Thriving Kids program via Medicare
Thriving Kids is a new Australian Government initiative designed to support children aged birth to 8 years with developmental delay or autism through earlier, community-based supports in schools, communities, and at home.
The program focuses on providing practical help in everyday environments where children live and learn, including:
- Schools and early learning centres
- Community health services
- Allied health therapy: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy
Supports are expected to focus on areas such as communication, social skills, emotional regulation and participation in learning, helping children build confidence and capability early.
Thriving Kids is expected to begin rolling out from October 2026 and will work alongside existing NDIS supports. Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to access the NDIS, while Thriving Kids aims to support children with mild to moderate needs earlier and closer to where they learn. Schools play an important role in children's development, and further information will be shared as the program is introduced.
About Thriving Kids
How Thriving Kids supports children at school
Children benefit most when support is consistent across home, school, and community. Thriving Kids provides:
- Early identification of developmental needs
- Support for communication, social skills, and emotional regulation
- Strategies to improve participation and confidence in learning
- Guidance and collaboration for families and teachers
How it works with the NDIS
Thriving Kids is designed to complement the NDIS, ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.
- Children with permanent or significant disabilities remain supported through the NDIS.
- Children with mild to moderate needs can access early support through Thriving Kids.
- Existing NDIS plans will continue during the rollout.
When does Thriving Kids start?
The initial rollout of Thriving Kids is expected to begin on 1 October 2026 and will expand gradually across Australia.
- Children will continue to access the NDIS during this period, with those who have permanent and significant disabilities remaining eligible.
- As the program reaches full national scale by 1 January 2028, children with mild to moderate needs will be supported through Thriving Kids, complementing the NDIS rather than replacing it.
Parent FAQs
Q1: What is the Thriving Kids program?
Thriving Kids is a new Australian Government initiative to support children with developmental delay or autism, especially in schools and early learning settings. It focuses on early, practical support in everyday environments.
Q2: Who can access it?
The program is for children aged birth to 8 years with mild to moderate developmental needs. Children with permanent or significant disabilities will continue to be supported through the NDIS.
Q3: How does it help children in school?
Thriving Kids provides guidance and support for communication, social skills, emotional wellbeing, and learning participation. It also equips teachers and families with strategies to help children succeed.
Q4: When will it start?
The program is expected to begin rolling out from October 2026, with a gradual national expansion.
Q5: How does it work with the NDIS?
Children needing intensive, long-term support continue on the NDIS. Thriving Kids provides early, community-based support for children who don't yet require full NDIS plans.
Q6: What should parents do now?
Continue with existing supports, stay informed, communicate with your child's school and therapists, and focus on your child's goals and strengths.
How Karista can help
At Karista, we're committed to helping families understand these changes and navigate their options with confidence. We'll continue to share updates and practical guidance as more information becomes available. Before the Thriving Kids program starts, Karista can help you with:
Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
We can connect you to Psychology services
Allied health at home
NDIS guidance
Helping families navigate Thriving Kids alongside NDIS plans.
If you'd like support understanding how Thriving Kids may affect your child or school, our team is here to help.