How to Access Services

Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) support families with a child/ren with a disability or developmental delay from birth to school entry. ECIS provide special education, therapy, counselling, service planning and coordination, assistance and support to access services such as kindergarten and child care.

The overall aim of these services is to provide parents and families with the knowledge, skills and support to meet the needs of their child and to optimise the child's development and ability to participate in family and community life. All services are provided using a family-centered approach, recognising the importance of working in partnership with the family.

Services are tailored to meet the individual needs of the child and focused on supporting the child in their natural environments, in their everyday experiences and activities. These services are funded through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and provided by DEECD managed Specialist Children's services teams and Early Childhood Intervention agencies.

Further information can be found in the Information Kit for Families.

Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) have a central point of entry. This provides families with easy and timely access to ECIS. Central Intake gathers information and determines whether the child meets eligibility criteria for ECIS. In the first instance, referrals for ECIS must go to Central Intake who will work with the family to identify concerns, to plan next steps and to make a referral to an ECIS agency.

Professionals in your community such as your Maternal and Child Health nurse, Kindergarten Teacher, Pre School Field Officer, child care worker, family doctor or paediatrician, can provide you with information about your child’s development. If you have concerns, they could help you decide if you wish to make referrals to other services.

The first thing to do is contact ECIS Central Intake on
Phone: 1800 783 783 or 5136 2400
or
Fax: 5136 2511
or
Email:

The Referral Form can be found on the Resources and Publications page..

The Central Intake Eligibility Criteria for ECI services can be found on SCS ECI eligibility criteria.doc

What are ECIS Flexible Support Packages - Gippsland?

Families who are eligible for assistance through the ECIS Flexible Support Packages have a child/ren with complex support needs who are aged between birth to school age, with a disability or developmental delay.

ECIS Flexible Support Packages Application Forms are also available.

For further information contact:
Shelley Wormald
ECIS Flexible Support Packages Coordinator Gippsland Lakes Community Health
P O Box 1888
BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875
Ph: 03 5152 0052

Further information regarding these packages are available through the links listed below.

ECIS FSP Guidelines 2009-10.doc

ECIS FSP Info Kit June 08 Final.doc

ECIS FSP QandA June 08 Final.doc

.pdf">newsletter_1_0409_[3">.pdf

Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program

Link to Allied Health and Dental Care Services Consumer Information

Link to Referral Form for Allied Health Services under Medicare