Team of Therapists & Teachers

Children are growing and developing on many levels and building the foundations for their life. They need a holistic approach that assesses their whole development, including fine motor skills, gross motor skills, speech, cognitive skills, social and emotional development, etc.

Often families come to the Centre because they have noticed one particular area that is behind that of other children of a similar age. Bridges for Learning’s initial assessment may reveal that the child would benefit from several therapies. This is because our therapists are trained to see the whole child, and how each area of development contributes to other areas of development.

For example – a child may come to the Centre because their parents are concerned about their speech. The therapies that can assist that child will include the Speech Pathologist, but will most likely also involve a therapist that can work to improve muscle control & tone, to improve coordination, to improve left and right integration (brain development), and to engage with activities and play that motivate the child to use the new skills gained. This all assists the child in development of speech and language.

So we offer:

Group Sessions

Most children are given assistance in all areas of development to support any one or more specific areas of need. Group sessions are a valuable way of accessing support for your child from a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Special Educator, and other therapists as available. Group sessions are cost effective for the family and make it easy for the family to receive the therapies they need all at the same place.

The therapy that the child receives is still tailored especially for them. An individualised plan is created for each child that is specific to their own needs and goals. This is discussed with the parents & carers regularly to ensure that the child is making progress in the areas of priority.

Sometimes the therapists or the family may feel that the child needs to be removed from the group sessions for a particular reason to work on a goal. This is usually short term and discussed in family meetings with therapists.

Team Approach

Our Centre works with a ‘transdisciplinary’ team approach, which simply means that the therapists, educator, and family worker work closely together and with the family to provide a program for the child. It also means that everyone on the team coordinates and shares their skills and expertise to provide programs that are flexible and achievable.

So we provide:

Therapy through playing

Our therapists are trained to provide therapy through games, colours, movement, and fun activities. Children enjoy active learning and it is important to incorporate the child’s interests into the program to make their learning more meaningful.

Providing therapy to children is different to adults.

Children live in a world of play. That is their ‘job’ and they learn through play. Children need to explore and receive feedback from what is around them.

Playing with others

Children often learn best when other children are around, particularly with very young children. They learn through ‘doing’, and watching other ‘do’.

All group sessions are conducted by a multi-disciplinary paediatric team of Therapists and Teachers. An initial assessment is required. A free interview is also scheduled to plan with the parents the goals for their child.

Groups are formed according to age and developmental level. Individual sessions can be organised in conjunction with any group program.

Programs Available

For very small children from newborn up to about 2 years old with difficulties in sitting, crawling, playing, talking, eating, learning, focusing or walking.

Play-based therapeutic sessions to encourage and support parents in a comprehensive program designed for each individual child with a developmental delay or disability. A gentle and flexible introduction to early assistance for child development. The program involves active participation of parents, familiarising them with things they can do at home with their child, reassuring them of normal behaviours and giving suggestions to overcome the challenges they meet.

For children between the ages of 2 - 4.

Play-based learning sessions in groups of 6-10 children with a developmental delay or disability and that also meet the additional needs of children who are delayed in their play skills and social interactions, incorporating:

• cognitive skills,
• social/emotional skills,
• verbal & nonverbal communication,
• and motor proficiency.

The sessions focus on allowing each child to actively explore the environment, objects and people, showing them new ways of exploring and encouraging appropriate responses to new situations. A gentle introduction to pre-school and school skills.

Groups are 1-2 hours in length, with parents joining in for part of the session.

Preschool and School Preparation for 3-6 year olds.

Groups of 2-4 children in activity-based therapeutic sessions aimed at enhancing preschool and school readiness in children with delayed motor, visual, auditory or social development.

Combines both small group activities and individual tasks to focus on:

• gross & fine motor development,
• sensory motor skills
• cognitive / pre-academic skills,
• language competency,
• self help skills.

For children preparing to enter school, 5-6 year olds.

A school readiness program providing specialised and therapeutic support services 6-12 months before entering school. The program aims to enable each child to perform as independently and safely as possible in the school setting, assisting them to participate as valued and active members of their class. The child attends this group at our Centre with 3-5 other children.

We provide with this program a tailored program for parents of this program called Parent Support for Literacy. This program give parents the tools they need to help their child prepare for school. It also gives them activities to practice at home.

Consultations / Visits in the classroom by a therapist after the child enters school can be arranged at a separate cost, and provide both the child and teacher with additional strategies to enable the child to participate to their fullest potential.

Bridges for Learning aims to improve the lives of young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families through early intensive education and treatment. The program offers a comprehensive, individualised treatment that emphasises the child's development in the areas of language, communication, socialisation, and personal behavior, focusing on skills in:

• functional communication
• social interaction
• daily living
• sensory issues
• new environments
• challenging behaviours
• attention, play and imitation

Our program jointly focuses on providing a structured learning environment for the child, while at the same time following the child's lead to encourage independence. Typically, young children learn primarily by play, and the importance of play in teaching language and social skills cannot be overemphasised.

For more information on the Autism Program click here.