THRIVING KIDS & SCHOOL-BASED SUPPORT
THRIVING KIDS & SCHOOL-BASED SUPPORT
Supporting Local Families, Schools & Educators
The Australian Government’s upcoming Thriving Kids program is expected to increase access to early supports for children aged 8 years and under with developmental delay, autism and other developmental concerns.
While further details regarding implementation and school involvement are still emerging, The Therapy Room NQ is closely monitoring all updates to ensure we are ready to support local families, schools, educators and communities as new pathways become available.
We understand that schools and families may be looking for practical, collaborative and child-focused support options as these changes roll out across Australia.
How The Therapy Room NQ May Support Schools & Families
Our team currently provides paediatric Occupational Therapy services across Townsville and surrounding regions, supporting children in:
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory processing
- Attention and concentration
- Fine motor development
- Handwriting skills
- School readiness
- Social participation
- Functional independence
- Classroom participation
- Autism and developmental support
We already work collaboratively with many local schools, educators, families and support networks through:
- School-based Occupational Therapy visits
- Classroom observations and recommendations
- Teacher collaboration and strategy development
- Environmental and sensory recommendations
- Parent education and support
- Functional assessments
- Group-based support opportunities
- Early intervention services
- Capacity-building approaches for families and educators
Preparing for Future School-Based & Early Intervention Supports
Although funding models and school involvement under Thriving Kids are still being developed, early intervention and collaborative supports are expected to play an important role in helping children access assistance earlier and more effectively.
The Therapy Room NQ is interested in working alongside local schools and families to explore opportunities for:
- In-school intervention supports
- Early identification and developmental support
- Capacity building for educators and families
- Collaborative allied health partnerships
- School readiness and participation programs
- Parent and community education opportunities
Our goal is to ensure local children and families can access supportive, practical and meaningful services within their everyday environments.
Why School-Based Collaboration Matters
Supporting children within their natural learning environment can help to:
- Reduce barriers to accessing therapy
- Improve participation in classroom activities
- Support emotional regulation and engagement
- Build teacher and family confidence
- Promote inclusion and participation
- Reduce disruption to learning and routines
Collaborative approaches between schools, families and allied health professionals can create more consistent and supportive outcomes for children across home and school environments.
Interested in Learning More?
We welcome conversations with:
- Schools and educators
- Parents and carers
- Early learning centres
- Community organisations
- Support coordinators and referral partners
If your school or family would like to discuss potential school-based Occupational Therapy supports or future collaboration opportunities relating to Thriving Kids, please contact our team.