Helping Children with Health and Education

By Lottie Twyford

Topic: Children's Health

Mon 27 Jul 2026 at 5:54am

A mom named Suzie got help for her child at kindergarten.

A program in south Brisbane helps parents find out if their children need extra support.

The program is called Thriving and On Track. It helps parents get support for their children.

Olivia is a four-year-old girl who is full of energy.

Her mom was worried about how she would do in kindergarten.

The teachers talked to Suzie about Olivia having trouble focusing.

Suzie said the assessment was something she might not have done otherwise.

Olivia's teachers suggested an assessment with a child health nurse.

Suzie said it was something she would not have done otherwise.

Suzie is busy and said it was hard to find time to get help for Olivia.

The program made it easy for Suzie to get help for Olivia.

Suzie got strategies to help Olivia with her focus.

A nurse gave Suzie ideas to help Olivia at home.

Suzie was worried about Olivia, but now she feels better.

Since talking to the nurse, Suzie feels more relaxed.

Developmental assessments can be done at kindergartens.

Meeting parents where they are

The assessment was organized through a program.

Many children in Queensland have developmental delays.

Experts say early help is important.

The program gives health services to families at community centers.

Parents like the program.

A mom named Leilani takes her son to speech therapy.

Leilani's son Frederick gets speech therapy at a community hub.

Leilani had trouble getting help for Frederick before.

Frederick's speech has improved a lot.

He can now have conversations.

Frederick's behavior has also improved.

Leilani likes that Frederick gets help in a comfortable place.

Tennille Burkett works with a health network.

The system can be hard to access.

The program brings services to families.

Many families have trouble getting help.

The program makes it easier for families to get help.

Families go to community hubs for help.

The program works with many families each year.

Many educators have been trained to help families.

The program is scalable.

The model could be used in other places.

The program could replace another program for some children.

The new program will start soon.

Part of the new program includes targeted supports.

Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz is a researcher.

He said the model has been successful.

Families feel more supported.

There are some problems with funding.

The model is a good way to help families.

Dr Ziegenfusz said the program is a good way to work with families.

Experts say it's important to meet parents where they are.

See more ABC coverage.

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