Helping Daycare Centres Access Funding for Kids with Additional Needs

Key Points

• Through the Kindergarten Inclusion Support and Inclusion Support Subsidy programs, daycare centres can access the support they need to create a more inclusive environment for kids with disabilities.
• The main goal of the KIS and ISS programs is to help daycare facilities access the resources that can help them support the needs of children.
• Daycare centres can apply for KIS and ISS funding by working closely with the parents of children with disabilities so they can develop plans that are tailored to each child’s needs.
• Children who are eligible for the KIS and ISS programs can also receive support from the NDIS.

Summary

The KIS and ISS programs are designed to help daycare centres access necessary resources that can enable them to create an inclusive environment for children with disabilities. For children who are already receiving NDIS support, their service providers can collaborate with daycare centres so they can receive specialised support during their daycare hours through these programs.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. What These Funding Programs Do
3. How a Daycare Can Apply
4. How NDIS Can Help
5. Why Parents Should Speak Up
6. Making Sure Every Child Gets the Support They Need
7. Need Further Assistance?

If your child has a disability or developmental delay, you might be wondering how their daycare can offer the support they need through available NDIS childcare options.

The good news is that many daycare centres can access government funding to create a more inclusive environment, but a lot of families and even daycare providers don’t realise this support exists.

Two key funding programs can help: Kindergarten Inclusion Support (KIS) and the Inclusion Support Subsidy (ISS).

These programs give daycare centres the resources to ensure kids with extra needs can participate in activities alongside their peers. But here’s the catch—daycare providers have to apply, and that’s not always on their radar. That’s where parents and caregivers can step in.

What These Funding Programs Do

KIS and ISS funding exist to make sure children with disabilities or delays aren’t left out. These funds can be used for extra educators, specialised training for staff, or equipment that makes learning more accessible.

KIS funding is designed for kindergarten programs, helping them adapt their teaching and environment to support kids with additional needs. Through the Kindergarten Inclusion Support Program, educators can implement tailored strategies that foster engagement and participation.

ISS funding is part of the broader Inclusion Support Program and helps daycare centres bring in extra staff or resources to make sure all kids can participate fully. The Inclusion Support Subsidy plays a crucial role in ensuring that early childhood disability support is readily available to children who need it.

For parents, this means that if your child is struggling to engage in daycare activities because of their needs, there may be additional support available to help. But the first step is making sure the daycare is aware and willing to apply.

How a Daycare Can Apply

Applying for funding might sound complicated, but it’s actually a straightforward process. The daycare just needs to follow a few steps:

First, they need to identify children who may qualify. If your child has an NDIS plan, a diagnosed disability, or a developmental delay, they might be eligible.

This is where you, as a parent, can play an active role—bringing up the possibility of funding and working with your child’s educators to explore options.

Next, the daycare can reach out to Inclusion Support Agencies (ISAs) or Inclusion Professionals. These experts help guide providers through the funding process and develop plans that work for each child’s specific needs. They can also offer advice on best practices for inclusive education.

Once they’ve gathered the necessary information—including reports from health professionals, if required—the daycare submits a formal application through the relevant government channels. If approved, they can use the funding to hire additional educators, adjust their learning spaces, or provide training for staff.

How NDIS Can Help

Many children who qualify for KIS or ISS funding also receive support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If your child is already accessing NDIS services, their provider may be able to work alongside the daycare.

This can mean bringing in speech or occupational therapists to work with your child during daycare hours, developing individualised learning plans, or helping staff learn how to support your child’s needs effectively.

For example, if your child has difficulty with communication, an NDIS-funded speech therapist might visit the daycare to work with them in a familiar environment. If mobility is a challenge, assistive technology can be introduced to help them move around and engage with their peers more easily.

In addition to direct support, parents may also benefit from engaging NDIS plan management services. These services help families navigate the complexities of their NDIS funding, ensuring that they can maximise their child’s available support while coordinating with daycare providers effectively.

Why Parents Should Speak Up

One of the biggest hurdles to accessing this funding is that many daycare providers just don’t know about it or assume the application process is too difficult. That means many kids who could benefit miss out.

As a parent or caregiver, you can help by asking your daycare if they’ve looked into KIS or ISS funding. If they haven’t, encourage them to contact an Inclusion Support Agency to learn more about how ISS in childcare can support children with additional needs. You can also offer to help gather the necessary paperwork, like medical reports or assessments, to move the process along.

If the daycare is hesitant, remind them that this funding isn’t just about helping one child—it benefits everyone. A more inclusive daycare environment leads to better learning experiences for all children, and staff who receive training in inclusive education are better equipped to support a diverse group of learners.

Making Sure Every Child Gets the Support They Need

At the end of the day, every child deserves the chance to thrive in their early learning years. The support is out there, but families and daycare providers need to work together to access it.

If you think your child’s daycare could be doing more to support kids with additional needs, start the conversation. Ask about funding. Encourage them to connect with an Inclusion Support Agency.

And if you need guidance, reach out to your child’s NDIS provider for advice on how to navigate the process. With the right resources—such as early childhood disability support and NDIS plan management—families can ensure their child receives the assistance they need to flourish in a nurturing learning environment.

Inclusion is possible—it just takes a little extra effort to make it happen.

Need Further Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs help applying for NDIS funds for children with special needs, then make sure to reach out to AIIM Choices.

We’ll guide you through the NDIS application process so you can access much-needed NDIS support services for children. Through our tailored NDIS Application Assistance service, we’ll help you and your child become part of this government-funded initiative so you can benefit from life-changing services and therapies. 

Also, AIIM Choices provides Plan Management Services across Australia with staff located in Wodonga, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth. With the help of our trusted NDIS Plan Managers, we’ll handle the daily administration of your plan, which includes paying your invoices from service providers, overseeing your funding, and ensuring that the supports you’re getting are aligned with your objectives and needs.

Contact AIIM Choices today to learn how we can help you and your child create a better life through our NDIS Application Assistance and NDIS Plan Management services.