Yes, our services can still be accessed privately if NDIS funding has not yet been approved. Once your child becomes eligible for full or partial NDIS support, we can combine private payments and NDIS funding to ensure you receive the most suitable support options.

To access the NDIS you must be an Australian Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

Children under the age of 9 may access support through the Early Childhood Approach. Children under 6 years old can receive assistance even without a formal diagnosis if there are developmental concerns.

If you are worried about your child’s development, it is recommended to first speak with a GP, child health nurse, or other healthcare professional.

Our team members come from a range of professional health and education backgrounds, including:

• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Speech Pathology
• Psychology
• Occupational Therapy
• Applied Behaviour Analysis

All team members also undertake specialised training programs to ensure they meet NDIS standards and evidence-based therapy practices.

We help families understand whether their child may qualify for NDIS funding by reviewing factors such as:

• Residency status (Australian citizen or permanent resident)
• Service availability within your region

Our team can also support you with the NDIS application process, preparing documentation, attending planning meetings, and assisting with plan reviews or change-of-circumstance requests.

Early intervention therapy is commonly funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Families typically access this support through:

• Self-managed plans
• Plan-managed funding

Services can begin once NDIS funding approval has been confirmed.

The Early Start Denver Model is a comprehensive, family-focused behavioural therapy designed for young children with autism between 12 and 60 months of age.

This therapy model was developed by specialists at the UC Davis Mind Institute and is typically delivered in one-on-one sessions within clinical or home environments.

ESDM is a play-based and evidence-based therapy that encourages positive relationships and interactive learning between children, caregivers, and therapists.

Therapy focuses on improving several developmental areas including:

• Expressive communication
• Receptive communication
• Joint attention
• Cognitive development
• Behavioural skills
• Independence in daily tasks
• Fine and gross motor abilities
• Social interaction
• Imitation skills

The Early Start Denver Model emphasises the importance of family involvement in a child’s development.

Therapy takes place within everyday environments and routines, empowering parents and caregivers with strategies that support ongoing learning and development.

Our ESDM therapists complete extensive professional training which includes:

• One-on-one mentorship with certified ESDM therapists
• Introductory training workshops through the UC Davis Mind Institute
• Fidelity training in the Early Start Denver Model
• Advanced training workshops with certified ESDM trainers
• Formal certification as an ESDM therapist
• Continuous professional development

Little Learners follows a strong code of professional conduct based on the following principles:

1. Respect and dignity for all children and families.
2. Professional and personalised therapy services.
3. Honest communication and transparency.
4. Maintaining appropriate qualifications, police checks and privacy requirements.
5. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff, families and children.

Therapists typically have qualifications in related disciplines such as:

• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Speech Pathology
• Psychology
• Occupational Therapy
• Behaviour Analysis

The certification pathway generally takes between 6 and 18 months and includes specialised training through the UC Davis Mind Institute.