The Early Childhood Inclusion Service (ECIS) mission is to partner with families to promote all children as capable and competent learners, thriving within inclusive early education and community settings.
ECIS is a state-wide service of the Department for Education, Children and Young People. ECIS has bases in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, and Devonport.
The service works in partnership with families and other professionals, to maximise developmental achievements of children (birth-4years) with developmental delay and/or disability.
ECIS supports children and families to access and take part in early years programs and supports in their community. This maximises learning and supports successful transitions through appropriate adjustments.
ECIS recognises that families are children’s first and most important teachers. Families are the primary role model in children’s learning and development.
The service focuses on partnering with families in education and community settings to plan for each child’s inclusion. Inclusion means all children can successfully take part in quality learning programs, that acknowledge their individual strengths and interests. This provides all children with the chance to learn and interact with their peers.
ECIS provides early years inclusion support in educational settings. ECIS works alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Early Childhood Approach (ECA), that provides therapeutic intervention for children with a developmental delay or disability. By implementing a whole of community approach, in collaboration with other support services, and in partnership with families, the department aims to deliver better outcomes for children and families.
The Department for Education, Children and Young People is committed to providing a more inclusive education system for all children with a developmental delay and/or disability. This commitment aligns with Commonwealth legislation and Disability Standards for Education 2005.
The Department for Education, Children and Young People promotes high quality inclusion for all children through a whole community, shared approach by:
- Collaborating with all services to support families access local early learning environments
- Making appropriate adjustments to meet the child’s development needs
- Connecting families in their local community
- Promoting community awareness of inclusion for all children with diverse needs
- Supporting successful transitions for children and families through collaboration
- Building a team around the child by working with other early childhood inclusion services, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Early Childhood Approach (ECA)
The Department for Education, Children and Young People provides a range of Early Years programs and initiatives. These include Launching into Learning, Child and Learning Family Centres and Libraries. ECIS provides support and planning for inclusion in all these programs, in community settings.
Are you concerned about your child’s development?
If you have concerns speak with a doctor, Child Health Nurse, or other health professional.
NDIS ECA supports children (birth-8 years) who have a developmental delay or disability. The aim of the NDIS ECA approach is to provide supports to children early. Early support provides children the best chance of achieving their potential.
Contact NDIS on: 1800 800 110
For more information visit:
The early childhood approach | NDIS
Families – Where to find help – Reimagine Australia
If you need further information or support, you can contact ECIS in your region.
ECIS contact details:
- Burnie: Phone: (03) 6430 4200
- Devonport: Phone: (03) 6447 1293
- Launceston: Phone: (03) 6344 1729
- Hobart: Phone: (03) 6231 1625
Exemption from Kindergarten for ECIS exiting students
All children who have turned four years of age by 1st January in any year are eligible for enrolment. Any exception to this is on the basis of early entry to kindergarten for students assessed as gifted.
It is recognised that the preferred option for all students, in order to gain the most benefit from the available years of schooling, is participation in kindergarten, providing an important foundation year for learning.
Who can refer a child to Early Childhood Inclusion Service?
- Parents may refer their child to Early Childhood Inclusion Service. A range of people including paediatricians, general practitioners, Child Health and Parenting Service (CHAPS) and child care professionals may also make referrals, providing they have parent or guardian consent. Your privacy is protected—information you share with service providers is confidential.
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