Learning Support Before Your Child Goes To School

Who provides early intervention services?

Early intervention services are provided by the Ministry of Education, Learning Support, and contracted early intervention service providers. Support for tamariki (children) who are blind or low vision is provided by the Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ (BLENNZ).

The different types of specialists and supports available include:

• early intervention teachers
• education support workers
• kaitakawaenga (Māori cultural advisors)
• psychologists
• speech language therapists

How can I get early intervention support?

To ask for support, contact your regional Ministry of Education office. Call free on 0800 622 222 and follow the voice prompts.

You can also contact other early intervention providers such as:

• CCS Disability Action (Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin)
• Ohomairangi Trust (Auckland)
• McKenzie Centre (Hamilton)
• Conductive Education (Hamilton and Christchurch)
• Wellington Early Intervention Trust
• Champion Centre (Christchurch)

Teachers can also contact the Ministry of Education to ask for help if they have your permission. Other professionals such as paediatricians, GPs, audiologists, or Plunket nurses can also ask for support with your permission. Your child does not need a diagnosis to access Ministry of Education early intervention services.

What kind of support can I get from early intervention services?

Talking with an early intervention specialist

Once an initial request has been made to the Early Intervention Service, someone from that service provider will contact you. This may be a kaitakawaenga if your whānau identified as Māori.

The early intervention specialist will talk with you to find out about your concerns and priorities and how your child is doing in different situations in everyday life. They will then discuss the next steps with you.

With your permission, the specialist may also talk with your child's early learning service, Kōhanga Reo, or healthcare service involved with your family. This is to make sure that any support that they provide is coordinated.

Developing a plan

They may develop a plan with you which outlines how those involved will support your child's learning and development. The specialist will review this plan with you every few months to discuss progress and make changes as needed.

How to find out more

To find out about more about the Early Intervention Service call the Ministry of Education on 0800 622 222 (New Zealand only).

See more KidsHealth information about Learning Support

Find out what Learning Support is

Learning Support at school

See the KidsHealth page on Learning Support when your child is at school

Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)

See the KidsHealth page about Learning Support when your child has significant needs

School High Health Needs Fund and regional health schools

See the KidsHealth page about Learning Support when your child has high health needs