What are the criteria for entry?
- The child must have a significant primary language disorder in one or more language areas.
- The child needs to demonstrate evidence of learning potential within the average or above average range.
- The child needs to demonstrate sound adaptive behaviour skills, substantiated by observed descriptive evidence of the child’s behaviour in his/her current educational placement or in his/her home.
Language development should be the main developmental area of concern. A speech pathologist will need to complete a number of formal and informal speech pathology assessments to determine if a child is a suitable LDC candidate. The child’s non-verbal skills (non-verbal intelligence) must be identified as falling in the average or above average range. A school psychologist should be contacted to perform a cognitive assessment if applying for a place in Pre Primary or Year 1. It is strongly recommended that children applying for a Kindergarten place are assessed by a paediatrician. Children must also have sound adaptive behaviour skills. This means they need to demonstrate that they will be able to settle into the school environment and participate well.
Children with learning difficulties in areas other than language, global developmental delays or those learning English as a second language may be best supported through other services. Children who are learning English as a second language may be eligible for entry if there are also delays/difficulties in their primary (home) language. Speak to a speech pathologist if you are unsure if a child will be a suitable applicant.
Step 1: Developmental Assessment OR School Psychologist Assessment
Step 1: Developmental Assessment OR School Psychologist Assessment
The purpose of the developmental or psychological assessment is to ensure that the LDC is the most appropriate option for the child. If the child is already attending school, they should be assessed by the school psychologist before the speech pathologist commences referral assessment. The school psychologist will use an IQ test and a behaviour checklist. This assessment is a compulsory part of all applications for children already attending school. A parent can contact the school and request the assessment directly or they may ask their speech pathologist to contact the school on their behalf. If the applicant is going into Kindergarten, a developmental assessment conducted by a Paediatrician is highly recommended.
A GP can refer a child to a private paediatrician and a Medicare rebate may apply. Alternatively, a speech pathologist may be able to refer for a developmental assessment through the Child Development Service. This service is free, but the wait is much longer. A developmental assessment is not compulsory for children going into Kindergarten but can add weight to an application and is highly recommended.
Step 2: Speech Pathology Assessment
Step 2: Speech Pathology Assessment
A speech pathologist will perform the required speech pathology assessments and complete the necessary paperwork to support the application. Up to four appointments may be needed to complete the formal and informal assessments.
Step 3: Parent/Teacher Questionnaire
Step 3: Parent/Teacher Questionnaire
If the child is already attending school, their teacher will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. When completed the form can be sent directly to the LDC Referral Team or passed onto the speech pathologist. If the child is not attending school, a parent or carer will be asked to complete a form with the speech pathologist.
Who decides if a referral is accepted?
Who decides if a referral is accepted?
A placement committee consisting of the school principal, associate principals, speech pathologists and school psychologist carefully considers all information provided in the application package. Each case is discussed individually. The decision to accept or decline the referral depends upon the applicant meeting entry criteria, priority ranking and the number of places available.
When will parents be notified of the outcome?
When will parents be notified of the outcome?
Letters indicating the referral outcomes are sent out via email in November each year. A pre-placement information session is held shortly after this time for those applicants who are successful. If the referral is not successful, parents are encouraged to speak to their speech pathologist about future management/educational placement options. Support for children with speech and language difficulties placed in mainstream schools is available through the North East Metropolitan LDC Outreach Service.
Does the LDC have a local intake area?
Does the LDC have a local intake area?
Language Development Centres do not have local intake areas. Where possible students are placed at the campus nearest to their residential address.
Our main campus is – West Morley Campus
- 18 View Street, Dianella
- 9218 1600
Our other campus locations:
- North Balga, 30 Maitland Road, Balga
- Beechboro, 20 King Road, Beechboro
For more information about referral, including referral documents and due dates, click here
For more information about the NEMLDC please view the NEMLDC School Brochure
Further Information
For more information about referral, including referral documents and due dates visit the referrals section of the website.
For more information about the NEMLDC please view the