FAQS and Resources

Everything you need to know about supporting your child’s development and learning

Understanding Our Key Worker Approach

Getting Started

What exactly does The Child Centred Learning Tree do?

We provide childhood educational and developmental support for Melbourne families through a key worker approach. That means you’ll have one dedicated person who listens, creates a clear plan, and coordinates with your child’s school and care team. Instead of juggling everything yourself, you’ll have a single point of contact and a plan everyone can follow.

What age groups do you work with?

We support children aged 2– 9 years with early developmental and learning challenges, as well as school-aged children up to 18 years needing academic intervention or extension and wellbeing support.

Do I need a diagnosis before getting support?

No. Many families come to me while waiting for assessments or referrals. I can step in right away with practical strategies, advocacy, and a management plan so your child can keep progressing while you’re on those waitlists.

How do I know if this service is right for my family?

If you feel overwhelmed, unsure what to do next, or tired of repeating your story to every professional, this service is designed for you. Our role is to bring clarity, coordination, and ongoing support so you’re not navigating it all alone.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a chance to share your main concerns and for us to explain how we can help, and if we are the right service for your child and family’s needs.

Where are you based and which areas do you serve?

I’m based in Melbourne metro, supporting families locally. Online consults are available for families outside this area.

Travel fees may apply 30 minutes outside the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne.

Can I contact you between sessions if something urgent comes up?

Yes. Families often need reassurance or quick advice between sessions. I’m happy to provide brief check-ins as part of our ongoing support.

Services & Approach

What is a “key worker model” and how does it help my child?

The key worker model gives families one main professional who coordinates everything. Instead of you chasing updates and managing multiple services, we connect with child care educators, teachers, therapists, and other professionals to make sure everyone is on the same page. This reduces stress for you and ensures your child’s needs are clearly understood.

What happens in a 1:1 observation session?

We spend time with your child — either at home, child care, kinder, or school setting to understand their strengths, challenges, and daily routines.

During our play-based sessions, we engage alongside your child and then follow up with an informal discussion with you about the next steps.

Afterward, we create a tailored management plan with clear strategies that you and your care team can follow.

How are your sessions structured (weekly, fortnightly, one-off)?

It depends on your child’s needs. Some families see us weekly, others fortnightly, and some book occasional sessions when extra support is needed.

We’ll agree on what’s best for your child and adjust as they grow.

Do you provide ongoing updates or progress reports?

Yes, we believe in keeping families and care teams fully informed. You’ll receive updates, and we’ll review the plan regularly to make sure it stays relevant.

How do I know if this service is right for my family?

What academic or developmental assessments can you provide

Assessments we can provide:

Phonological awareness test
Bracken school readiness
Autism observation
Developmental indicators assessment
Behavioural, social, emotional screening
Language fundamentals 3-6 years

Parents’ Concerns

What if I’m already on a waitlist for a specialist, can you still help?

Yes. This is one of the most common reasons families come to me. While you wait for formal assessments or therapy appointments, I provide “while you wait” support with strategies you can use right away at home and school.

How do you coordinate with teachers, schools & other professionals?

With your permission, we act as the link. We share your child’s management plan, update the team on progress, and make sure communication flows smoothly. This way, everyone works together instead of in isolation.

What makes you different from allied health services?

We don’t replace therapists or doctors —we complement them. My role is to provide educational leadership and coordination, ensuring your child’s learning and development are supported across all settings.

Can you support with kinder, school readiness & transition planning?

Yes, we help families decide when to start school (especially for January–April birthdays), prepare readiness plans, and support transitions between kinder, primary, and secondary school.

NDIS & Fees

Do you work with NDIS plans?

Yes, we work with both plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants. We can align my reports and strategies with your child’s goals to ensure your funding supports their development.

Are your services covered by Medicare or private health?

Not directly. However, families often use NDIS funds to cover sessions if their child has a plan in place.

How much do sessions cost and what’s included?

Pricing depends on the type of session: phone consults, 1:1 observations, and ongoing intervention sessions all vary. Each includes a clear individualised management plan and ongoing communication with your family and care team.