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EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
at the SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE

Baby
playgroup		 Toddler
playgroup		 Preparation
for
Preschool		 Preschool
sessions
Outreach
program		 Port
Stephens
program		 Lake
Macquarie
program		 Home
program

Click on a photo for more information on each of the programs.

With a family-centred approach Early Childhood Intervention provides programs for children 0-6 years of age with an identified disability or who are at risk of developmental delay and who live in the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle or Port Stephens areas.

Welcome from the Team Leader

Also see more details about:

Total communication approach
Boardmaker signs
Our philosophy
Firstchance		 Augmentative communication
Transition to school
Our services		 Makaton signing system
Parent and family support
Our facilities

Communication

The majority of children who attend the early childhood intervention programs require individual programs to develop functional communication skills.

The program has adopted a total communication approach whereby children learn these skills in a natural communication context. This often involves the spontaneous use of augmentative communication systems with pictures and signs.

The aim of a total communication approach is to promote the child’s ability to express their needs, wants and ideas. This approach does not hinder the development of speech. In fact, recent research has shown that the use of augmentative communication systems facilitates the acquisition of speech and language. This approach facilitates a child’s transition from a non-verbal communicator to a verbal communicator.

You will notice two main types of augmentative communication systems being used throughout the centre programs. These are Makaton and Boardmaker and other visuals.

Click here to see the stories of two parents and their experiences with augmentative communication systems


Stop


Time to go outside


What do you want to do?


Same

Makaton

Makaton is a signing system which incorporates numerous hand gestures representing words.

These assist children to successfully communicate their needs and wishes to family members and friends.

Makaton signs (hand gestures) are used at the same time as spoken words to give children the most comprehensive message e.g. seeing and hearing a ‘word’ simultaneously.

We encourage all children and adults (e.g. teachers and parents) involved in the program to use these signs when communicating. Teachers/speech pathologists in the program can assist you to learn common signs to use in the program and at home.

Click on this link to find out more about Makaton Australia

Boardmaker

Boardmaker is a computer program which generates pictures and picture symbols.

Small individual cards are often used to assist a child to make independent choices and to select activities.

Several cards can be used to help children follow a sequenced activity e.g. washing and drying hands.

Easy to use software can be obtained from sites such as:
www.aba.insightcommerce.net

More Information