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  1. FAQs

FAQs

What is Early Childhood Intervention?

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Firstchance has been providing Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) for over 40 years in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens region. ECI is the term used for specialised services and supports provided to infants and young children with a disability or developmental delay and their families. 

Early childhood is a time of remarkable brain development. Research tells us that future development is based on a child's learning during these early years. These early years are a foundation for how children will learn and develop later in life. 

Providing quality early childhood intervention early in a child's life supports children to develop the skills they need to take part in everyday activities and to be included in family and community life. These ECI supports received early in life can potentially reduce the amount of supports needed in later life.

Firstchance provides a family centred approach to Early Childhood Education. We recognise that families know their child best therefore our team share their knowledge and skills with families so that they can continue to support their child when we are not around. Thus giving the child a great opportunity to practise and learn new skills. 

You can Early Childhood Intervention Australia about the importance of Early Childhood Intervention from our governing body Early Childhood Intervention Australia. 

Published: 20th March, 2014

Updated: 26th April, 2019

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What does Transdisciplinary Interventions mean?

A collaborative team to support your child.

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Transdisciplinary Early Childhood Intervention Supports- Is a collaborative team approach where Firstchance Specialist Educators, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Family Worker, Psychologists and Developmental Support Workers share the responsibility in providing supports to your child and family. These services are provided through a Key Worker with additional supports as required. These services are provided in the home, community or educational setting.

 Supports are to assist your child to gain skills and improve their independence in functional areas of their day to day life such as: language and communication, sensory, mobility and movement, toileting, holding a pencil or knife and fork, getting dressed, emotional regulation, playing with friends, sleeping etc.

 Therapeutic supports are available from our highly skilled staff who all have experience in working with children with a disability or developmental concern. See Our Approach for more information. 

Therapy and assessment sessions can take place in your home, in your community, at your child’s educational setting, at our service and/or a combination of all of these

Published: 11th June, 2018

Updated: 26th April, 2019

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NDIS: Access Request Form

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If you think you meet the NDIS  requirements you can make an Access Request two ways.

  • You can make a Verbal Access Request (VAR) or
  • Fill out a paper Access Request Form (ARF).

You will need to provide age and residency evidence. The easiest way to do it is to give the NDIA consent to use your Centrelink record, if you are a Centrelink customer.

You may also need to provide evidence about your disability and how it impacts your everyday life. The easiest way to do it is to ask your treating health professional to complete the ARF – Part F or an NDIA Supporting Evidence form. It helps if you can also supply copies of any existing reports or assessments.

No matter how you make an Access Request you will need to provide the NDIA with the same information and evidence to support your application.

How to do I get an Access Request form

You can get an Access Request form from your Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Early Intervention partner (if your child is under 7), your local NDIA office or you can call 1800 800 110.

Published: 26th April, 2019

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How do I know if I am eligible for the NDIS?

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To be eligible for the NDIS and receive a funding package for your child, your child must meet the following:

  • Have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities
  • Be under 65 years of age when first accessing the scheme
  • Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa.

Access does not depend on having a formal diagnosis. Use the NDIS Access Checklist tool to find out if you are eligible to receive assistance from the NDIS.

Children aged under 7 years old who do not meet eligibility criteria for an NDIS Plan may still be eligible to receive some supports from the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partners. In our area the ECEI partner is Northcott. They are located at 13 Valencia Street, Mayfield. Phone is 1800 818 286.

Published: 26th April, 2019

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What is the difference between NDIS and NDIA?

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme is known as NDIS. It is basically the legislation that was passed by the government to set up the Scheme to support people with a disability.

The National Disability Agency is known as NDIA. It is the government organisation which makes the NDIS happen. NDIA employs a range of staff to support people with a disability and their families to plan for their life and provides the funding to support this to happen.

Published: 26th April, 2019

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Treasurer - Shane

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Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
  • Fellow of Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA)

Why I joined the Firstchance Board

The opportunity to provide my skills and expertise to a not for profit organisation is a major factor in my decision to accept the role of Treasurer with Firstchance. The services that Firstchance provide to children in their formative years resonates with me. I have a niece who has special needs and have seen the difference that early intervention made to her life. One of the services that she accessed in those early years was provided by Firstchance and it had a positive impact on her social skills.

The position on the board will allow me to contribute my skills and knowledge to ensure that Firstchance continue to provide children with the support and services that they need.

The skills I bring to the board

I have over 30 years of finance experience in a variety of organisations. These include roles in Chartered Accounting, Energy, Financial Institutions and Mining organisations. The skills I have developed during my career include financial reporting, tax compliance, financial risk management and strategic management reporting.

I am an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and providing mentoring and coaching to other staff, particularly young people at the start of their career.

I hope to provide financial analysis to my fellow Board members and be able to explain the financial impact of strategic opportunities to assist the Board in making informed decisions.

Published: 18th January, 2023

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Charity number: CFN14799
ACN: 648 639 374  ABN: 52 869 620 304