by jo | Sep 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: A Symbol of Support and Inclusivity in Travel
by jo | Sep 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
The Australian Childhood Foundation has some wonderful resources for parents and families.
They work to share knowledge in practical and evidence-based ways that support children and young people. Their training, tools and resources draw on the Foundation’s 30 year history working with children and young people, as well as working with leading thinkers in the fields of neuroscience, trauma and safeguarding.
The Chatterbox Connection is a game to encourage and explore connection.
This chatterbox game invites us to play and learn more about each other. One person operates the chatterbox, while the other takes a turn at choosing from its options to make their way to the centre of the folded paper which has activity ideas to choose from.
How to Use a Chatterbox:
- The Chatterbox operator holds the chatterbox on thumbs and fingers.
- The player chooses from the four outside sides,then the chatterbox operator spells out their choice while moving the parts of the chatterbox.
- The player chooses a number from the four inner numbers, then the chatterbox operator counts out the number, moving the chatterbox again.
- The player chooses a number again and the chatterbox operator opens out the flap with the chosen number on it.
- The player chooses from two activity prompts written beneath the chosen number.
- Swap and repeat. Different choices will lead to different activity options in the centre.
Thanks to the Australian Childhood Foundation for this great resource. You can visit their website for more activities and resources.
Download the Origami Chatterbox Australian Childhood Foundation
by jo | Aug 17, 2023 | Careers
Location:
Currently recruiting a Speech Pathologist at Port Macquarie
Speech Pathologist
- Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements
- Support children and families in early childhood intervention
- Join a leading Early Childhood Intervention Network
Full Time Position
If you are looking for flexibility and a supportive workplace with a diverse range of work opportunities, then this role is for you. Early Connections Alliance is a network of not for profit organisations working together to create a strong and connected Early Childhood Intervention Network on the Mid North Coast. All locations are Registered NDIS Providers working with a diverse range of children with a variety of needs and diagnoses. New graduates are welcome to apply.
Why work for us:
- Six weeks annual leave per year
- Salary packaging and financial incentives, including significantly above award rates.
- Diverse range of clients with a variety of needs and diagnoses.
- Preexisting caseload
- Option for new graduates to work as an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) until qualifications are finalised
- Regular supervision and mentoring by Senior Speech Pathologist
- Highly experienced team of Early Intervention Specialist Teachers, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapists.
- Be a part of the Early Connections Alliance (from Taree to Coffs Harbour) and benefit from the knowledge and experience of a vast Allied Health and Education Team.
- Work alongside our experienced senior therapy and teaching staff
- Access to generous professional development opportunities
- Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements
About the role:
- Provide assessments, interventions and therapy to children 0-12 years with a diverse range of disabilities.
- Visits to the home, child care and school environments to provide an inclusive model of practice. Early Connections has extensive relationships within the community.
- Opportunity to be a Key Worker within a transdisciplinary model and to provide consultation to Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Early Childhood Educators and families.
- Educational sessions for parents, teachers and preschool staff.
- Working between four sites in Lake Cathie, Wauchope and Port Macquarie.
- Using CRM and iPad technology.
The successful candidate will have:
- Tertiary degree in Speech Pathology or equivalent
- Eligibility for membership of Speech Pathology Australia
- Experience providing speech pathology services to children and families
- Excellent communication skills and experience working in a multidisciplinary team
- Driver’s licence as this position would require some travel between services
- NSW Working with Children and NDIS Worker Screening Check
- A commitment to Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention, inclusive practice, family centred approach to service delivery
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Willingness to adopt and recommend routine based therapy strategies to facilitate child development
- Demonstrated understanding of evidence-based practise.
- Ability to organise time and set priorities.
Whist there is a work vehicle, some travel is required using your own car. A current driver’s licence and comprehensive care insurance are prerequisites for the position.
A current Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check are required.
Part-time status will be negotiated on employment and may be dependent on the applicant’s level of experience.
Location: Port Macquarie/Hastings
For a confidential discussion or to request a position information pack please call or email Allison White (Manager): 02 6583 8238 or allison@earlyconnections-pmh.org.au.
Applications must address the selection criteria.
by jo | Jul 3, 2023 | News
Early Connections Kempsey Manager Debbie Fraser recently retired after an amazing 23 years of supporting children and families in the Kempsey region.
Debbie brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as an Early Childhood Special Educator. Her career in the early childhood sector spanned over 30 years, making her an invaluable asset to the Early Connections Alliance on the Mid North Coast.
Reflecting on Debbie’s leadership, the Kempsey team shared the following messages of thanks:
“Debbie Fraser has been the most supportive, inspiring and empowering manager who has helped me transition into a role I love and the family that is Early Connection Kempsey. I will always be grateful to have worked with such a kind, caring and beautiful person.”
“I could not have asked for a more caring and supportive mentor to have been under the wing of. Debbie has been the most inspiring and kind hearted member of our Early Connections Family. Her passion, commitment, and dedication she showed to not only her role but also our team is at uttermost amazing. We will miss her, but we wish her all the best with her adventures.”
“There are no words to express the impact that Debbie has had on not just Early Connections Kempsey, but the Kempsey Community and families as a whole. Debbie has been an integral part of driving Early Intervention within the Kempsey Macleay shire over the past 23 years. Debbie has made wholesome connections within the community which will last a lifetime.”
“Debbie has been a wonderful manager. The connections she has long established and maintained within our community have been vital in continuing to link therapists to those most vulnerable. The experience, knowledge and advice she has shared have been invaluable to me. I wish Debbie all the best for the future.”
“Debbie has been extremely supportive and a genuinely caring individual during my time at ECK. She always has time for her staff and has been very flexible. She has shown great kindness and patience during her leadership. Her door was never closed to a colleague in need whether it was a professional challenge or a personal setback. Her knowledge of families and the local community has been very helpful. She was very dedicated to the job and did what she could to support our clients and families in the best way possible. Debbie’s genuine compassion and empathy created a supportive atmosphere that extended beyond work matters, making us feel more like a family, which is why we are often referred to as the ECK family. Debbie has been an invaluable part of the ECK team for many years and will be greatly missed. It’s not goodbye but a huge Thanks and all the best!!”
Early Connections Alliance acknowledges and thanks Beth for her leadership, support of the Alliance and commitment to the Early Childhood Intervention Sector (ECI). Everyone at Early Connections extends our thanks to Debbie and wishes her all the best for her retirement.
by jo | Jun 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
Winter Aquatic Therapy Sessions with Occupational Therapist
Currently we are offering the following sessions:
- Fridays 9am to 2pm (ongoing starting Friday 23 June 2023)
- One block in the holidays where participants can attend a session daily or just for one session one day
- Holiday dates available 4th July, 5th July and 6th July. Sessions run all day.
Limited spots available!
- Register today by emailing Paige@earlyconnections-pmh.org.au
- Early Connections: (02) 6583 8238 earlyconnections.org.au
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