Why are Parent Check-Ins important?
Children may demonstrate skills differently across therapy, home, school and community settings. A child may show progress during therapy sessions but still require support to use the same skills during everyday routines. Families may also notice changes, strengths or challenges that are not immediately visible to the therapist. The Parent Check-In provides dedicated time to bring this information together. It allows families and therapists to develop a shared understanding of how therapy is progressing and whether it is making a practical difference in the child’s everyday life. Progress can look different for every child and may not always occur in the way or timeframe expected. If progress has not occurred as expected, the check-in allows us to reflect collaboratively on possible barriers. Together, we can consider whether the goals remain appropriate, whether strategies need to be adjusted or whether a different therapy approach may be helpful. The purpose is not to place responsibility on the child or family. It is to understand what may be influencing progress and identify how we can best support the child moving forward.
What will we discuss?
During the Parent Check-In, you and your child’s therapist may discuss:
- progress towards current therapy goals
- skills your child is using at home, school or in the community
- changes in your child’s health, development, interests or needs
- changes to family circumstances or everyday routines
- updates from school, childcare or other therapists
- areas that are going well
- current challenges or barriers
- whether the family’s priorities have changed
- goals and priorities for the following term
- whether the current therapy frequency and approach remain appropriate.
This is also an opportunity to let us know what you have found helpful and whether there is anything we could do differently to better support your child and family.
What happens during the check-in?
Parent Check-Ins are parent-only appointments and will primarily be conducted by phone. This allows for an open and focused conversation between you and your child’s therapist. The appointment will generally be 15 minutes and will be billed at our standard rate of $193.99 per hour. A 15-minute Parent Check-In will cost approximately $48.50. Our administration team will contact you towards the end of each school term to arrange a suitable time.
How can I prepare?
Before your Parent Check-In, it may be helpful to consider:
- any progress or changes you have noticed
- whether your child is using their skills during everyday activities
- whether your child is becoming more independent, confident or consistent
- whether your child needs fewer prompts or less support
- any new concerns, barriers or priorities
- questions you would like to ask your child’s therapist
- what you would most like therapy to support during the next term
- if you would like any reports completed in the next term, such as NDIS review reports
- if you would like any once off appointments organised, such as school observations or a stakeholder meeting
Recent examples from home, school or the community can be particularly helpful. There are no right or wrong answers. Your observations and experiences provide important information and help us plan therapy collaboratively. By checking in regularly, we can recognise progress, respond to changes and ensure that therapy continues to reflect your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.
How does this align with the NDIS?
The NDIS describes goals as the things a participant wants to work towards and notes that goals can help build independence and provide a way to measure progress. Regular Parent Check-Ins support this by helping families and therapists reflect on what is working well, identify what may need to change and ensure therapy goals remain connected to the child’s everyday life. They also provide an opportunity to review short-term goals that contribute to broader, long-term outcomes. You can read more on the NDIS website: