No family should navigate early childhood disability alone.
Early Connections is a therapy-informed early intervention program for children aged 0–5, bringing together movement, family education, innovation and parent connection in one supportive community.
Beginning with a Gold Coast pilot, we're building a new model of early support that puts families at the centre.
THE NEED...
Drawing from lived experience from a Parent, Support Worker & Therapist: families of young children with developmental delays and physical disabilities often feel overwhelmed, confused and isolated during the most important years of their child's development. While the health system and the NDIS play an essential role, many families struggle to navigate the systems, access the right support, build confidence at home and in the community, and find meaningful connection with others on a similar journey.
When you need a village the most, there isn't a village.
Our Gold Coast Pilot
The Movement Village
Our first pilot will test an innovative, evidence-informed model of early childhood support. Designed to complement existing therapy, the program brings together movement, family education and community connection while measuring meaningful outcomes for children and families.
Play-Based Movement
Helping children build strength, coordination, confidence and participation through purposeful movement and play.
Family Education
Giving parents and carers practical strategies they can confidently use at home between therapy appointments.
Community Connection
Creating opportunities for children and families to connect, participate and build supportive relationships.
Therapy Informed
Designed to complement existing allied health services through evidence-informed, play-based experiences.
Measurable Outcomes
Occupational Therapy assessments before and after the pilot will help demonstrate meaningful developmental and functional progress.
Building Family Capacity
Supporting parents, carers and support workers with the knowledge and confidence to continue learning beyond the program.
Support the Pilot
Early Connections is seeking funding partners, community organisations, therapists, researchers and local businesses who share our vision of improving outcomes for children and families during the earliest years of development.
Together, we can create an innovative model that strengthens communities and gives families the support they deserve.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE....
Early Connections is building the support system we wish families had from day one.
The Gold Coast pilot is our proof of concept - demonstrating impact, measuring outcomes and establishing Early Connections as a trusted partner for future growth. As the model evolves, we'll build on what works through strategic partnerships and sustainable funding pathways, making connected early support accessible to more families.
What We Will Deliver.....
Our long-term vision is to create a connected ecosystem of support for families during the early years of disability.
Every service will be designed around one simple principle: supporting the whole family creates better outcomes for the child.
The Movement Village
For families where daycare or mainstream group settings aren't an easy option. Each session combines one hour of group therapy for children with one hour of parent "me-time" - a chance to connect, learn or simply reset. See below for more info.
Connection For Families
Building your village - a network of other parents and carers who get it, who've walked the path before, and who understand what a "good day" or a "hard day" really means. Because no family should navigate this alone.
Parent Education & Capability
Support for parents to feel informed, capable and less overwhelmed in the early years. We help parents know what to do, how to make daily life work, and connect them with others who've been there before.
Support Worker Capabilities
Building the skills of support workers so they can confidently carry therapy strategies over into the home - extending the impact of clinical sessions into everyday life.
Navigation & Support
Helping families make sense of the services around them, both within and beyond the NDIS - so fewer families are left to figure out complex systems alone.
Equipment & Innovation
Exploring new and better ways to support children through equipment and practical solutions. Driving innovation in how equipment is accessed, including trial, shared and flexible models that work for real families, not just funding categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The pilot is designed for young children with developmental delays, physical disabilities, movement challenges or additional support needs. Suitability can be discussed during the expression of interest process.
No. Early Connections is designed to complement existing therapy, providing additional opportunities to practise movement, build confidence and support carryover in everyday life.
Absolutely. Parents, carers and support workers are encouraged to participate, learn practical strategies and become active partners in supporting each child's development.
Each child will receive Occupational Therapy assessments before and after the pilot, along with ongoing observations to help measure functional, developmental and participation outcomes.
Early Connections was created from both lived experience and professional insight - bringing together a parent’s understanding of navigating childhood disability with an Exercise Physiologist and Support Worker’s practical experience. We combine therapy-informed movement, family education and genuine community connection in one evidence-informed model that supports both children and the people who care for them.
The pilot is for children aged 0–5 who would benefit from additional support with movement, physical development or functional participation in a welcoming, play-based group environment. It has been specifically designed for young children with physical disability, significant movement challenges and complex developmental needs who may have fewer opportunities to participate in conventional community programs
About Us
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Every family deserves the support to help them get there.
Early Connections was created from lived experience and professional insight.
Jacque's journey as a mother and carer highlighted how lonely and overwhelming the early years can feel navigating disability, therapy, appointments and all the uncertainty.
When Christine became Greer's Support Worker, they both recognised a glaring gap: families need more than therapy and appointments - they need connection, practical education, therapy-informed support and a community that understands.
Between their backgrounds and experience, they believed they could offer families something different and something much needed.
Jacque Rodda
Program Development & Project Coordination Co-Founder - HI Mum to Greer 0426 576 538
Christine Groves
CHRISTINE GROVES Exercise Physiologist & Group Therapy Facilitator Owner Mummylicious Fitness Support Worker to Greer 0409 470 484
Let's Build This Together
Whether you're a family, therapist, community organisation, researcher or potential funding partner, we'd love to hear from you.
