Autism Specific Early Learning & Care Centre (ASELCC)

Funding
The Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre Centre Based program is funded by the Australian Government's Department of Social Services (DSS).

We also offer customised early intervention where families can use their HCWA, Better Start, NDIS or Medicare Funding.

Eligibility
To be enrolled in the ASELCC Centre Based Program, children must be under 7 years, and have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder or have autism-like symptoms. Eligibility criteria and priority of access guidelines can be discussed with the Autism Centre Manager.

For customised early intervention programs, each funding program (i.e. HCWA, Better Start, NDIS, Medicare) has different eligibility criteria. You can discuss these with the Autism Centre Manager or other staff member.

Cost
Standard childcare fees apply for the centre-based programs. Families may be eligible for the Child Care Benefit and/or the Child Care Rebate. Contact the Autism Centre Manager - Kathryn Fordyce on 03 6454 1222 or kathrynfordyce@stgiles.org.au.

Customised services may incur an out-of-pocket expense to families depending on the funding option you are able to use. Other funding programs cover the full cost of your session up to set limits.

Service
Families accessing support from the ASELCC can expect:

* A quality early intervention program based on the individual needs of the child
* A key worker who acts as a the primary contact person for each family
* An autism specific program and curriculum
* A functional approach to problem behaviour
* Family support and parent/carer networking opportunities
* Support for the transition to school
* Training and consultancy to other services supporting the child
* Parent training and support to access additional community services

Those attending the ASELCC centre-based program have the added advantages of :
* A friendly, safe and inviting environment for your child and family
* A highly structured & supportive learning environment
* A program that prepares children for school and provides opportunities for teachers and other staff to observe how best to support your child.
* Opening hours that can support employment, study and respite
* A staff to child ratio of at least 1:4
* A parent room and library for you to use at your convenience
* Siblings can enrol in the co-located Alexander Beetle House or the Satellite Centres