Garran Early Learning and Intervention Centre reopens for Canberra children and families 

Communities at Work will formally mark the reopening of Garran Early Learning and Intervention Centre  (ELIC) this week, welcoming Canberra children and families back to a valued early learning and intervention  service. 

The Centre supports children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Global Developmental Delay  (GDD), bringing together early childhood education, individualised support and collaboration with families  and allied health professionals. 

The reopening is being delivered as a pilot initiative to refine a sustainable service model that provides  meaningful, coordinated support for children and families well into the future. The pilot has been made  possible through a partnership between Communities at Work, the John James Foundation and Capital  Region Community Services, with each organisation contributing expertise and support to help establish a  strong foundation for the Centre’s future operation. 

Communities at Work Chief Executive Officer Lesley Jordan said the reopening marked an important  milestone for the Canberra community and reflected the need for practical, family-centred approaches  that help children access the right support earlier and closer to home. 

“Garran ELIC is about creating a place where children and families feel welcomed, understood and  supported. Through this pilot, we have an opportunity to test and refine an integrated model that brings  families, educators and therapists together around each child,” Ms Jordan said. “That collaboration is  critical to understanding each child’s strengths, needs and goals, and to building consistent support in the  everyday settings where children live, learn and grow. By learning from this pilot, we can help inform a  sustainable approach that strengthens early support for families and aligns with the broader direction of  child and family support reform.” 

Garran ELIC will provide an integrated model of early learning and developmental support, where children  can learn, grow and thrive in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Through a combination of high-quality  early childhood education and tailored intervention supports, the program is designed to strengthen each  child's development, participation and wellbeing during the critical early years. 

Enrolments are now open, with a limited number of places available. 

The reopening of Garran Early Learning and Intervention Centre marks an important milestone in the  broader vision for the Garran precinct. This pilot will help shape the development of a connected  community hub that brings together early learning, therapeutic services, specialist supports and family centred programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD)  and other developmental needs. 

By creating an integrated hub where education, intervention and family support work together, Garran  aims to provide children with the best possible start in life while empowering families through coordinated,  accessible and holistic support. The long-term vision is to build a sustainable centre of excellence that  improves outcomes for children, strengthens family wellbeing, and helps every child thrive, belong and  participate fully in their community.