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapist, Psychologists and Early Childhood Teachers and families. Opportunities for advancement.
- Work with and support Allied Health Assistants.
- Working between two sites (Taree and Tuncurry).
- Using state of the art technology including the Echidna CRM (client record management) system and IPads. IT supports from our local IT company.
The successful candidate will:
- Have relevant qualifications and registered membership with Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
- Show commitment to Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention, inclusive practice, family centred approach to service delivery.
- Have excellent communication and documentation skills using technology effectively.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Have a minimum 1-year experience in disability or paediatrics (desirable not essential).
- A fundamental understanding of child development
- Vaccination against COVID-19 is essential as per policy and health recommendations.
Travel is required and your own car and a current driver’s license are a pre-requisite for the position, although work vehicles are available for majority of travel. A current Working with Children Check, Police Check, COVID-19 Vaccination and First Aid Certificate is also required.
Part Time status will be negotiated on employment and may be dependent on applicants’ level of experience. Position will be permanent following 3mth trial period.
Location: Taree and Tuncurry
Send Applications to: Applications must address the selection criteria. Send applications to Sally Gibson: manager@earlyconnections-mgl.org.au
Applications close: Fri the 13th Dec 2023.
For a confidential discussion call Sally Gibson on (02) 6552 7333.
Forster, Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter NSW
Physiotherapy, OT & Rehabilitation (Healthcare & Medical)
Part time: $45 – $55 per hour dependent on experience
by jo | Sep 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: A Symbol of Support and Inclusivity in Travel
by jo | Sep 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
The Australian Childhood Foundation has some wonderful resources for parents and families.
They work to share knowledge in practical and evidence-based ways that support children and young people. Their training, tools and resources draw on the Foundation’s 30 year history working with children and young people, as well as working with leading thinkers in the fields of neuroscience, trauma and safeguarding.
The Chatterbox Connection is a game to encourage and explore connection.
This chatterbox game invites us to play and learn more about each other. One person operates the chatterbox, while the other takes a turn at choosing from its options to make their way to the centre of the folded paper which has activity ideas to choose from.
How to Use a Chatterbox:
- The Chatterbox operator holds the chatterbox on thumbs and fingers.
- The player chooses from the four outside sides,then the chatterbox operator spells out their choice while moving the parts of the chatterbox.
- The player chooses a number from the four inner numbers, then the chatterbox operator counts out the number, moving the chatterbox again.
- The player chooses a number again and the chatterbox operator opens out the flap with the chosen number on it.
- The player chooses from two activity prompts written beneath the chosen number.
- Swap and repeat. Different choices will lead to different activity options in the centre.
Thanks to the Australian Childhood Foundation for this great resource. You can visit their website for more activities and resources.
Download the Origami Chatterbox Australian Childhood Foundation
by jo | Jun 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
Winter Aquatic Therapy Sessions with Occupational Therapist
Currently we are offering the following sessions:
- Fridays 9am to 2pm (ongoing starting Friday 23 June 2023)
- One block in the holidays where participants can attend a session daily or just for one session one day
- Holiday dates available 4th July, 5th July and 6th July. Sessions run all day.
Limited spots available!
- Register today by emailing Paige@earlyconnections-pmh.org.au
- Early Connections: (02) 6583 8238 earlyconnections.org.au
by jo | Apr 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
Early Connections adopts the Key Worker Model for early childhood intervention for children aged 0-6 years. This approach provides personalised support and resources for families who have children with developmental delays or disabilities.
NDIS National Disability Support Scheme
The NDIS Key Worker Model gives children with developmental delays and disabilities the best possible start in life. It is the best practice Early Childhood Intervention model identified by the NDIS to support families. If you are eligible for the NDIS and would like to access Early Connections education, therapy and support contact your local team.
A family centred approach
The Key Worker model is family centred, this means the family is listened to and leads all supports being provided to their child and family. Regular communication and sharing of information between the Key Worker and the family helps to ensure that the family is involved in decision-making and goal setting for your child.
The Key Worker is the primary point of contact between the family and the transdisciplinary team of early childhood professionals. They work with the family to develop goals and an individual plan for the child and they provide support and coaching to the family and other important people in the child’s life, to help the child learn and develop through their everyday activities.
Support in a child’s natural environment
The Key Worker also supports the child in their natural environment, whether it be at home, preschool or school, which is great because it ensures that the intervention is just a natural part of the child’s daily life. This is empowering for the family because they learn how to maximise everyday learning opportunities and advocate for their child’s needs. This ensures that the child is learning and developing through their everyday activities and routines, and that the intervention is included into their daily life. The Key Worker provides support and coaching to the family to maximise everyday learning opportunities and to promote the child’s development.
A personalised approach
One of the main benefits of the Key Worker Model is that it provides a personalised approach to early childhood intervention. The Key Worker works with the family to develop goals and an individual plan for the child, taking into consideration their unique strengths, challenges and interests. This personalised approach ensures that the child is receiving the most appropriate support and resources to meet their specific needs.
Skills to advocate for your child
In addition to supporting the child’s development, the Key Worker also works to empower the family by providing them with skills and knowledge to understand their rights and capacity to advocate for their child. This helps to ensure that the family is equipped to make informed decisions and to access the support and resources that their child needs.
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