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Early Intervention Screening Program

Supporting children, families & educators with developmental screening

Our Early Intervention Screening Program is a proactive, evidence-based approach to support the development of children aged 0–5 years. Designed for families, educators, and early learning centres, the program identifies strengths and developmental needs, helping children thrive during their most formative years.

Evidence based screening

Clear developmental picture

Empowered educators & families

Why early screening matters

Led by qualified Allied Health professionals, our screening provides families with a clear picture of their child’s development and early access to support where needed.

Early identification and intervention can change a child’s trajectory, supporting communication, learning, independence, and positive relationships in everyday life.

Program Purpose

Our goal is to provide a supportive, informative experience for families and educators. Through the screening program, we aim to:

  • Give families clear, evidence-based insight into their child’s development
  • Create a safe, respectful space to discuss questions or concerns
  • Support educators in identifying children who may benefit from early intervention
  • Guide families with practical, personalised strategies
  • Strengthen the connection between home and early education settings
  • Recommend next steps, such as therapy or assessment, where needed

Who we are

This program is proudly delivered by:

  • Lexy Wilson, Senior Speech Pathologist and Clinical Director at CLIMB Learning
  • Nicola Parker, Director of Early Intervention and Assistant Speech Pathologistn at CLIMB Learning

Together, Lexy and Nicola bring over 20 years of experience supporting children with additional needs, working alongside families and educators to provide early, effective support.

Who is the screening for?

This is a universal screening program for children aged 0–5 years.

It’s especially valuable for children who may be:

  • having difficulty communicating
  • struggling to understand or use new concepts
  • show signs of motor delays (fine or gross motor skills)
  • exhibit differences in interaction, play, or social engagement

What areas are screened?

We use a combination of reliable, evidence-based screeners tailored to young children. These tools help us assess the following areas of development:

SCREENER

Preschool Language Scale (PLS)

This is a play-based tool used from birth to age 7 to assess early communication. It screens a child’s ability to understand and use language and helps identify whether further support may be needed. 

Developmental areas assessed: Speech sounds, receptive and expressive language, early feeding.

SCREENER

DIAL Developmental Screener

DIAL (Developmental indicators for the assessment of learning). This screener gives a broad picture of a child’s development, including motor skills, basic concepts, language, self-help, and social-emotional learning.

Developmental areas assessed: Motor skills, concepts (shapes, colours, numbers), language, self-help, social-emotional skills.

SCREENER

MOSAIC Autism Screener

This modern, evidence-based tool includes caregiver questionnaires and direct observations to assess early signs of autism and provide recommendations for next steps.

Developmental areas assessed: Social communication, play, behaviour, caregiver concerns.

Early Intervention Screening Program FAQ

What happens during the screening?

Each child is engaged in a 30–60 minute, play-based session conducted in their daycare or preschool environment. A qualified clinician uses structured observations and evidence-based tools to assess key areas of development.

What do families need to do before the screening?

Families will need to complete a written consent form and a short intake questionnaire before the session.

How are educators involved?

Educators are invited to share their observations and any concerns they have. Their input helps inform the screening and supports collaboration with families.

What happens after the screening?

Each family receives a written summary that includes:

  • Key observations
  • Identified strengths
  • Areas that may benefit from support
  • Practical strategies to try at home and in the classroom

If any concerns are identified, the clinician will provide recommendations for further assessment or therapy.

How does this benefit our centre?

The program helps centres:

  • Equip educators to support diverse learners

  • Build stronger relationships with families

  • Promote inclusive, collaborative practices

  • Meet key EYLF principles, such as:

    • Partnerships with families

    • Respect for diversity

    • High expectations

    • Ongoing learning

  • Fulfil National Quality Standard 6 around family and community partnerships

How can our cente take part?

Simply complete a short expression of interest form to register your interest. We’ll then follow up with a phone call from Nicola Parker to confirm the details and coordinate a visit.

Is the program safe and insured?

Yes. All professionals hold current Police Checks and Working With Children Checks. The program is fully covered by Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

Do centres receive anything extra?

Yes! Participating centres receive a complimentary information session on communication development, open to both staff and families.

How much does it cost?

Families are billed directly for screening:

  • $50 for one screener

  • $75 for two screeners completed for the same child

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Let’s work together to help children reach their unique potential.