Student services and support programs

​​Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP)

Cairns Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) provides an educational program and/or service to support referred children from birth until they start prep, who have or are suspected of having significant educational needs and may be diagnosed with an impairment in one the following areas

Cairns ECDP is a Queensland Education Department program that provides support to families and children through a range of education services and programs that aim to enhance your child’s development, well-being and community participation.  These can include

• Playgroup for children and their parents.
• Mytime Playgroup https://www.mytime.net.au/
• Centre based programs for children 3—6 years (one full day a week).
• Support in other educational locations through outreach support
  

Parental involvement in all aspects of the program is valued and promoted.

Referrals

A child can be referred to the service by parents, therapists, Early Childhood staff, or doctors using our ECDP referr​al form​ 2021 (PDF, 427.68 KB)​. Once a referral is received ECDP staff will use a collaborative process to identify the most appropriate educational program for each individual child and will work with parents to complete an application to access the program.

Our Programs and Services​

All children have an individualised education program (IEP) that is informed by Early Years Learning Framework and in collaboration with parents and therapists. This is used by the qualified teachers to provide specialised intensive program to support each child to reach their fullest potential. Children and families are supported by Education Department therapists, Guidance Officers and Advisory Teachers who have a wide breath of experience working with young children with disabilities and developmental delay. A trans-disciplinary team approach is used to provide the most effective support. Families and professionals are equal partners in the program.

When your child is registered we:

• Support your child to reach their fullest potential.
• Develop and implement programs to support your child’s individual needs. (Individual Educational Plan) 
• Visit your child’s kindergarten, daycare or Early Childhood Setting to promote inclusive practices.
• Support you, the parents, as you make decisions regarding future educational settings. 
• Gather information about your child so that your child’s needs are catered for in future schooling. 
• Provide a fun, language enriched program in a small group setting. 
• Promote independence through play-based experiences.
• Incorporate multi-sensory experiences into all aspects of learning. 
• Liaise with outside agencies to provide a program that meets your child’s individual needs. 
• Utilise alternative communication techniques including signing, PCS and other communication devices to support language development.

Want to know more?

Contact Us

ECDP@parramattass.eq.edu.au