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How do early childhood teachers work with families during Thriving Kids and NDIS changes?

What educators should know about Thriving Kids, how to talk with families about concerns, and how to share information well.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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A preschool teacher with her hand raised talking with children sitting on the floor
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The short answer

From 1 October 2026, Thriving Kids starts rolling out support for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, without needing a diagnosis. Families may reach supports through everyday settings, including early childhood services. Educators can help by sharing kind, specific observations, pointing families to GPs and local services, and keeping supports consistent.

Key takeaways
  • Thriving Kids starts 1 October 2026 for children 8 and under.
  • No diagnosis is needed for Thriving Kids supports.
  • Educators share observations, not diagnoses.
  • Keep supports consistent between centre and home.

What should educators know about Thriving Kids?

Thriving Kids supports children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism with low to moderate support needs, and their families. State services start from 1 October 2026, with full rollout by 1 January 2028.1 Supports may include developmental checks, parenting programs, supported playgroups and targeted therapy, with some accessed through community settings such as early childhood services.2

Children younger than 9 can also be supported through the NDIS early childhood approach.3

How do I raise concerns with a family?

  1. Choose a calm, private time.
  2. Start with strengths: what the child enjoys and does well.
  3. Share specific observations: "At group time, Mia moves away when it gets loud."
  4. Say what you're doing to help and what's working.
  5. Suggest next steps: talking to their GP or child health nurse, or local early childhood partners.

How can I share information well?

Try
  • A short daily or weekly note home
  • Sharing the visual supports you use
  • Asking families what works at home
Skip
  • Guessing at diagnoses
  • Sharing information without family consent
  • Only talking when something goes wrong
Free printable: home-school communication sheetPDF · 1 page · a quick daily note between school and home
Download Free printable: home-school communication sheet

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

For families: What is Thriving Kids?

Common questions

Details are being finalised by each state and territory. Government information says families may access some supports through community settings like GPs, early childhood services and schools.

Sources

  1. NDIS: Thriving Kids (5 February 2026). ndis.gov.au
  2. Raising Children Network: Thriving Kids support, your questions answered. raisingchildren.net.au
  3. NDIS: Guide to the early childhood approach. ndis.gov.au

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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