Allied health professionals and early childhood program providers invited to join Preschool Boost directory

Professionals and providers working in allied health and early childhood development are being invited to register their interest for inclusion on the Preschool Boost menu, a centralised online directory that connects early learning services with quality, evidence-informed programs that support young children and their families.

Developed as part of the Flying Start initiative, the Preschool Boost menu offers participating services access to a growing list of supports that align with their developmental, educational and wellbeing priorities. By joining the directory, approved providers and professionals have the opportunity to work collaboratively with early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to deliver impactful, responsive and culturally appropriate supports for children aged birth to five.

The Preschool Boost menu is designed to reflect the diversity of children’s learning and development needs, with a strong focus on programs that are:

• Evidence-informed and outcomes-focused
• Developmentally appropriate and culturally safe
• Delivered by qualified professionals or organisations with experience in the early years
• Aligned with the principles of inclusive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practice

This may include programs or services in areas such as speech and language development, occupational therapy, mental health and wellbeing, behavioural support, inclusion, nutrition, parent-child interaction, social-emotional development, and early intervention.

One of the key aims of the Preschool Boost initiative is to foster stronger integration between ECEC services and allied health and early development professionals. By strengthening these connections, services can better identify and respond to emerging needs, reduce barriers to access, and create environments where children are supported holistically.

For professionals and providers, inclusion on the Preschool Boost menu offers visibility and the opportunity to partner directly with early learning services who are seeking to enhance their programs with external expertise.

This initiative also reflects national momentum towards more integrated models of early childhood support, where education, health, care and community services work together to give every child the best possible start.

The opportunity is open to:

• Allied health professionals (including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists and others)
• Providers of group programs or targeted services designed for the early years
• Organisations with experience delivering early childhood interventions, supports or evidence-informed initiatives

How to register

Registrations of interest are now open. To apply for inclusion on the Preschool Boost menu or to learn more about eligibility and selection, visit the Government of South Australia, Office of Early Childhood Development website.

This is an opportunity to be part of this important work and contribute to strengthening outcomes for children, families and communities through collaborative, evidence-informed early childhood support.