Who is Yarran?

Yarran Early Intervention is a not-for-profit organisation, started by families over 40 years ago on the NSW Central Coast.

Our Story

Yarran Early Intervention Service was born from the determination of a small group of parents in the early 1980s who recognised the urgent need for local support for children with developmental disabilities on the Central Coast. When Bradley Sneddon was born in 1980, his mother – along with other parents of children with Down syndrome – found themselves travelling to universities in Sydney and Newcastle for early intervention, as no services existed locally.

United by a shared mission, these families became pioneers. They fundraised, organised, and advocated for services that didn’t yet exist. From borrowed garages to mouldy outbuildings, they created spaces where their children could learn, grow, and be supported.

Their efforts caught the attention of then-Minister for Community Services, Rex Jackson, and through determined advocacy, the idea of Yarran was brought to life at Kariong – with a mobile classroom, professional staff, and even help from young people at the nearby detention centre.

Yarran became the foundation for early intervention and later helped inspire a centre-based premises. It marked the beginning of more inclusive education on the Central Coast, with children like Brad among the first to be integrated into mainstream classrooms.

The early founders – including Paul & Margaret Thomas, Karen Crawford, Karen Hislop, Sue Rowley, Georgina Lamb, Robyn Walker, and others – laid the groundwork for what Yarran is today.

Yarran exists because they believed every child deserves a fair start.

  • Let us walk alongside you on your journey.
    Choose Yarran - because every child matters.

    Experienced & Compassionate Team

    Our multidisciplinary team includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, early intervention teachers, and developmental specialists. We’re not just experts in our fields—we’re passionate advocates for children and families.

    Strong Community Connections

    Yarran has long-standing relationships with local preschools, schools, and healthcare providers. We support smooth transitions and inclusive practices so that your child can confidently take their next steps.

    A Legacy of Inclusion

    Founded by local families in the early 1980s, Yarran was built on the belief that all children should have access to quality services close to home. We continue that mission today—supporting children of all abilities to reach their full potential and live a life without barriers.

    Flexible, Respectful, and Relationship-Driven

    We deliver services with care and adaptability in homes, centres, or communities, recognising that how we work with families is as important as what we do.

    Collaborative and Reflective Practice

    Our multidisciplinary team works closely with families and professionals, continuously evaluating and refining our approach to provide effective, evidence-based support.

    Family-Centred & Strengths-Based Practise

    We respect and value each family’s unique knowledge, preferences, and strengths, ensuring services are tailored to support their specific needs.

  • Beliefs and Values

    • A child with a disability is a child, first and foremost.

    • Every child is rich in possibilities and potential.

    • Play and social learning are important ways in which children learn and interact with their world.

    • Each family is unique.

    • Family's need emotional, material and informational support.

    • Routine Based Intervention in your family's natural environment.

    • Yarran focuses on your child's engagement, independence and social participation.

  • At Yarran Early Intervention we help families in ways which:

    • Acknowledge their capability & competence.

    • Utilise & extend their strengths & resources.

    • Strengthen their links to supportive networks.

    • Respect their rights to make decisions for their family.