# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/early-childhood-thriving-kids
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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.

**Keep it about the child.** Families respond best when they hear that you like and understand their child. Lead with that.

## 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

**Details are still changing.** Each state and territory is finalising how Thriving Kids will work locally. Check your state's information and your
  service's policies.

Free printable: [Free printable: home-school communication sheet](https://theautismkit.com/printables/home-school-sheet.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Read your state's Thriving Kids information
- [ ] Plan a strengths-first conversation with one family
- [ ] Start a simple home-centre note

For families: [What is Thriving Kids?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/thriving-kids)

## Common questions

### Will early childhood services deliver Thriving Kids?

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.

### Should I suggest a diagnosis to a family?

It's not an educator's role to diagnose. Share what you observe, what you're doing to help, and suggest they talk to their GP or child health nurse.

### What if a family disagrees with my concerns?

Listen, keep sharing specific observations kindly, and keep supporting the child in your room. Families often need time.

## Sources

1. NDIS: Thriving Kids (5 February 2026). https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11085-thriving-kids
2. Raising Children Network: Thriving Kids support, your questions answered. https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-services/support/thriving-kids-program-your-questions-answered
3. NDIS: Guide to the early childhood approach. https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying/children/guide-early-childhood-approach

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.