As per the NDIS Price Guide, funding is required in:
Capacity Building – Capacity Building Supports For Early Childhood Interventions
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
Core – Assistance with Daily Life
A developmental educator is an allied health professional who specialises in supporting individuals with disabilities in their developmental, educational, and social needs. They work across the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood, focusing on promoting independence, inclusion, and participation in various aspects of life. Here’s an overview of what a developmental educator does and how they can help a person living with a disability:
Assessment and Individualised Planning – Developmental educators conduct assessments to understand the strengths, challenges, and unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Based on these assessments, they develop individualised plans and strategies to support the person’s development across different domains, including cognitive, social, emotional, and adaptive skills.
Early Intervention – Developmental educators work with infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities to provide early intervention services. They engage in activities that promote developmental milestones, facilitate parent-child interactions, and support families in accessing resources and services.
Educational Support – Developmental educators collaborate with schools, teachers, and other professionals to support students with disabilities in educational settings. They develop and implement specialised educational plans, accommodations, and strategies to address learning needs, promote academic progress, and foster inclusion in the classroom.
Life Skills Training – Developmental educators teach individuals with disabilities essential life skills necessary for daily living, such as personal hygiene, self-care, household tasks, money management, and time management. They use hands-on teaching methods and practical experiences to facilitate skill development and promote independence.
Communication Support – Developmental educators assist individuals with disabilities in improving communication skills, including verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and expressive and receptive language abilities. They may use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems or assistive technology to enhance communication effectiveness.
Social and Behavioural Support – Developmental educators work on social skills development, helping individuals with disabilities build positive relationships, navigate social situations, and participate in community activities. They address challenging behaviours through behaviour management strategies, positive reinforcement techniques, and social-emotional learning interventions.
Transition Planning – Developmental educators support individuals with disabilities in transitioning between life stages, such as from school to post-secondary education, employment, or independent living. They assist in goal setting, skill development, and accessing community resources and services to facilitate successful transitions.
Advocacy and Empowerment – Developmental educators advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, empowering them to advocate for themselves and participate fully in society. They educate individuals and families about their rights, provide guidance on accessing support services, and promote self-determination and independence.
Family Support and Collaboration – Developmental educators work closely with families, providing emotional support, resources, and guidance throughout the journey of raising a child with a disability. They collaborate with families as partners in planning and decision-making, recognizing the importance of family involvement in supporting the individual’s development and well-being.
