NCNS are helping Aboriginal kids get ready for school!

This term, NCNS have been running the Aboriginal Speech & Language Supported Playgroup out of Koolyangarra Aboriginal Child and Family Centre.

This is a program aimed at 4 to 5 year old Aboriginal children – and it’s a school transition program with a difference! Not only do the children learn new skills to help with their transition to school, but professionals attend to check on the children’s speech, vision, hearing and more.

Hearing Test at the Aboriginal Speech and Language Supported Playgroup
Hearing Test at the Aboriginal Speech and Language Supported Playgroup

While the children are enjoying fun, learning activities, each professional – speech pathologist, occupational therapist, Community Health – spends time individually and in groups with the children. While there is a focus on language and communication, other skills and stages of development are assessed, and where there are concerns, treatment plans are determined and referrals made.

It is wonderful to be able to have all of our partners attend the playgroup at Kooly – it is not only easily accessible for the families, but it is a familiar and comfortable setting for them, allowing everyone to relax and get down to business – for the kids, the business of having fun.

Vision Testing by Cranebrook Community Health
Vision Testing by Cranebrook Community Health

Early intervention is widely recognised as being extremely important, particularly relating to those transitional stages of life, such as beginning school. NCNS could not offer this program without the support of our partners – Northcott, Health and Penrith City Council – all vitally important, and excellent at what they do.

This term, we tested nine Aboriginal kids, two of which were referred for further testing. Imagine the difference this alone will make when the children start school. Kooly’s Aboriginal Speech & Language Supported Playgroup is early intervention at its best!

 

 

Deborah Emelhain - Occupational Therapist from SDN
Deborah Emelhain – our Occupational Therapist from SDN
Emma Maharg from Penrith City Council
Emma Maharg from Penrith City Council working on the Speech program
Kate McIntosh - the Speech Therapist from Northcott
Kate McIntosh – our Speech Therapist from Northcott
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