ECDP: A Free Queensland Program to support your little one’s learning
You might not have heard of ECDP before. It's one of those programmes that's been quietly supporting Queensland families for decades, but isn't always talked about in the same way as the NDIS or other well-known services.
ECDP stands for Early Childhood Development Program, a free Queensland government initiative that works with children from birth to 5 years, helping them develop the skills they need to thrive in learning and prepare for school.
What is ECDP?
The Early Childhood Development Program is designed specifically to help children with disability during those crucial early years. With 102 ECDPs across Queensland, there's likely one near you, making this valuable support accessible to families right across the state.
What I love about ECDP is that it recognises what I firmly believe: every child has unique potential, and with the right support, amazing things can happen.
Who is Eligible for ECDP?
Your child may be eligible for ECDP support if they have a diagnosed or suspected disability in one of these areas:
Autism spectrum disorder
Physical impairment
Speech and language impairment
Hearing impairment
Vision impairment
Intellectual disability
To access the program, you'll need evidence from your paediatrician or allied health professional documenting your child's needs.
How ECDP Can Help Your Child
The program isn't just about the child, though. ECDP teams work closely with families, creating individualised plans that acknowledge your child's strengths and focus on meaningful goals. This collaborative approach ensures that the support provided is tailored to your child's unique needs and your family's circumstances.
The Multidisciplinary Team
One of the real strengths of ECDP is the multidisciplinary team approach. Your child may work with a range of professionals, including:
Early childhood educators
Specialist teachers
Occupational therapists
Physiotherapists
Speech pathologists
Guidance officers
Nurses
These professionals collaborate to provide comprehensive support, and they can also work alongside other providers who are supporting your child, ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals.
Where Does ECDP Support Happen?
ECDP offers flexible service delivery options to meet your family's needs. Support can be provided:
At your child's kindergarten or childcare centre (outreach support)
At the ECDP school site (centre-based support)
At your child's future school
In consultation with other providers, such as NDIS services
It's worth noting that more intensive support is typically provided for children aged 3-5 years to help with the transition to school, setting them up for success in their educational journey.
Working Alongside Other Services
The beautiful thing is that ECDP can work alongside other supports your child might be receiving. It's not one or the other. Your child might access ECDP, NDIS early intervention, kindergarten programs, and private therapy all at the same time. Each service plays a different role in supporting your child's development, and they can complement each other beautifully when coordinated well.
How to Access ECDP
Accessing ECDP is done by contacting your local Department of Education regional office or your nearest ECDP. The staff there are experienced in helping families and can assist you to complete the application form. The regional office will then determine if your child is eligible for the programme.
You can find your local ECDP by visiting education.qld.gov.au and searching for services in your area.
Need Help Navigating Early Intervention Services?
Sometimes families feel overwhelmed trying to understand all the different services available. That's completely understandable - the early intervention landscape is extremely complex when you're first starting out.
If you're wondering how ECDP might fit with your child's current therapy journey, or if you have questions about accessing any early intervention services, I'm always here to help you make sense of it all. Understanding which services might benefit your child, how they work together, and what the referral process involves is an important part of ensuring your little one gets the support they need.
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and programs like ECDP are there to help make that happen. ECDP might be one piece of the puzzle in supporting your little one's journey.
If you'd like to chat about how ECDP or other early intervention services might support your child's development, or if you have questions about paediatric physiotherapy services, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
