We have a large stable multi-disciplinary team of over 30 members working across our Centre including Educators with teaching degrees, Children’s Services Diplomas as well as Certificate 3. A Speech Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist are employed (0.3FTE) by DECD through Allied Health and a Community Development Coordinator (0.8 FTE). Educators, Allied Health and Community Development personnel regularly meet together to review and evaluate the program; the progress of children with identified learning needs and those with developmental concerns and referral pathways to ensure timely and effective intervention processes. All children, at the beginning and later near the end of their eligible year of Preschool participate in a Screen of Phonological Awareness (SPA) current research suggests that the SPA is a strong indicator of later Literacy success. The SPA identifies children with strong skills, – age appropriate and beginning skills. Information is shared with parents in relation to further strengthening these critical skills. Language Links is a computer based screener which is implemented to gather more information of children’s receptive language and concept development. The collected data will further support and inform staff and families of the need for possible intervention services. Our Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist run weekly SPOT (Speech and Occupational Therapy) groups in collaboration with our Educators for children identified with beginning skills. They also implement with our Educators to Learn” with our Preschoolers and and “Move “Music Movement” Groups with a Speech and OT focus specifically planned for the unique needs of our babies and toddlers. Key improvements sought for Quality Area 1 Improvement Plan
We have a large stable multi-disciplinary team of over 30 members working across our Centre including Educators with teaching degrees, Children’s Services Diplomas as well as Certificate 3. A Speech Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist are employed (0.3FTE) by DECD through Allied Health and a Community Development Coordinator (0.8 FTE). Educators, Allied Health and Community Development personnel regularly meet together to review and evaluate the program; the progress of children with identified learning needs and those with developmental concerns and referral pathways to ensure timely and effective intervention processes. All children, at the beginning and later near the end of their eligible year of Preschool participate in a Screen of Phonological Awareness (SPA) – current research suggests that the SPA is a strong indicator of later Literacy success. The SPA identifies children with strong skills, age appropriate and beginning skills. Information is shared with parents in relation to further strengthening these critical skills. Language Links is a computer based screener which is implemented to gather more information of children’s receptive language and concept development. The collected data will further support and inform staff and families of the need for possible intervention services. Our Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist run weekly SPOT (Speech and Occupational Therapy) groups in collaboration with our Educators for children identified with beginning skills. They also implement with our Educators “Move to Learn” with our Preschoolers and “Music and Movement” Groups with a Speech and OT focus specifically planned for the unique needs of our babies and toddlers. Key improvements sought for Quality Area 1 Improvement Plan