Understanding inclusion support funding

The Inclusion Support Program (ISP) is an Australian government initiative designed to assist early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in including children with additional needs, including those with disabilities or developmental delays.

The ISP is separate from the NDIS. ISP helps early childhood services include children with additional needs, while NDIS provides individual funding and support. ISP helps ensure that children can participate meaningfully in education and social activities alongside their peers. If you're a parent looking to apply for the ISP and work with your child's preschool or daycare, below is information to help you navigate the process.

NDIS funding and supports for participants are constantly changing. What might have been funded previously may have changed under the new NDIS legislation. It's important to ensure that you are up to date with the current information and updates.

Information on this page is current as of November 2024.

Understanding the Inclusion Support Program (ISP)

Before diving into the application process, it's essential to understand what the ISP offers. The ISP provides support in various ways, including:

• Specialised equipment: If necessary, the program can fund specialised equipment that helps children to participate in everyday activities.
• Training and professional development: ECEC staff can receive training to enhance their ability to support children with additional needs.
• Additional educator support: The program can fund additional educators to support children with higher needs in their settings.
• Inclusion Development Fund (IDF): This fund provides additional resources and support to help services include children with additional needs.

Steps to apply for ISP

1. Identify your child's needs

The first step is to identify your child's specific needs. This includes understanding any developmental delays, disabilities, or other conditions that may require additional support in an ECEC setting. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians or psychologists, can provide valuable insights and formal assessments that may be necessary for the application.

2. Discuss with your preschool or daycare

Once you've identified your child's needs, the next step is to engage in a conversation with your child's preschool or daycare. It's important to:

• Share information: Provide relevant documentation and assessments that detail your child's needs.
• Express your goals: Communicate what you hope to achieve through the ISP, such as better inclusion or specific developmental goals.

3. Collaborate with the inclusion professional

Each ECEC service has access to an Inclusion Agency and an Inclusion Professional. The Inclusion Professional works with the service to develop strategies and plans to support children with additional needs. Together, parents, educators, and the Inclusion Professional can:

• Develop an inclusion plan: This plan outlines the strategies and resources needed to support your child's inclusion. It may include adjustments to the environment, changes in teaching strategies, or the provision of additional support staff.
• Determine appropriate support: The Inclusion Professional will help determine what level of support is needed and what funding may be required.

4. Application process

The ECEC service will generally handle the application process for ISP funding. They will:

• Submit an application: This includes submitting the Inclusion Plan and any required documentation to the ISP.
• Wait for approval: The application will be reviewed, and funding or support will be allocated based on the needs identified.

5. Implementation of support

Once the application is approved, the ECEC service will implement the planned support. This may involve:

• Hiring additional staff: If the plan includes additional educator support, the service may hire new staff or allocate existing staff to work more closely with your child.
• Providing training: Educators may receive specialised training to better support your child's needs.
• Acquiring specialised equipment: Any necessary equipment will be purchased and integrated into the classroom environment.

Working with your child's preschool or daycare

Ongoing communication

Effective communication is key to ensuring your child receives the support they need. Regularly check in with educators and the Inclusion Professional to discuss:

• Progress and adjustments: Monitor your child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the Inclusion Plan.
• Challenges and concerns: Address any concerns or challenges as they arise. Be proactive in suggesting changes or additional support if needed.
• Celebrating achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements and progress.

Active participation

Being actively involved in your child's education can make a significant difference. You can:

• Volunteer: If possible, volunteer at the preschool or daycare. This helps you understand the environment and see how your child interacts with others.
• Support at home: Reinforce what your child is learning at school with activities at home. This continuity can be beneficial for development.

Additional considerations

Understanding your rights

As a parent, you have the right to be fully involved in the process. This includes:

• Access to information: You should have access to all information regarding your child's inclusion and the support being provided.
• Input into decisions: Your input is crucial in making decisions about your child's care and support.

Seeking additional support

If you feel that your child's needs are not being adequately met, there are additional resources available:

• Advocacy groups: Organisations like Early Childhood Australia can provide information on advocacy and support.
• Legal advice: In some cases, legal advice may be necessary to ensure your child's rights are upheld.

Review and evaluation

The support provided under the ISP should be regularly reviewed and evaluated. This ensures that it remains effective and relevant to your child's changing needs. Work with the preschool or daycare to set regular review dates and be an active participant in these evaluations.