How ECI Services work in the Wodonga area

The Department of Education & Early Childhood Development (DEECD) provides funding for Early Childhood Intervention Services.

In the Hume Region of Victoria (which takes in the cities of Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Shepparton and Seymour, as well towns from Corryong to Rutherglen, Wallan to Mansfield and every thing in between) ECI services are delivered through the Transdisciplinary Team Work model. Central to this model is the allocation of a Key Worker to each family. Please link these two terms to “terms and definitions”. In the Wodonga area, these services are provided by Scope (Vic), Specialist Children’s Services (a section within DEECD) and The LEAP Centre.

To receive ECI services, a child must be referred to the ECIS Central Intake & Early Support office (1800 627 391), where eligibility will be determined, the needs of the family and the child discussed, and intake worker assigned to each family, and early support provided. The information gathered will help in determining which agency may provide the most appropriate service. Referrals to ECIS can be made by families, doctors, maternal child & health nurses or professionals from universal services (child care, kindergarten).

Once the family has been referred to an agency for service, they will be assigned a key worker who will be the primary service provider and main contact person whilst receiving ECI services. The key worker will assist families to link into other therapies and services, and provide advice and support during their ECIS journey.