New National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention

What is the new National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention?

The official National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention has now been approved for publication by the Commonwealth Government. It has been developed to give clear advice on how to support children under 9 years of age who have developmental concerns, delays or disabilities.

Early experiences shape a child’s future health and wellbeing. This is especially true for children with delays or disabilities. Helping them early with quality, tailored support gives them the best chance to thrive.

Why is it important?

The framework helps make sure that support is:

• focused on families
• safe and respectful of different cultures
• inclusive and easy to access
• given in everyday places, not just clinics

How will the framework help families and carers?

The framework recognises you and your family, including carers, as the key experts for your child, and describes tailoring services around your priorities. The framework provides information about what to expect of best practice in ECI, such as:

• Framework guide
• Growing and learning guide
• Glossary
• What young people say is important
• Decision making guide which is designed to provide guidance to families about what goals to focus on, what strategies to use, who should be on the ECI team, how to provide support and where to provide services (see the full guide here)

How will you know that the framework is working for you?

As a parent, carer or family member, you’ll know that the framework is working when you:

• have a positive social support network, including with other families with children with developmental concerns, delay or disability
• have positive views about your child’s strengths, developmental progress and functioning
• are confident in your ability to provide your children with the experiences and opportunities they need
• can make informed choices and decisions about evidence-informed and high-quality ECI services and other supports
• are confident in advocating for your child and family
• are confident in integrating support and activities into family life in a balanced way
• are continuing to develop your individual interests and life pursuits
• live in communities that are strong and inclusive places for children and their families to live, grow, play and connect
• are supported to have your needs for health, housing and financial security and other social determinants of health addressed
• have ready access to family-friendly and culturally safe community facilities
• have timely access to a range of support services to address any additional parent, carer and family needs, such as mental or physical health concerns.

Where can I go to learn more?

The National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention for families and carers page provides access to all of the appropriate links and the Bringing the Framework to Life Podcast series (14 podcasts totaling nearly 7 hours of content) has been created to discuss the 14 principles of the framework in more depth, including input from parents, therapists and early childhood educators.