National Best Practice Framework for early childhood intervention released

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has published the National Best Practice Framework for Early Childhood Intervention.

The framework outlines principles and practices intended to guide professionals and organisations that support young children with developmental concerns, delay or disability, along with their families. It has been developed using national and international evidence, and aims to provide a consistent reference point across sectors.

The framework is structured around key principles, including:

• Rights-based practice – recognising the rights of children with disability to inclusion and participation
• Family-centred approaches – involving families as partners and decision-makers
• Diversity-affirming practice – embedding cultural responsiveness and respect for individual and community contexts
• Everyday settings focus – providing support within natural environments such as homes, early learning centres, and community settings
• Participation and inclusion – supporting children to engage in daily routines, relationships, and learning
• Evidence-informed practice – drawing on research and data to guide approaches
• Outcomes-focused practice – measuring the impact of interventions for children and families

For early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, the framework connects with existing national policy settings, including the National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0. Its emphasis on inclusion, family partnerships and everyday learning environments aligns with the principles already in place across ECEC.

The framework may be used as a reference point by educators, teachers and service leaders when working with children with additional needs, and when collaborating with families, allied health professionals and community services.

According to the Department, the framework will inform service delivery, workforce planning, and policy development across jurisdictions. Its future application will also depend on how it is adopted by different organisations and systems.

Further details and supporting resources, including downloadable documents, are available from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.