Bridging the Gap: Navigating NDIS Behaviour Support in Childcare

For parents of children with disabilities or developmental delays, the early years are a critical window for growth. Childcare and early learning centres offer a vibrant environment for socialization and play, but for children with complex behavioural needs, these busy settings can sometimes be overwhelming.

This is where the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a pivotal role. NDIS behaviour support in childcare is not just about managing "bad" behaviour; it is about funding and facilitating the specialized support a child needs to participate fully, communicate effectively, and feel safe among their peers.

Whether you are new to the NDIS or looking to better utilize your child's plan, understanding how to integrate behaviour support into an educational setting is the first step toward a more inclusive and successful early learning journey.

What is NDIS Behaviour Support?

Under the NDIS, "Specialist Behaviour Support" is a specific category of funding designed to help participants who exhibit challenging behaviours. These are behaviours of concern that might put the child or others at risk, or significantly limit their ability to participate in daily life.

The goal of this support is twofold:

1. Quality of Life: To improve the child's quality of life by teaching them new skills and functional communication.
2. Reduction of Restrictive Practices: To reduce and eliminate the need for restrictive practices (actions that restrict a person's rights or freedom of movement) through positive strategies.

When we talk about NDIS behaviour support in childcare, we are referring to the collaboration between NDIS-funded practitioners and early childhood educators to implement these strategies within the classroom.

Why Integrate Support into Childcare?

Parents often ask, "Why can't we just do therapy at home or in a clinic?" While clinical sessions are valuable, they lack the dynamic, real-world context of a childcare centre.

1. Learning in Context

Children learn best in natural environments. A child might be able to share a toy with a therapist in a quiet room, but sharing a truck in a busy sandpit with three other toddlers is a different skill. NDIS behaviour support in childcare allows practitioners to observe triggers and teach coping mechanisms in real-time.

2. Consistency is Key

Children thrive on routine and predictability. If a child uses a specific visual schedule or communication device at home, using the same tools at childcare reduces confusion and anxiety. Behaviour support practitioners ensure that educators are trained to use these tools consistently.

3. Capacity Building for Educators

One of the most powerful aspects of this model is that it empowers educators. Instead of the therapist "fixing" the child, they train the childcare staff. This means that even when the therapist isn't there, the educators have the skills and confidence to support the child effectively.

How Funding Works for Childcare Support

Navigating the NDIS price guide can be tricky. Generally, NDIS behaviour support in childcare falls under the Improved Relationships (CB Relationships) budget category.

The Role of the Behaviour Support Practitioner

An NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner will:

• Conduct a functional assessment to understand why the behaviour is happening.
• Develop a comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan (BSP).
• Train the childcare staff on how to implement the plan.
• Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Note: The NDIS typically funds the practitioner to visit the centre. It does not usually fund the cost of the childcare fees themselves, nor does it typically fund a one-on-one support worker (educator) to be with the child all day, although exceptions exist for high-needs cases under "Core Supports."

Implementing the Plan: A Collaborative Approach

Success relies on a strong partnership between the family, the childcare centre, and the NDIS provider.

Step 1: The Initial Meeting

Before the practitioner steps foot in the classroom, a meeting should be held with the Centre Director and the Lead Educator. This establishes clear goals and ensures the centre is willing to collaborate.

Step 2: Observation and Assessment

The practitioner will observe the child in the childcare setting. They look for environmental triggers—is the room too loud? Are transitions too fast? Is the child frustrated by a lack of communication tools?

Step 3: Strategy Implementation

This is where NDIS behaviour support in childcare comes to life. Strategies might include:

• Environmental Changes: Creating a "quiet corner" for sensory breaks.
• Visual Aids: Using picture cards to explain the daily routine.
• Positive Reinforcement: Implementing a reward system that aligns with the child's interests.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Integrating external support into a busy centre isn't always smooth sailing. Here are common hurdles and how to overcome them.

"We don't have the staff for this."

Childcare centres are often understaffed. Solution: The Behaviour Support Plan must be realistic. Strategies should be designed to fit into the existing classroom flow, not require a dedicated staff member to execute every five minutes.

"The other children are being disrupted."

Challenging behaviours can be disruptive. Solution: Remind the centre that effective behaviour support actually reduces disruption in the long run. By addressing the root cause of the behaviour, the classroom becomes calmer for everyone.

Privacy Concerns

Centres must protect the privacy of all children. Solution: Practitioners are bound by strict confidentiality codes. They focus solely on their client and do not document or discuss other children.

Conclusion

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and make friends. NDIS behaviour support in childcare is a vital resource that removes barriers to inclusion. By bringing expert knowledge into the early learning environment, we create a village of support around the child—one that understands their needs, celebrates their wins, and helps them reach their full potential.

If you have funding in your child's plan, don't hesitate to use it in the educational setting. It is an investment in their confidence, their social skills, and their future.

Understanding your child's NDIS plan and coordinating with childcare centres can be complex. We are here to simplify the process.

Contact Us Today for a consultation or call daar at 02 9133 2500 to speak with our experienced Behaviour Support Practitioners. Let’s work together to build a supportive, inclusive environment for your child.

FAQ: NDIS Behaviour Support in Childcare

Can any NDIS therapist provide behaviour support in childcare?

Technically, many therapists (OTs, Speech Pathologists) can visit childcare. However, Specialist Behaviour Support must be delivered by a practitioner considered suitable by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Can NDIS pay for a support worker to stay with my child at daycare?

This is known as "1:1 support." While possible, it is difficult to secure in an NDIS plan. The NDIS usually expects the childcare centre to provide adequate staffing (inclusion support funding is available to centres for this purpose). You will need strong evidence to claim 1:1 support from your NDIS Core budget.

Is this support only for children with Autism?

No. NDIS behaviour support in childcare is available to any participant with an NDIS plan that includes funding for Improved Relationships, regardless of their specific diagnosis.