The Child Development Team (CDT) provides assessment and therapy service for children aged 0 - 14 who have a physical, sensory or intellectual disability and those with, or at risk of, developmental delay.

·             Provide a community and / or centre based service to support families and caregivers to enable their child to reach his / her potential.

·             Offer assessments which may include developmental, motor skill, sensory, speech language or psychological.

·             We assess and recommend equipment and property modifications to optimise developmental potential and assist with daily management.

·             Therapy may be offered to individuals / groups along with home or centre based programmes as appropriate.

·             Provide information, education and support relating to the child's condition and needs.

·             Advocate for the child and his/her family.

·             Refer to other Health Services as appropriate e.g. Orthotics, Social Work, Audiology Service, Infant, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service and other ‘well child’ providers.

·             Liaise closely with other Government and Community Agencies working with children in education and welfare areas e.g. Ministry of Education, Oranga Tamariki.

Our Team

We are a multidisciplinary team consisting of: Team Leader, Referral Coordinator, Visiting Neurodevelopmental Therapists (Occupational Therapists or Physiotherapists specialising in child development and special needs), Speech Language Therapist for children up to 3 years of age, Psychologist, Paediatricians, Therapy Assistant and Administration Support.

our mission

To provide optimal outcomes for children with developmental needs and their families. The CDT is a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive assessment, intervention and support.

Our Vision

"Excellence in Developmental Therapy Services in Partnership with Children and their Families"

Our Values

·                Empowering and working in partnership with families

·                Respecting cultural values

·                Working collaboratively with others

·                Financial and Clinical Service accountability

·                Professional integrity

·                Maintaining standards of best practice 

Referrals for Services

We accept written referrals from health, educational professionals and  social agencies working with children living within the Lakes District Health Board service area. We have close links with the Lakes District Health Board Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (iCAMHS) and Ministry of Education (MOE) Special Education.

Referrers are informed of the outcome of the referral meeting. If a referral is not accepted, reasons are stated and the referral is redirected as appropriate.

Referrals should be submitted on the referral form.

Download:

Child Development Team Referral Form

Child Development Team Guidelines For Referrals Pamphlet

Exclusions

·                ACC clients

·                Short term acute illness

·                Terminal illness or personal health needs

·                No current NZ residency status

·                Specific learning needs or primary behaviour problems

·                Access to curriculum at primary and secondary school levels (MOE)

Please telephone the CDT Administrator on (07) 343 5000 if you would like to discuss the appropriateness of a referral.

Rotorua Location

The Child Development Team is located at Children's Health Hub, Te Aka Mauri, 1127 Haupapa Street, Rotorua.

Hours:  Weekdays 8.00am to 4.30pm. Phone:  07 343 5000

Taupo Location

The Child Developmental Team has two visiting neurodevelopmental therapists based at Taupo Hospital, Kotare Street, Taupo.

Hours:  Weekdays 8.00am to 4.30pm. Phone:  07 376 1004