Supported by Telethon and Stan Perron
Giving children with learning difficulties and developmental delays a better start to schooling.
Supporting school-readiness
Starting kindergarten can be daunting for many children and their parents. Formal schooling is a big step, and for families of children with developmental delays, the transition can be particularly unnerving.
Our specialised early intervention program, First Focus, aims to ease the transition to kindergarten or pre-primary by helping children with developmental delays and learning difficulties gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a school environment. The program familiarises children with classroom settings and routines, encourages social interactions, and supports the development of essential skills to ensure a strong start to their educational journey.
Is my child eligible?
First Focus is available to children who:
- Are 2-5 years old
- Have learning difficulties or developmental delays
- Are not accessing the NDIS or government-funded therapy services
- Are not attending full time school
First Focus is a free program for eligible children that is made possible with generous support from Telethon and Stan Perron. Places are limited and applying does not guarantee entry to the program. All applications will be reviewed by an allied health professional to determine eligibility.
Applications close 24 June, 2024.
What is developmental delay?
Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about their development.
You can find detailed information about child development on the Raising Children Network website:
If you have concerns about your child’s development, we can provide support through our First Focus program.
Key dates for your diary
Initial Assessments
10 June - 15 July, 2024
An initial assessment will be conducted at our Osborne Park clinic prior to the program commencing. Every child is unique. This assessment will help identify developmental concerns and determine the most appropriate therapy approach for each child.
Group Sessions
22 July - 9 September, 2024
Weekly group sessions are held in our play-based therapy space and target language, attention, gross and fine motor skills. The sessions are facilitated by two qualified therapists and accommodate up to 8 children.
Post-intervention Assessments
16 September - 23 September, 2024
At the conclusion of the program, post-intervention assessments will be conducted to assess each child's skills and development. Final reports detailing progress and recommendations will be issued by 4 October, 2024.
Our play-based therapy space
First Focus is run from our play-based therapy clinic in Osborne Park, which includes a sensory room, gross motor gym, and simulated classroom.
The program is delivered in a range of different ways to accommodate each child’s specific needs, strengths and learning styles. This can include individual therapy, group sessions and parent education.
Parent and family support
Families play a key role in early childhood development.
Our First Focus program actively engages parents and caregivers, providing education, resources, and ongoing support to promote continued learning and growth in children.
Let's get started
If you have concerns about your child’s development, or if you’d like support for the transition to kindy or preschool, apply for our First Focus program today.
For more information contact our friendly team on 1300 135 373.