The early years matter more than any other period in a child's development. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, early intervention during these critical years can shape the trajectory of their entire life. MediHealth Connect provides NDIS-funded early childhood early intervention (ECEI) supports across South East Queensland.
The early years matter more than any other period in a child's development. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, early intervention during these critical years can shape the trajectory of their entire life. MediHealth Connect provides NDIS-funded early childhood early intervention (ECEI) supports across South East Queensland.
Early childhood early intervention (ECEI) is a pathway within the NDIS designed for children aged 0 to 6 (or up to 9 in some cases) who have developmental delays, disabilities, or conditions that affect their development. The approach is based on strong evidence that the right support during early childhood can significantly improve outcomes in communication, motor skills, social development, and learning.
ECEI isn't just therapy sessions. It's a family-centred approach that builds the capacity of both the child and their family. Parents and carers are equipped with strategies they can use every day — at home, at playgroup, at childcare — so that learning doesn't stop when the therapist leaves.
Understanding where a child is at developmentally is the starting point. Our allied health professionals carry out thorough assessments across communication, motor skills, cognitive development, social and emotional skills, and adaptive behaviour. These assessments inform the intervention plan and provide baseline data for tracking progress.
For children with speech delays, language difficulties, or communication disorders, our speech pathologists work on building expressive and receptive language skills, introducing augmentative communication where needed, and supporting social communication development.
Our paediatric OTs help children develop fine motor skills (writing, cutting, dressing), sensory processing skills, play skills, and daily living skills appropriate to their age. They also assess and recommend adaptive equipment and environmental modifications.
For children with physical disabilities or motor delays, physiotherapy focuses on building gross motor skills — sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running, and balance. Early physio intervention can maximise a child's physical potential during the critical developmental window.
For children displaying challenging behaviours, anxiety, or emotional regulation difficulties, our psychologists and behaviour support practitioners work with the child and family to develop positive strategies and build emotional resilience.
We don't just work with the child — we work with the whole family. Parent coaching, family education, and connecting families with peer support networks are all part of our ECEI approach. When families feel confident and supported, children thrive.
Children can access ECEI support through two main pathways. Children under 7 with a developmental delay or disability can be referred to an NDIS Early Childhood Partner, who can provide initial short-term support or recommend the child for a full NDIS plan. Once a child has an NDIS plan, they can access funded early intervention services through providers like MediHealth Connect.
ECEI services are typically funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living in the child's NDIS plan.
MediHealth Connect delivers early childhood early intervention across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, and the Redlands. Sessions can be delivered at home, at childcare or preschool, at community locations, or at our facilities.
As early as possible. Research consistently shows that the earlier intervention begins, the better the outcomes. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait — reach out for an assessment.
Not necessarily. Children with developmental delays can access ECEI support even without a formal diagnosis. The NDIS Early Childhood approach focuses on function and development rather than requiring a specific diagnostic label.
Yes. Many of our ECEI sessions are delivered in the child's natural environments — home, childcare, preschool, or community settings. This approach helps children apply new skills in the places where they spend their time.
You can contact MediHealth Connect directly, speak to your child's GP or paediatrician, or connect with your local NDIS Early Childhood Partner (such as Mission Australia or the Benevolent Society in Queensland).