How to Access Services

START is a short term, flexible Early Childhood Intervention initiative for families living in Gippsland who are waiting for on-going early childhood intervention services.

START aims to reduce a family's stress by supporting their immediate concerns about their child.

START generally provides support for up to 3 months.

START offers you assistance to access information about services that are available and how to get the most out of them.

START offers you access to resources such as equipment, information about your child's disability or delay and how you can assist your child.

START offers you access to therapy services through local Early Childhood Intervention srevices, private practioners and local health services.

Families will select the assistance, resources and therapy that will best suit their needs. Workers will assist you to do this by discussing your concerns and giving you information about available options.

START aims to assist you to access everyday services in the community, such as local playgroups, preschools and childcare.

START aims to assist you to find solutions to your concerns within your network of family, friends and community.

START aims to assist you to use everyday activities to meet your goals or assist your child.

Early Childhood Intervention specialists, such as early childhood educators, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, therapy aides and psychologists will provide the services. They will be employed or contracted by START.

START will help you identify and document your concerns and goals and develop a Family Service Support Plan.

The Family Service Support Plan will clearly state what you want to happen and who will assist you to achieve it.

START is a short-term service, and therefore may only be able to assist you to address one or two of your concerns.

When an on-going service is available, START will help you move on with any information about your goals and your child's development and progress.

We welcome your feedback at any time to ensure START meets your needs and continues to improve. We may also ask you to complete questionnaires or surveys while with START.

Please contact:
Central Intake
or
Scope - Gippsland Specialist Services
Early Childhood Intervention Co-ordinator
PO Box 450
WARRAGUL 3820

Ph: 5623 1033 or Fax: 5622 3447
Email:

START
An Early Childhood Intervention Initiative

Funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services and provided by: