Putting Queensland Kids First
Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime.
Putting Queensland Kids First is a Queensland Government plan that supports the vision that every Queensland child and family deserves the best start and a lifetime of opportunities. The plan is backed by the clear objective to strengthen investment in the prevention and access to the earliest possible supports.
As part of this plan in supporting families and strengthening communities the Queensland Government has committed investment into embedding Early Childhood Coordinators (ECC) into communities and within existing child, family and community services.
C&K were successful in securing the funding for the ECC in the Gladstone region and appointed Daniel Wooldridge to the role in April 2025.
Early Childhood Coordinators
The aim of ECCs is to improve pathways and connections for families experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, helping them access early childhood education, health, and development services for children aged 0-8 years of age. ECCs work across existing child, family, and community services to identify and support children and families, guiding them into early childhood services, supported playgroups, and ensuring a successful transition to school.
Supporting children and families
The ECC initiative aims to support children and their parents/carers by:
- Increasing access to health checks and immunisations
- Boosting participation in playgroups
- Enhancing access and participation in Early Years Services (EYS), including Early Years Places
- Improving attendance at kindergarten
- Increasing the number of families accessing supports
- Facilitating early identification and diagnosis of learning and development needs
- Strengthening networks and referrals between services and schools
- Ensuring successful transitions from home to early childhood settings and to school
Family support
The family support category aims to achieve outcomes such as:
- Increase awareness and engagement of parents/carers with their child’s learning, wellbeing and development
- Enhance secure attachment between children and their parents/carers
- Improve parental capabilities and confidence in parenting
- Higher rates of children developmentally on track
- Greater community connection and access to the right services at the right time, including playgroup and kindergarten
- Expanded local access to a range of family and early years programs that reflect the current contexts of Queensland families, available in various formats to support differing needs
Introducing Daniel Wooldridge
Daniel Wooldridge is the Early Childhood Coordinator for the Gladstone region. Daniel has over seven years experience working in various educator, director and mentor roles in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. Daniel is a PEDS-R certified practitioner, trained to use the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status - Revised (PEDS-R) tool. This evidence-based method helps detect and address developmental, behavioural, and social-emotional/mental health concerns in children under eight years old.
Through these efforts, Daniel is dedicated to providing every child with a strong foundation for positive development and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Early Childhood Coordinator?
An Early Childhood Coordinator (ECC) is a trained early childhood professional who supports families with children aged 0 to 8. They help make sure children have a smooth start in early education (such as kindergarten and childcare) and school.
ECCs work with families to spot any concerns early and connect them with the right support, such as health checks, parenting programs, or community services. They also help bring services together, like working with Queensland Health for child development checks, and build strong relationships with local communities, especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
An ECC’s main goal is to make sure every child gets the help they need to grow, learn and thrive while supporting families every step of the way.
What are some reasons to connect with an ECC?
You may benefit from connecting with an ECC if:
- You have concerns about your child’s development (speech, behaviour, movement, etc.)
- You are unsure where to begin with getting support or accessing services
- You are waiting to see a specialist or have recently received a diagnosis
- You would like help connecting with playgroups, parenting supports or kindy
- You are feeling overwhelmed and need guidance or reassurance
Where can I get help from an ECC?
Through the Putting Queensland Kids First initiative, there are 36 Early Childhood Coordinators based in local communities around Queensland. In the Gladstone region, you can connect with your ECC at the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct or through the C&K Gladstone website.
How do I access support from an ECC for my family?
Families can either refer themselves or be referred by a service provider.
What does the referral process look like?
Contact or refer using the ECC referral form online
The ECC will call to arrange a time to meet or chat
Together, you'll explore any concerns or questions
The ECC may complete developmental screenings
Supports and referrals are offered based on your family’s needs
You’ll also be guided through filling out a contact and consent form to get started.
What is developmental screening?
Developmental screening is a quick, play-based way to check how your child is developing across key areas like:
- Communication and speech
- Movement and coordination (gross and fine motor skills)
- Social and emotional skills
- Problem-solving and thinking
- Personal independence
Screening helps identify strengths and areas where extra support might help.
What kind of things can you screen for?
Early Childhood Coordinators can screen and provide guidance on:
Developmental delays or red flags
- Behaviour and social skills
- Speech and language concerns
- Emotional regulation
- School readiness
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Parental confidence or support needs
How much does this service cost?
This service is completely free for families. It is part of the Queensland Government’s Putting Queensland Kids First initiative.
What are some resources to help me understand my child development?
Helpful resources include:
- QLD Health's Red Flags Early Identification Guide
- Triple P's Positive Parenting Program
- Raising Children Network
These resources offer practical tips and signs to watch across each stage of development, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
I'd like; to refer a family to see an ECC, what do I need to do?
Service providers can refer families, through filling out this form.
Why would I engage an Early Childhood Educator?
Because you don’t have to do it alone!
Whether it’s understanding what’s “typical,” navigating waitlists, or finding the right support—an ECC walks alongside you to make the journey smoother. It’s about early help, less stress, and more confidence in your child’s development.