NSW EARLY LEARNING SERVICES | 2027 HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION GRANT

Delivered by Kathryn Marrington (B.Sp Path MSPA CPSP), the program integrates innovative, communication resources with flexible online learning.

Eligible NSW services can apply for up to $6,000 excluding GST under Stream 1, Category 2. Applications close at midnight AEDT on 8 November 2026. Start your Stream 1 grant application

Our self-paced professional learning is developed by Kathryn Marrington, TalkiPlay’s Lead Speech Pathologist, for educators supporting children with diverse communication abilities.

Short lessons, reflective prompts and everyday examples help your team turn ideas into action.

Discuss further learning in co-regulation, declarative language, nervous system regulation and supporting neurodivergent learners, according to your service’s priorities.

A child who finds instructions difficult to follow. Another who has plenty to share but struggles to join the conversation. Children who communicate through gestures, sounds, pictures or a few familiar words.

Your educators see these moments every day.

TalkiPlay helps your team recognise communication strengths, adapt interactions and create more opportunities for children to understand, express themselves and take part.

Start with the play spaces, relationships and routines you already have.

The NSW Government’s free Brighter Beginnings Connect & Communicate Toolkit supports educators to strengthen four-year-old children’s communication in everyday practice.

TalkiPlay can be used alongside the toolkit to support work on responsive interactions, communication-rich environments and repeated opportunities to hear and use language.

For example, a familiar vehicle play space can become an opportunity to notice a child’s interest, model words such as “go” and “stop”, pause for a response and support shared play.

Two areas to consider when reviewing a TalkiPlay proposal are:

Funding area

Proposed TalkiPlay connection

Category 2a:  Engagement of Allied Health Professionals

Specialist staff education and appropriately structured support to embed communication strategies across the cohort.

Category 2c:  Resources to support children’s development

TalkiPlayers, tags and educational play resources linked to clearly identified communication needs across the cohort.

The proposed package—including course fees, online coaching, equipment and digital access—requires confirmation against the grant rules before purchase. TalkiPlay is an independent supplier.

Could your service be eligible?

Stream 1 includes eligible NSW services delivering a preschool program that are:

• not-for-profit, centre-based community preschools
• not-for-profit long day care services, including council-managed services
• long day care services operated by for-profit providers with no more than three long day care services.

Approved Providers must also meet the grant’s account, funding agreement and other requirements. Funding depends on assessment and available funds.

Early learning-led Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations have a separate Stream 2 with different rules.

Make your next step simple.

1. Check your service’s eligibility. Review the official guidelines and the funding stream that applies.
2. Request an itemised TalkiPlay quote. Tell us about your educator numbers, preschool cohort and communication priorities.
3. Submit your application by 8 November 2026. Your Approved Provider or authorised representative applies directly to the NSW Department of Education.
4. Confirm your funding and purchasing arrangements. Check the proposed expenses against your award and grant rules before ordering.

Start your Stream 1 grant application

A few helpful answers

Do we need to wait for a health and development check?

Services receiving Category 2 funding only are not required to book a check in 2027. Category 2 funds can be used before a check occurs, subject to the spending rules.

Can we use this funding if we already receive inclusion support?

Check with your Sector Capacity Building or Inclusion Support Program provider before spending. The grant cannot pay for supports already offered through another relevant program, and the same expense cannot be funded twice.

What will TalkiPlay cost for our service?

Request a quote matched to your educator numbers, learning priorities and resource needs. Learning, resources and any proposed coaching will be itemised so you can assess each component.

More moments of connection start here.

Give your team practical ways to make communication more accessible throughout the day.

Request your TalkiPlay quote while you prepare your 2027 grant application.

Contact Kathryn Marrington  
Lead Speech Pathologist, TalkiPlay  
support@talkiplay.com