Transdisciplinary approach and key worker model
Teamwork to deliver the best strategies and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) supports for your child.
About transdisciplinary approach
A transdisciplinary approach involves a team of professionals working collaboratively together to plan and deliver your child’s Therapy supports. This is considered a best-practice approach to early childhood interventions.
This team may include allied health professionals for children (such as a psychologist, occupational therapist and speech pathologist), special education teachers and other mainstream health professionals.
At every stage, your family are important members of the team, and they will be involved in all aspects of the program and decision making.
Teamwork to deliver the best strategies and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) supports for your child.
Key worker model
One of the professionals in your team may take the lead role in providing ECI supports to your child, acting as a key worker.
Key workers are the main point of contact for your family and will assist to coordinate all ECI services for your child. They will collaborate with your specialist team and manage links between your child, your family and professionals.
This family-centred approach ensures your support team provides a smooth delivery of services to support your child to achieve their goals.
Transdisciplinary approach and key worker model in action
One example of this approach is if one of your child’s goals is to develop their communication skills. A speech pathologist may be your key worker and may also connect your child with an occupational therapist to support the development of their fine motor skills.
Benefits of the key worker model
One of the benefits of the key worker model is the ability to access the ECI supports your child needs through one disability service provider, rather than you trying to coordinate a range of individual professionals.
Another advantage of this model is that your key worker understands your child and family's goals, ensuring that all members of the team supporting your child incorporates these goals into their daily lives.
Transdisciplinary approach and key worker model in action
One example of this approach is if one of your child’s goals is to develop their communication skills. You may work with a speech pathologist, who is also your key worker. Your key worker would use their transdisciplinary skills to also connect your child with an occupational therapist and work in consultation to support the development of their fine motor skills.
Interested in Therapy supports for your child?
Our experienced team of therapists provide specialist therapies and supports for children with developmental delay or disability to build your child’s capacity through their early years.