Sydney Early Intervention

Get to know Sydney Early Intervention

From Sydney Early Intervention's website.

• Our approach

  All engagement with children is play-based and focused on parents' priorities and goals, as well as the child's interests. Sessions are delivered in natural settings—the home, childcare centre, pre-school, school, or community—because this best supports children's inclusion in everyday activities and routines. The approach is evidence-based and family-centred, with parents included in sessions to learn strategies they can incorporate into their child's daily life. A strengths-based philosophy underpins the work, empowering families to make informed decisions and build their own capacity to support their child's development. This personalised, individualised care ensures each child's unique needs and well-being remain at the heart of the service.

• Working with families

  Parents are included in all individual sessions so they can learn practical ways to incorporate recommendations and intervention strategies into their child's daily activities and routines. The service is built on partnership, with families' expertise and insight into their child's strengths and needs valued and respected. Communication is honest and open, and the team works with families to prioritise goals and create a child- and family-focused plan centred around the child's developmental needs, interests, and each family's unique priorities. The Key Worker's role is specifically to support and build the capacity of parents and family members, ensuring children have every opportunity to practise skills in natural settings. This collaborative approach recognises that families are central to the child's success and development.

• Meet the team

  The team is led by Kylie Barber, the Director and a highly experienced special education teacher with over 30 years supporting children with additional needs and their families. Kylie holds a Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) from Macquarie University and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Early Childhood Special Education). She has spent most of her career working as part of early intervention therapy teams, including 10 years at Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and brings substantial expertise in physical disabilities, assistive technology, toilet training, language development, and communication support. She is trained and licensed in the Hanen SPARK Communication approach and works from a strengths-based philosophy to empower families. The service operates within an allied health framework, with Key Workers adhering to best practice standards set by Reimagine Australia.

• Your first visit

  When you first contact the service, you're asked to complete an intake form and the Director will contact you to discuss your child's needs. At the initial assessment, the Key Worker conducts an assessment together with the parent or carer to identify priority areas and link them to achievable goals. This collaborative process ensures that the assessment reflects your family's unique understanding of your child's strengths and needs. The Key Worker takes time to understand your priorities, preferences for service delivery, and what matters most to your family. This sets the foundation for a personalised support plan tailored to your child's developmental objectives and your family's goals.