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Now taking enrolments
What is Key Worker Model?
The Key Worker Model is a child-centred, family-focused, and NDIS-supported approach to early childhood intervention. In this model, a Key Worker is assigned as the primary point of contact for coordinating and delivering early intervention services to a child with varying developmental needs and their support network – including but not limited to parents, carers, family members, education services, allied health professionals and members in the broader community.
Our integrated team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists work together to provide personalised, evidence-based support that honours your child’s individuality.
Whether your child is developing in their own time, communicating in their own way, or exploring the world through a different lens, we’re here to support their journey with compassion and respect.
Your Key Worker will work closely with your child and your support network to:
Recognised as best practice by the NDIS, your Key Worker ensures that your child’s developmental needs are met seamlessly, while streamlining support, reducing overwhelm, and empowering you!
Your Key Worker (often an early childhood intervention specialist or Allied Health worker builds a deep understanding of your child and family, so you don’t have to repeat your story.
With fewer changes in therapists, your child builds a more trusting relationship with your Key Worker and receives tailored, ongoing support.
Your Key Worker equips you with skills to support your child’s learning, build their confidence, and promote their inclusion in everyday and community settings.
Fewer appointments, more inclusion opportunities, and less stress for your child and family. Your Key Worker coordinates support across different therapy disciplines and delivers most of the child’s therapy, reducing the need for multiple appointments with different specialists.
You and your family are actively involved in the planning and implementation of intervention, ensuring that the support is tailored to your child’s needs and overall wellbeing.
Your Key Worker offers guidance on how to use your NDIS plan effectively to best meet your goals and provides resources to help you navigate the NDIS system.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by juggling multiple therapists or services, this model can help. It’s ideal for families looking for:
This model suits children under 6 with developmental delays or disabilities, and families seeking personalised, flexible, and supportive intervention.
Key Worker: A qualified therapist who works closely with your child and family to deliver therapy, build strong relationships, and support your child’s developmental and therapeutic goals. This is especially helpful in early intervention for children under 9.
Support Worker: With specific training in disability or community services, they provide practical, day-to-day assistance with personal care skills, activities of daily living, and community access.
Support Coordinator: Helps you understand and use your NDIS plan, connect with services, and manage more complex needs. They don’t deliver therapy, but they make sure your supports are working well together.
Yes, you can use your NDIS funds for accessing supports by a Key Worker at CDI. Key Worker services typically falls within the Capacity Building Supports section of your NDIS plan. This funding helps your child build important skills and work toward developmental goals through early childhood intervention. To confirm if Key Worker support is included in your plan, it’s best to speak with your Early Childhood Partner or Support Coordinator. They can help you understand the stated supports in your child’s NDIS plan and how the funding can be used to access Key Worker supports.
Key Workers are qualified professionals with expertise in child development and early intervention. They may be:
CDI ensures that the right Key Worker is matched based on your child and your family’s specific needs and goals.
A good Key Worker builds positive and trusting relationships with your child, your family and others involved in your child’s care. They are skilled in assessing your child’s strengths, needs, and any barriers to learning, and they create an individualised therapy plan aligned with your child’s NDIS goals.
Key Workers collaborate closely with health, education, and allied health professionals (such as paediatricians, educators, and allied health specialists) to support your child’s development and overall wellbeing.
Key qualities of a Key Worker include:
Key Worker services are charged in line with the NDIS Price Guide under Capacity Building Supports – Improved Daily Living. The cost depends on the Key Worker’s profession (e.g. occupational therapist, speech therapist) and is billed at the hourly rate set by the NDIS.
To understand your plan and what it covers, it’s best to speak with your Early Childhood Partner or contact us directly – we’re happy to help.
We invite you to learn more about how the The Bridge Effect can make a significant difference in your family’s life. Whether it’s about taking the first steps or continuing the journey, we’re here to support you every step.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin a new chapter in your child’s developmental story.
