Early childhood specialists
Early childhood specialists are trained teachers who take a holistic approach to child development. At Plumtree, therapy sessions can be held at your home, in early childhood education centres, at school, in the community or at our Marrickville centre.
Our early childhood specialists make learning fun with play-based activities that are tailored to your child’s strengths and interests. As teachers, they can understand your child’s development and suggest the next steps for their learning and independence. They also understand how to support other teachers to help your child take part at preschool and long-day programs.
We work closely with families to nurture children’s participation in daily routines. Our early childhood specialists will share strategies that you can use at home and in the community to achieve your goals, because evidence shows that most of a child’s learning happens in their natural settings with family and carers.
Early childhood specialists Inner West Sydney
Plumtree is a NDIS registered provider of early childhood intervention services with over 30 years’ experience working with families in Sydney’s Inner West and South East. We are more than a clinic for disability support. Our team will connect you with local resources like playgroups, support networks, educational services and other families to build a community of support.
Get in touch to learn more about NDIS early childhood specialists at Plumtree.
NDIS Therapy Sessions at Plumtree
At Plumtree, we’re committed to supporting your child’s learning and development through thoughtful, well-prepared sessions that are tailored to your family’s needs.
All NDIS-funded therapy sessions at Plumtree are 70 minutes charged in line with the NDIS Price Guide. Each 70 minutes includes:
- 60 minute session
- 10 minutes for your professional to prepare for the session
What your professional may do in preparation time:
- Review your child’s goals and progress
- Plan engaging, personalised activities
- Maintain session records as required by NDIS
If you have questions about how this works or what’s included in your plan,
please get in touch with Cathy Webb Manager Family-Centred Practice on 02 9572 8840.
Extra Supports Your Professional May Provide
Sometimes, you may ask your professional to do extra work outside of your child’s session—for example, writing a report or creating a resource. These activities are charged to your NDIS plan at the same hourly rate as your session.
Talking with other team members
You might ask us to check in with other Plumtree team members who support your child. We can do this to make sure everyone is working together.
Talking with you
You may ask for extra time to talk with your professional—by phone, video, or email—to plan sessions or discuss goals and progress.
Talking with other people
With your consent, and if you ask us to, we can speak with others in your child’s life such as teachers, doctors, support workers, or your NDIS Coordinator.
Reports needed by the NDIS
The NDIS requires reports at the end of your child’s plan or to request equipment or review a service.
Reports you ask for
You may ask for a letter or report to share with your child’s school, doctor, or another provider.
Creating resources for home or school
You may ask your professional to create tools like a visual schedule, home activity plan, or support with programming a communication device.
If you’re ever unsure whether something can be done or whether it’s chargeable, feel free to ask—we’re happy to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
Why do our early childhood specialists work closely with parents?
Our early childhood specialists believe parents know their children best. By working closely with you during sessions, we ensure the goals are practical and achievable. We then create personalised strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Professionals may come and go, but families are the constant support in a child’s life. Good partnerships between early childhood specialists and parents ensure that support and learning continue at home, leading to better outcomes for your child. This is because evidence shows that most of a child’s learning happens between sessions. We give you the skills and strategies to make it happen.
What happens during a session?
Therapy sessions do not all look the same. Every family has their individual priorities so we tailor our sessions to meet your circumstances. For more information read our flyer.
What are the benefits of using a NDIS registered early childhood specialist?
NDIS registered providers meet strict government standards for safety, quality and reliability, which ensures your child receives high-quality support. These providers have verified credentials that safeguard your child’s well-being.
Plumtree is a registered provider of NDIS supports. Our early childhood specialists are registered with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Plumtree is also a member of the Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Network NSW, a trusted network of community-based child and family organisations known for delivering quality support.
Is my early childhood specilialist also a key worker?
Yes. Your early childhood specialist has completed accredited key worker training to be your main contact at Plumtree. Key workers have the skills of the whole Plumtree team including speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or behavioural therapists behind them, to provide the best care for your child. A key worker can offer five different types of support when you need them, addressing all the needs of your family. Learn more about key workers.
Here’s what our early childhood specialists say about their work and how they can support your child:
Getting started with Plumtree
We understand that every family is unique and parents know their child best. Here’s a step-by-step guide about starting with us for families with or without NDIS funding.
Early Childhood Specialists Marrickville
Plumtree Children’s Services
Address: Jarvie Park, Yabsley Ave, Marrickville NSW 2204
P: 02 9572 8840
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm)
Fill out our contact form to learn more.
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Contact us
If you have any questions about us or want to find out more about starting at Plumtree, please get in touch.
