Your early childhood education and care options

In Home Care

The In Home Care program offers flexible care provided in your home by a government approved carer.

You may be eligible if your child has a chronic illness or disability and standard early childhood education and care services are not available or suitable.

The cost of In Home Care will depend on:

• who's providing the service
• how often you need it
• if you can claim child care benefits.

You may still be able to get In Home Care if your child already gets support through the NDIS.

The NSW In Home Care Support Agency will assess if your child is eligible and match you with a service provider. 

To get assessed, call on 1800 442 273 or email at info@ihcsupportagency.org.au

Early childhood education and care services

Children with disability can enrol at any early childhood education and child care service.

When choosing a service, think about whether you want a generalised care or specialised education program.

It’s important to be clear about your child’s needs and abilities with the service as early as possible. When making your choice, think about:

• your child’s individual needs and interests
• if any of the staff are specially trained
• if staff seem comfortable looking after your child, and
• if other children with disability or additional needs attend the service.

Learn more about choosing an early childhood education and care service for children with disability at CareforKids.com.au.

Support in the classroom

Children with disability or additional needs may require extra support:

• in the years leading up to primary school
• when entering primary school.

Contact your local student support services and specialist programs team on 13 15 36 to talk about:

• your preschool options
• early intervention specialised support and services
• NDIS and your child’s education
• your primary school options
• community resources
• related services.

Before your child starts primary school

The timeline to enrolment tool can help you know when to start the conversation about inclusive learning with your school or local education unit.

All children in NSW can enrol in their local public primary school.

Your child does not need a formal diagnosis of disability to get support in mainstream classes. This can include personalised planning and adjustments.

If your child has a diagnosed disability, they may be able to get targeted support. If they meet eligibility requirements, this can include:

• extra support in a mainstream class
• specialist support classes in a mainstream school or a school for specific purposes.

Learn more about starting primary school if your child has a disability or additional needs.