Early Years Development Programme

A comprehensive package of information, guidance and ongoing support to early years professionals working with a child with Down syndrome.

Having received National Lottery Funding to create DSUK’s Early Years Development Programme (EYDP) and following a programme pilot, we are excited to launch the full programme to all early year’s settings available to book now, with access to the programme from October.

Our Early Years Development Programme is a fantastic opportunity to ensure those working with children with Down syndrome are equipped with the knowledge to aid development using learning and play tailored to the learning profile of a child with Down syndrome.

The programme is available to all early years settings for an annual subscription of £200 including an extensive printed toolkit of recommended resources to support their child’s development.

Video Recordings

A specialised bank of resources, with a suite of video recordings created by experts in their field, covering a range of topics, including an introduction to Down syndrome and the learning profile of those with Down syndrome; promoting communication; development of speech; early reading; numeracy skills; and health and physical development including toilet training and physiotherapy. All are tailored to the developmental needs of preschool children with Down syndrome in their early years setting.

Online Training Sessions

Ongoing support via regular online training/support sessions facilitated by professionals with extensive experience and knowledge of working with preschool children with Down syndrome. These sessions will cover a wide array of topics including behaviour, supporting communication, reading, health and physical development.

Printed Resources

Included in the programme is a comprehensive toolkit of printed resources recommended to support the child’s development including matching games, examples of visual timetables, communication books and lots more.

EYDP Topics

  • Why sign/use of symbols
  • Communication and language
  • Playing with others
  • Conversation supports
  • Importance of choice
  • Reading and literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Play skills
  • Strategies that teach and support positive behaviour
  • What does inclusion look like
  • EHCP process
  • Transitioning to school
  • Language
  • Promoting independence
  • Services to access
  • Physical development
  • Toilet training
  • Health conditions
  • Vision

Disability Access Funding

Disability Access Funding was introduced to support disabled children’s access to the entitlements for 3 and 4-year-olds. From 2024 to 2025, Disability Access Funding eligibility was extended to eligible 2-year-olds and children 9 months old to 2 years, accessing the entitlements.

This could provide your setting with £910 each year to be spent to support a child’s additional needs.  

Membership of our EYDP programme is a great way for your setting to use a small part of DAF funding to best benefit a child with Down syndrome attending your setting.

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