If you’ve been looking into early supports for your child, you may have come across the Thriving Kids Program. If you’re wondering what the Thriving Kids Program actually is and how it works with NDIS funding, you’re not alone.
It’s often described as a structured way to deliver therapy, but what it actually involves can vary. The key thing to understand is that it’s not a specific NDIS program. It’s a way providers package early intervention supports using your child’s NDIS funding.
Programs like this are commonly used by therapy providers across Australia, but the structure and delivery can differ between providers.
What Is the Thriving Kids Program?
The Thriving Kids Program is a structured early intervention program delivered by therapy providers.
It brings together different supports, usually therapies and skill development, into a coordinated approach designed for children with developmental delay or disability.
Most programs focus on younger children, particularly those in their early developmental years, where building skills early can have the biggest impact.
Instead of standalone therapy, the program approach focuses on consistency across sessions, routines and environments.
Is the Thriving Kids Program Part of the NDIS?
No. The Thriving Kids Program is not an official NDIS program.
The NDIS does not fund specific branded programs. It funds supports that are considered reasonable and necessary for your child.
What this means in practice:
- The NDIS funds therapies and supports
- Providers may group those supports into a “program”
- You choose whether that program suits your child
If the supports within the program align with your child’s goals, they can usually be claimed through your NDIS plan.
When Does the Thriving Kids Program Start?
There’s no single answer to when the Thriving Kids Program starts.
Each provider runs their own schedule, which may include:
- Term-based programs
- Rolling intake throughout the year
- Waitlists depending on demand
From an NDIS perspective, timing matters less than starting early. Early intervention is most effective when support begins as soon as there are clear developmental concerns.
Who Is Eligible for the Thriving Kids Program?
Eligibility depends on both the provider and your child’s NDIS plan.
In most cases, the program is designed for:
- Children under 9 years old
- Children with developmental delay or disability
- Children who would benefit from early intervention
A formal diagnosis is not always required, particularly for children under 6 years.
Under the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, children can access supports based on how they function day to day, not just a diagnosis. This includes areas like communication, behaviour, social interaction and daily skills.
Providers will usually assess whether the program is a good fit based on these functional needs.
What Supports Are Included?
The Thriving Kids Program usually combines multiple supports into one structured approach.
This often includes:
- Therapy supports such as occupational therapy, speech therapy or psychology
- Skill development across communication, social skills and emotional regulation
- A mix of one-on-one and group sessions
- Parent or caregiver involvement to support carryover at home
Sessions are often play-based and designed to fit into a child’s everyday environment, rather than feeling clinical.
The structure is intended to help children practise skills consistently, not just during isolated therapy sessions.
What Outcomes Can Families Expect?
Outcomes will vary depending on your child’s needs and the supports provided.
That said, early intervention programs are generally designed to support:
- Communication and language development
- Social interaction and play skills
- Emotional regulation and behaviour
- Independence in daily routines
- Confidence in new environments
These changes often build gradually over time, rather than happening all at once.
How Thriving Kids Is Funded
Understanding how Thriving Kids funding works is key.
The supports within a Thriving Kids Program are funded through your child’s NDIS plan, not as a separate program or package.
Funding will usually come from:
- Capacity Building supports for therapy and skill development
- In some cases, Core supports for group-based participation
You’re not paying for a program as a whole, instead you’re using your funding for the individual supports within it.
All supports must meet the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria. This means they must:
- Be related to your child’s disability
- Support their goals
- Be considered value for money
- Be effective and beneficial
How the funding is managed depends on your plan:
- Self-managed
- Plan-managed
- NDIA-managed
If you’re unsure whether a specific program can be funded, it’s worth checking with your provider or Support Coordinator before committing.
How to Access the Thriving Kids Program
Accessing the program is usually straightforward once funding is in place.
The process typically looks like this:
- Review your child’s NDIS plan and goals
- Research providers offering the program
- Contact the provider to discuss suitability
- Confirm the supports align with your funding
- Complete an intake or initial assessment
If your child does not yet have an NDIS plan, you may still be able to access the program privately or begin the NDIS application process.
Thriving Kids Program vs Other Early Intervention Supports
Not all early intervention is delivered through structured programs.
The main difference comes down to how supports are delivered.
A program model:
- Combines multiple supports into one structure
- Follows a consistent routine
- May include group-based learning
Individual therapy:
- Focuses on specific goals or skill areas
- Offers more flexibility in scheduling
- Is tailored session by session
Neither option is better across the board. It depends on what your child needs and how they learn best.
Is the Thriving Kids Program Right for Your Child?
The program may be a good fit if your child:
- Benefits from routine and structured sessions
- Is working on multiple areas of development
- Would gain from social interaction with peers
- Responds well to play-based learning
It may not be the right fit if:
- Your child needs highly specialised, one-on-one therapy
- Flexibility is a priority due to changing needs
Before deciding, it helps to ask:
- How is progress tracked?
- How are goals built into the program?
- How are families involved?
- How flexible is the structure?
Common Questions Parents Ask
Do you need a diagnosis?
No. Many children access early intervention supports based on developmental delay and functional needs.
Can you join the Thriving Kids Program without NDIS funding?
Yes. Some providers offer private options if you don’t have an NDIS plan.
How long does the Thriving Kids Program run?
This varies. Some programs run for a set period (such as a school term), while others are ongoing.
Can the Thriving Kids Program be combined with other supports?
Yes. Many children use a mix of program-based supports and individual therapies within the same plan.
How Care Decisions Can Help
Understanding how a program fits into your NDIS plan is one step. Finding providers with availability is often the harder part.
Care Decisions offers a free, independent service that helps you explore your options. We:
- Listen to your child’s needs and your goals
- Identify providers that match your situation
- Provide a clear Options Report so you can compare
There’s no cost to you and no pressure to choose any provider.
If you’re ready to explore what’s available, we can help you take the next step with confidence.
Contact us now for your free, personalised provider options report.