Supported by Telethon
Giving children with learning difficulties and developmental delays a better start to schooling.
First Focus is back for Term 4
Supporting school readiness
Starting kindergarten can be daunting for many children and their parents. Formal schooling is a big step, and for families of children with developmental delays, the transition can be particularly unnerving.
Our specialised early intervention program, First Focus, aims to ease the transition to kindergarten or pre-primary by helping children with developmental delays and learning difficulties gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a school environment. The program familiarises children with classroom settings and routines, encourages social interactions, and supports the development of essential skills to ensure a strong start to their educational journey.
Is my child eligible?
First Focus is available to children who:
- Are aged 3.5–5 years
- Have learning difficulties or developmental delays
- Are not accessing the NDIS or government-funded therapy services
- Are not attending full time school
Places are limited and applying does not guarantee entry to the program. All applications will be reviewed by an allied health professional to determine eligibility.
Is there a cost?
First Focus is made possible with generous support from Telethon. To start the program, you will need to pay a one-time co-contribution of $80 upfront after your initial assessment is approved.
Where does the program run?
Term 4 2026 locations:
Perth Metro:
- Osborne Park
- Mirrabooka
- Maddington
South West:
- Margaret River
What is developmental delay?
Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about their development.
You can find detailed information about child development on the Raising Children Network website:
If you have concerns about your child’s development, we can provide support through our First Focus program.
Key dates for your diary
Initial Assessments
Term 4 locations: Osborne Park, Mirrabooka, Maddington and Margaret River
Dates: 26 September - 11 October
An initial assessment will be conducted prior to the program commencing. Every child is unique. This assessment will help identify developmental concerns and determine the most appropriate therapy approach for each child.
Group Sessions
8 Week program
Dates: 19 October - 11 December
Weekly group sessions are run over an 8 week period and target language, attention, gross and fine motor skills. The sessions are facilitated by qualified therapists and accommodate up to 8 children. Sessions run for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Post-intervention Assessments
Finalised and sent by 21 December
At the conclusion of the program, post-intervention assessments will be conducted to assess each child's skills and development. Final reports detailing progress and recommendations will be issued.
“Before attending First Focus, I would never have known any of these strategies. I was surprised by how much my son had achieved over the course of the group.”
– Parent of First Focus participant
Our play-basedtherapy space
Our dedicated play-based therapy clinic in Osborne Park features a sensory room, a gross motor gym, and a simulated classroom to support a range of developmental needs.
The program is delivered in a range of different ways to accommodate each child’s specific needs, strengths and learning styles. This can include individual therapy, group sessions and parent education.
Parent andfamily support
Families play a key role in early childhood development.
Our First Focus program actively engages parents and caregivers, providing education, resources, and ongoing support to promote continued learning and growth in children.
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Term 4 Applications Now Open
Help your child build the confidence, skills and independence they need for a successful start to school through our specialised early intervention program.