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Lifestart is a parent cooperative providing a family centred approach to the needs of the children and their families. It is based on the concept of partnerships between parents and professionals. It is a not for profit, non government organisation. It is accountable to its members and funding bodies. Families participating in Lifestart services are members of the Co-operative, and are entitled to vote in elections. There is no joining fee.

SERVICES:
Open playgroup
This is for members and non members. It is designed to offer a stimulating and welcoming experience to families with an infant or preschooler who has, or is at risk of having, an intellectual disability or developmental delay. Staffed by a special educator, therapists, aides and volunteers, Open Playgroup includes planned playtime activities, group time, snack time, and opportunities for parent to parent contact and discussion

For members:
Flexible range of play based learning groups where the whole family may take part;
Access to professionals in special education, speech, occupational and physiotherapy;
Development of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP);
Home visits;
Educational workshops for family members and support people;
Transition to school programs;
Assistance in locating other resources and services that may provide additional support to families;
Other programs and services that support the family as needs change

School Age Services
This was established by families of Lifestart Cooperative to provide a continuing support service for families whose children graduate from the Lifestart Early Childhood Intervention Program. The Lifestart School Age Services program empowers families and assists school systems and community organisations to better meet the needs of families. It currently operates in the Northern, Inner West and Eastern Sydney areas.

Areas Served by Lifestart:
Lifestart has seven branches in the greater Sydney area: Cumberland/ Prospect, Eastern Sydney/Maroubra, Inner West, Nepean, Northern Beaches, Hornsby and Eastwood.

Management
Lifestart is overseen by a Board of Directors, and each of our branches has its own Parents and Friends Committee (P&F Committee).

Funding
Lifestart must actively raise all of its funding. Currently, the organization receives a recurrent grant from the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC), and varying annual financial support from the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET). Members are asked to pay term service fees, however no family is refused service based upon an inability to pay. In all Lifestart areas families work to raise the additional funds needed to provide a complete service to its member families.