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Language Development Centre (LDC) Support

PLEASE NOTE

LDC Applications for 2027 are due in Septemeber 2026

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Language Development Centre (LDC) Support

What Are LDCs And What Do They Do?

LDCs are government-funded (Department of Education) Schools, providing specialised early intervention support programs, for children in the early years of schooling who present with speech and language impairments.

Specifically, they are a state-wide support service (including outreach services where required), to help schools support the needs of children from Kindy to Year 2 (though some centres provide support to Year 3), with a primary diagnosis of a developmental language disorder.

How Do They Work?

These specialist schools act as short-term educational facilities, where children attend specialised classes before transitioning back to their local mainstream school, and offer:

  • Multi-disciplinary Support: Classrooms are staffed by teachers, education assistants and speech pathologists, who work together to deliver lessons in oral language, comprehension, and early literacy skills. [1, 2]
  • Placement Length: They are considered short-term programs (often max 3 years). The ultimate goal is to return children to mainstream classrooms once their speech and language skills are at age-appropriate levels. [1, 2, 3]

How Do I Get my Child Into An LDC?

You must go through a formal application and referral process to gain entry to an LDC. Places are limited, so applications are highly competitive, and consequently require very specific documentation.

More importantly, this includes a standardized assessment from a Speech Pathologist together with a cognitive assessment from a Psychologist, and children are required to meet these criteria:

  • Significant Language Disorder: Firstly, they must have a diagnosed language developmental disorder as their primary concern.
  • Average Cognitive Ability: Secondly, their learning potential must fall within the average or above-average range, typically confirmed by a cognitive assessment from a school or private psychologist.
  • Adaptive Behaviour: In addition, your child must have the behavioural skills required to manage classroom routines and social interactions.

How Can One Central Health Assist Me?

We here at One Central Health can assist in this process, as formal assessments are required from both Psychologists and Speech Therapists to support your application.

Moreover, we have clinics both North and South of the river, and have immediate capacity for these essential assessments, so please call us now to secure your appointment. Cost information will be provided once a clear assessment plan is identified.

More About Accessing A Language Development Centre (LDC)

To access a Language Development Centre (LDC) in Western Australia, a child must have a diagnosed primary language disorder. Access requires a formal referral process initiated by a speech pathologist, which includes cognitive assessments, teacher/carer questionnaires, and evidence of average learning potential.

1. Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for LDC placement, the child must meet strict baseline requirements: [1, 2]

  • Year Level: Entering Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, or Year 1. [1, 2, 3]
  • Language Disorder: Have a significant primary developmental language disorder. (Difficulties must not be primarily due to global delays, hearing impairment, or learning English as a second language alone). [1, 2]
  • Learning Potential: Demonstrate cognitive abilities and learning potential within the average or above-average range. [1]
  • Adaptive Behaviour: Display sound adaptive behaviour skills, showing they can manage typical classroom routines and social interactions. [1, 2]

 2. Required Assessments and Documentation

Applications require comprehensive clinical and educational documentation, which must be compiled by a speech pathologist and submitted to the LDC Placement Committee: [1, 2]

  • Speech Pathology Report: Detailed formal and informal speech assessments demonstrating language delays.
  • Cognitive Assessment: For Pre-Primary and Year 1 applicants, a non-verbal cognitive assessment conducted by a school or private psychologist is mandatory. For Kindergarten applicants, a developmental assessment by a paediatrician is strongly recommended.
  • Teacher/Carer Questionnaire: Detailed observations on the child’s independence, behaviour, and development.
  • Behaviour Checklist: Evaluates the child’s readiness to settle into an intensive, structured classroom environment. [1, 2, 3, 4]

 3. Catchment and Visa Requirements

  • Zoning: You must reside within the designated transport catchment area of the specific LDC (e.g., West Coast, North East Metro, South East, or Fremantle LDC). [1, 2]
  • Residency Status: The child generally requires local enrolment entitlement (Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency) to attend. Temporary visa holders may need approval from TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

 4. How to Apply

Applications are highly competitive and must be submitted well before the Term 4 deadline. You can initiate the process by contacting your local public or private speech pathologist to begin the assessments, or by speaking with the administration team at your local LDC.

Because LDCs have specific geographic catchment zones, you will need to apply directly through your local centre. To find your designated school and download the necessary referral paperwork, visit the one closest to you – links provided in point 5.

5. Current Location of LDCs

There are currently 5 primary LDCs, located at mainstream schools in the metropolitan area, with satellite campuses where required:-

References:

  1. https://www.education.wa.edu.au/language-development-schools-and-centres
  2. https://fremantleldc.wa.edu.au/
  3. https://northeastldc.wa.edu.au/
  4. https://www.plds.wa.edu.au/
  5. https://southeastldc.wa.edu.au/
  6. https://westcoastldc.wa.edu.au/
  7. https://northeastldc.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/North-East-Metro-LDC-Brochure-2025.pdf
  8. https://fremantleldc.wa.edu.au/parents-and-families/eligibility/

If you would like to know more information about One Central Health’s selection of Specialised Support Programs you can find out more here.

If you want to get in touch about our services or have a referral Contact Us today.