Funding for a Key Worker is part of the NDIS Early Childhood/Early Intervention approach. Your child's NDIS plan will have a stated item of support in the Capacity Building Supports section, labeled Early Intervention (children <7yrs), indicating the funding is for a ‘Key Worker Model’.
Based on evidence-based research, the Key Worker model is the best way to support children with disabilities or developmental delays under the age of 7 years.
The Key Worker model focuses on supporting both the child and the family in their everyday natural environments.
Based on evidence-based research, the Key Worker model is the best way to support children with disabilities or developmental delays under the age of 7 years.
The Key Worker model focuses on supporting both the child and the family in their everyday natural environments.
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A Key Worker in early childhood intervention plays a central role in supporting children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families.
They act as the main point of contact, coordinating services and providing tailored support to help children reach their full potential.
Key Workers work closely with families to understand their unique needs and goals, delivering therapy in natural environments like the child's home, childcare centre, pre-school, school or in the community.
Their responsibilities include:
• Helping families prioritise goals.
• Implementing strategies to meet the child's developmental objectives.
• Integrating therapy techniques into daily routines.
• Building the family's skills and confidence to support the child.
This approach ensures that children and families receive holistic, practical, and effective support.
Sydney Early Intervention Key Workers adhere to the Reimagine Australia (formerly known as Early Childhood Intervention Australia/ECIA) best practice framework –
‘Understand Me – Support Me – Enable Me’
Nurturing the inclusive, holistic and responsive support, growth, development and wellbeing for young children of all abilities.
A Key Worker can be an allied health professional (therapist) with specialist skills in working with children with a developmental delay or disability.
Key Worker professionals include:* Physiotherapists* Occupational Therapists
* Speech Pathologists* Early Childhood Teachers/Special Educators
* Psychologists and
* Social workers
The Key Worker conducts an assessment of the child with the parent/carer to identify priority areas linked to achievable goals. The Key Worker's role is to support and build the capacity of each child's parents and family, ensuring the child has every opportunity to practice skills and intervention strategies in the natural setting.
The Key Worker conducts an assessment of the child with the parent/carer to identify priority areas linked to achievable goals. The Key Worker's role is to support and build the capacity of each child's parents and family, ensuring the child has every opportunity to practice skills and intervention strategies in the natural setting.
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Being a Key Worker involves collaborating with families, medical professionals, and other early childhood intervention professionals to create a child and family focused plan centred around the child's developmental needs and interests, and the priorities of each individual family.
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