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NDIS Early Childhood Changes 2026: What "Thriving Kids" Means for Your Family

January 30, 2025 MyHealth Solutions Team 3 min read
NDIS Early Childhood Changes 2026: What Thriving Kids Means for Your Family

If your child has mild developmental delays or low support needs, the NDIS landscape is about to shift. Starting October 2026, the "Thriving Kids" program introduces a $4 billion reform that changes how young children access early childhood intervention services.

Here's what every parent needs to know: in plain English.

1 What Is Thriving Kids? (The 30-Second Version)

Thriving Kids moves children with mild to moderate developmental delays away from the NDIS and into community-based supports delivered through schools, childcare centres, and local health services. Think of it as bringing early childhood early intervention closer to where your child already spends their time: no complex NDIS plans required for low-level supports.

This doesn't mean less help. It means faster access, less paperwork, and support woven into your child's everyday environments.

Speech therapist providing early childhood intervention at childcare center under Thriving Kids program

2 Who Does This Affect? (And Who Stays on the NDIS?)

Here's the breakdown:

Children Moving to Thriving Kids:

  • Under 9 years old
  • Mild autism or developmental concerns
  • Speech delays or low to moderate support needs
  • Currently waiting for NDIS access or have smaller support packages

Children Staying on the NDIS:

  • Permanent and significant disabilities
  • High or complex support needs
  • Already enrolled in the NDIS before January 1, 2028 (you'll be reassessed under previous eligibility criteria, and many will remain in the scheme)

If you're unsure which category your child falls into, we listen. Our team helps families navigate these transitions across VIC, NSW, WA, QLD, and NT with culturally responsive guidance tailored to your situation.

3 The Four Pillars of Thriving Kids (What Your Family Actually Gets)

The program isn't just about moving children off the NDIS: it's about creating better pathways to support. Here's how it works:

1

Early Identification: No More "Wait and See"

Developmental concerns are spotted sooner through routine check-ups at childcare and preschool. Instead of waiting months for assessments, concerns are flagged early so your child gets help faster.

This shifts away from the old "let's wait and see if they catch up" approach that left families in limbo.

2

Information Access: One Place to Find Everything

A centralised navigation system connects you to local support without needing a diagnosis first. You'll know what's available in your community, who to contact, and what your child qualifies for: all in one place.

No more endless Google searches or calling ten different services.

3

Parental Skill Building: You're Part of the Solution

Funded workshops and coaching help you support your child's development at home. You'll learn practical strategies from allied health professionals that fit into everyday routines: mealtimes, play, bedtime.

This empowers you to be your child's best advocate and teacher.

4

Targeted Support: Direct Access to Experts

Your child can access speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals without needing an NDIS plan. Supports are delivered in familiar settings: childcare, school, or local health clinics.

This removes barriers and gets kids the help they need where they already feel comfortable.

Parent and child learning together at home through NDIS early childhood intervention activities

4 The Timeline: When Do These Changes Start?

  • Oct 1, 2026 Thriving Kids program officially begins rolling out
  • Jan 1, 2028 Full implementation complete
  • Before Jan 2028 Children already enrolled in the NDIS will be reassessed under previous criteria (many will stay in the scheme)

If your child is currently receiving early childhood intervention services through the NDIS, don't panic. You have time, and MyHealth Solutions is here to help you understand your options every step of the way.

Occupational therapist delivering early childhood intervention services in welcoming therapy space

5 What This Means for Your Family (The Real-World Impact)

Let's get practical. Here's what changes: and what doesn't:

What Gets Easier

  • Faster access to support without waiting for NDIS approval
  • Services delivered where your child already spends time (school, childcare)
  • Less paperwork and plan management
  • More focus on building your skills as a parent
  • Support starts earlier, before delays become bigger challenges

What Might Feel Uncertain

  • Navigating which system your child belongs in
  • Understanding if your child's needs qualify as "low" or "high" support
  • Coordinating between mainstream services and specialised supports
  • Knowing whether to apply for NDIS or access Thriving Kids pathways

This is exactly where we come in. Our evidence-based approach to early childhood intervention services means we help families bridge these transitions with clarity and compassion.

6 How MyHealth Solutions Supports Your Family Through the Transition

We deliver early childhood early intervention across VIC, NSW, WA, QLD, and NT with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. Whether your child stays on the NDIS or transitions to Thriving Kids, we walk with you.

Our 4-Step Process:

1

Free Consultation

We listen to your concerns, review your child's current supports, and clarify which pathway makes sense for your family. No obligation.

2

Comprehensive Assessment

Our allied health team conducts evidence-based developmental assessments that identify your child's strengths and areas for growth.

3

Tailored Support Plan

We design interventions that fit your child's needs: whether that's through NDIS, Thriving Kids, or a combination of both systems.

4

Ongoing Partnership

We adapt as your child grows, adjusting strategies and supports to match their changing needs. You're not alone in this.

Family reviewing NDIS early childhood support options with child playing nearby at home

Why Families Choose Us for Early Childhood Intervention Services:

Culturally Safe Practice

We honour diverse backgrounds, working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, CALD communities, and all families navigating these systems

Evidence-Based Methods

Every strategy we use is backed by research and proven outcomes

Flexible Delivery

Sessions happen where your child feels comfortable: home, childcare, school, or telehealth

Same-Day Response

Reach out today, hear back today

Learn more about our children and family services.

7 What to Do Right Now (Your Next Steps)

If your child is already on the NDIS:

Keep your current supports active. You'll be reassessed before January 2028 under previous criteria, and many children will remain eligible.

If you're waiting for NDIS access:

Explore Thriving Kids pathways through your local childcare, school, or health service. We can help you understand what's available and how to access it.

If you're unsure where your child fits:

Start with a free consultation. We'll review your child's needs and clarify which system offers the best support.

You Deserve Clear Answers and Compassionate Support

The Thriving Kids reforms are designed to help more children access early intervention faster. But we know change brings questions, uncertainty, and worry about whether your child will get what they need.

We're here to help you navigate this transition with confidence. Whether your child accesses early childhood intervention services through the NDIS, Thriving Kids, or both, our team delivers evidence-based, culturally responsive support across VIC, NSW, WA, QLD, and NT.

Ready to talk? Reach out via phone, email, or our contact form. Let's create a pathway forward that works for your family.

MyHealth Solutions | Evidence-Based. Culturally Safe. Here for You.

Supporting families across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.