The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program is a support system for children under 7 years old with disabilities or developmental delays. The goal of ECEI is to improve the quality of life for children and their families by providing access to a wide range of supports early in their development.

ECEI is provided by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and aims to help children with disabilities or developmental delays develop their skills and participate in daily activities. By providing support early in a child's life, ECEI aims to minimize the need for complex supports as they grow older.

To be eligible for ECEI, children must be under 7 years old and have a disability or developmental delay. A formal diagnosis is not required, and written statements from people close to the child such as teachers, family, or caregivers can be used to demonstrate the need for ECEI support.

The ECEI program allows for choice and control by providing funding for parents to access supports from providers that best suit their child's needs. The funding and supports are tailored to the child's individual situation, and an ECEI plan is created to outline the child's journey, budget, and the type of supports they can access.

ECEI funds a variety of supports, including therapies like speech therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), psychology, and exercise physiology. Low-cost assistive technology such as iPads, and consumables like continence products can also be funded. The specific supports a child can access will depend on their ECEI plan.

To apply for ECEI, a planning meeting with an Early Childhood Partner is required. These experts will work closely with families to understand their child's situation and support needs, and create an ECEI plan. They can also answer questions and connect families with appropriate local supports. To find the nearest Early Childhood Partner, visit the NDIS website. Before the meeting, it is recommended to gather any supporting evidence that demonstrates the child's support needs, such as letters from people close to the child or a statement from a healthcare professional.