New Thriving Kids guidance helps early childhood educators connect families with support

A new federal fact sheet outlines information and support pathways for professionals working with young children and families during the Thriving Kids rollout.

Early childhood educators supporting families with questions about their child’s development can access new guidance explaining Thriving Kids and where help is available.

Published by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the connectors fact sheet is designed for people who work with, or regularly spend time with, children and families.

It identifies information services available now, explains how support will expand and confirms that existing NDIS access arrangements remain unchanged until 1 January 2028.

Starting points for families

The fact sheet directs families seeking advice about their child’s development to:

• The Thriving Kids Information and Resources Hub, delivered by Raising Children Network.
• A maternal and child health nurse through the national phone line on 1800 882 436.
• The Thriving Kids Autism Helpline on 1300 654 789.
• Their GP, maternal and child health nurse or paediatrician.
• State and territory information about local supports.

Educators can use these resources when helping families find information about communication, learning, behaviour, movement or social development.

Families can also contact NDIS early childhood partners directly. Partners continue to connect children and families with early support, mainstream and community services, and the NDIS.

Support does not depend on a diagnosis

Thriving Kids is intended for children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, and their families.

Children will not need a diagnosis to access support. Community-based services will be funded rather than individual packages like those available through the NDIS.

Information, advice and parenting support began rolling out in October 2026. Targeted supports, including allied health, will gradually expand from 2027, with availability differing between locations.

The planned supports include family programs, supported playgroups, practical resources and assistance to help children participate in everyday activities.

Training and resources for early childhood educators

The department’s rollout guidance includes plans for online child development training for teachers and early childhood educators.

Further workforce resources will help people working with children understand Thriving Kids and build their knowledge of developmental delay and autism. The guidance does not set out a new diagnostic responsibility for educators.

All supports are scheduled to be rolled out by 1 January 2028. During the rollout, families can continue to apply for the NDIS through existing pathways.

Access the connectors fact sheet here, family information hub here and information about planned workforce supports here.