GoodStart© Programs

GoodStart© Programs are designed for children who are experiencing challenges in their early development and who receive support from multiple agencies.

The program includes:

• Inclusive Child care with access to transport assistance
• Special assistance with all areas of development
• Psychological and social support
• Parenting skills development
• Parent – child relationship development
• Coordination with other agencies
• Assistance with access to a range of government supported programs
• School transition

GoodStart© Programs highlight our values of collaboration between children, families, community, staff and services. GoodStart© service co-ordination is undertaken with the family and early childhood educator. The GoodStart© Key Worker ensures that priority needs are addressed and that there are regular reviews of progress against jointly identified goals.

Children are usually referred to the GoodStart© programs (Steps to School and Families Together) by agencies and families can self refer.

Fees

Fees are charged based on the intensity of the program and financial capacity of families.

BUILDING BLOCKS®

BUILDING BLOCKS® Early Intervention for Autism – support for children with Autism and their families

The BUILDING BLOCKS® Early Intervention for Autism offers targeted support for children with autism and their families. Through partnership with Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), this program involves a two hour therapy session for a group of six children, facilitated by early childhood staff while a parallel session is run for carers by a psychologist or similar professional. This is followed by a 30 minute informal carer/child play session supported by early childhood staff. This enables both children and their carers to immediately integrate and implement the lessons learned from the sessions. It is a 12 month program held during school terms.

Contact the Child and Family Support Services Manager at The Infants’ Home on (02) 9799 4844 for more information. Referrals can be attained by contacting Aspect on (02) 8977 8300 and enrolments are taken for the sessions in December and January for the following year.

Fees

Sessions run on Monday mornings and afternoons. Contact Aspect to discuss costs of the program.

My Time Playgroup

My Time is a local support group for parents and carers of young children with a disability or chronic medical condition. My Time is for parents and carers – including mums, dads, grandparents and the principal carer (who are eligible for the Carer Allowance – child) for a young child under school age with a disability or chronic medical condition. The group offers parents an opportunity meet others in similar circumstances, find out about available community supports and services, get extra parenting information, as well as making time for themselves while child play with the support of a play helper.

Childcare and a light meal is provided. A cot or bed can be made available if children need a sleep. Siblings are welcome to attend.

My Time is currently held on the Second and Fourth Saturday’s of the month between 11.30 am – 2.30pm. Families are encouraged to come when they can, however an RSVP is appreciated for catering purposes. This term, groups will be held on the 9th and 23rd May, 13th 27th June and 11th July.

For more information please contact Katie Helby on 9799 4844, . Families can register or find out more at http://www.mytime.net.au.