Gladstone Region 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. 
 

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 

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.

Families can either refer themselves or be referred by a service provider. 

1. Contact or refer using the ECC referral form online 

2. The ECC will call to arrange a time to meet or chat 

3. Together, you'll explore any concerns or questions 

4. The ECC may complete developmental screenings 

5. 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. 

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. 

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 

This service is completely free for families. It is part of the Queensland Government’s Putting Queensland Kids First initiative. 

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. 

Service providers can refer families, through filling out this form. 

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.