For most parents, navigating the NDIS and early childhood intervention can be tough. When you realise that your child needs some additional help it can seem very overwhelming – there are a range of terms you might be starting to grapple with (key worker being one of them!), potentially tests as well as your own feelings of sadness or concern. This is where a Key Worker can really help through this process. In this article we break down what a key worker is, what areas they can help with and where they fit into an overarching early childhood intervention plan. We also outline how we can actually be your key worker through this entire process.
What is a Key Worker?
A Key Worker is an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist such as a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist or Early Childhood Educator. The key worker is the main person of contact for a young child living with developmental delay, disability and autism. The key worker brings together a team of combined resources and expertise to best support your child and family, which means the carers and family members are a crucial part of the team. A key worker is responsible for coordinating therapy services, which mean the key worker will get to know your child and the child’s family to understand their needs and goals.
What does an NDIS key worker do?
Your child’s key worker will support, inform, and advise you as well as help you provide and put into practice strategies that will help your child learn and grow. The Key Worker’s job is to organise the child’s specific plan in accordance with your family’s priorities and their developmental needs.
In order to obtain the greatest results, they collaborate with you to access services and supports, setting up consultations with other allied health and medical specialists. The Key Worker will produce the NDIS report for your NDIS plan review and also assess your child’s goals.
How can an NDIS key worker help me?
Selecting a key worker to assist your child and family during early childhood intervention has several advantageous aspects.
Some of the ways a key worker can support you and your family are as follows:
- Assistance in identifying and addressing your priorities and goals
- Deliver therapy where and when you need it.
- Incorporate therapy approaches into your daily routine.
- Connect with a variety of services on your behalf.
- Speak with your child’s support network to make sure everyone is coordinated.
- Develop customised, individualised tactics.
- Track progress towards goals.
Accessing the services your child requires from a single service provider rather than a variety of different professionals is one of the main benefits of having a key worker. The stress and anxiety that might result from scheduling several specialists and coordinating multiple appointments can be reduced by working with a Key Worker.
What is Early Childhood Intervention?
Early childhood intervention focuses on providing families and children with developmental delays or disabilities with resources so they can get off to the greatest possible start in life. Infants and young children, as well as their families, can receive specialised supports and services through early childhood intervention. These services are intended to advance the growth of the family and participation of the child in the community.
We hope that this article answers some of your questions about how a key worker might fit into helping the child you are caring for. There are many path ways to a happier future for you all and we would love to help. If you are looking for a Key Worker to help you navigate your way forward or to discuss an early childhood intervention plan – then please get in contact.
Chantelle and our team are here to support you and your family.