Three is a big little age. There’s a lot going on between the big feelings, the new words and the very firm opinions about which cup is acceptable today.

At Eleanor Clinic in Footscray, we offer the Medicare Healthy Kids Check for three-year-olds and welcome families from across Melbourne’s west and beyond. It’s a chance to see how your child is growing and developing, hear what you’ve noticed and talk through any questions you have. You’re welcome to book even if everything is going well.

Rainbow families are warmly welcome. We’ll take your lead on the words your family uses and who you’d like involved in your child’s care.

What happens at the three-year-old health check?

One of our fabulous nurses will welcome you and your child. We have toys and books to help your child settle in, and we’ll give them time to warm up. If they’d like to watch first, take a movement break or bring a favourite toy, that’s very welcome.

You’ll see your GP after the nurse. Together, we’ll look at your child’s health and development and ask about everyday life. What do they love doing? How do they let you know what they need? What’s going well, and which parts of the day feel harder than they need to?

We’ll explain what we’re doing as we go. The check covers the following.

• Growth and physical health, including height, weight, eyesight, hearing, teeth and gums.
• Development, including speech and language, movement, play and how your child connects with others.
• Everyday wellbeing, including sleep, eating, toileting, sensory preferences and big feelings.

To keep the check relaxed and playful, we suggest booking any vaccinations due in a separate appointment.

Neurodiversity-affirming care from the start

We’re interested in how your child experiences the world, what they enjoy and what helps them feel comfortable and understood. You know your child best, and what you see at home matters just as much as what we see in the consulting room.

If you or your child’s educators have noticed differences in communication, play or sensory experiences, we can explore possible early signs of autism and talk about whether further assessment would help. If you’re wondering about ADHD, we can discuss patterns in attention, activity and impulsivity in the context of what’s typical at three. We can also look at sleep and eating challenges, such as difficulty settling, frequent waking or strong preferences around food textures.

Early support can make everyday life easier

Understanding what’s behind a challenge helps us find support that fits your child. That might mean trying a more predictable bedtime routine, getting advice about feeding or communication, or arranging a follow-up or referral. Research supports early, targeted help for children with developmental needs, and practical support can start while you’re working out whether further assessment would be helpful.

Having the right support in place can also make the move into kinder or school smoother. Knowing what helps your child manage a noisy room, join in play or move from one activity to the next gives educators something practical to work with from day one.

Book a Medicare Healthy Kids Check

Medicare-eligible children can have this check once, from their third birthday until the day before they turn four.

Contact Eleanor Clinic reception and ask for a three-year-old Healthy Kids Check. Our friendly team will book you in. Please allow 45–60 minutes for the assessment. You might want to leave a little extra time for the play corner or front garden. Some children have such a good time that getting them out the door takes a little longer, which we love.

If you have your child’s green book or any notes from childcare or kinder you’d like to share, feel free to bring them along.

We look forward to seeing you and your child for this important milestone.