Term 3 Developmental Playgroup

Since the start of the year we have received quite a few contacts from families who are desperately seeking assistance for their NICU graduate who has just started Kindy. Sadly they have not received any early intervention services in the toddler years and the Kindy teachers have now flagged that there is an issue requiring diagnosis and assistance in the classroom. This is really confronting news, especially since we have a strong follow up program in WA but also because Developmental Paediatricians are so challenging to get in to see right now!

Whilst our program is no a substitute for 1-1 therapy, nor is it a diagnostic service it can give you valuable information to assist you to navigate the system and advocate for your child in the toddler years. So much growth and development occurs in the early years, it’s important to maximise every opportunity to help prevent issues in the longer term.

Enrolments for Term 3 of Developmental Playgroup are now open. With places available at both Coolbinia and Canning Vale. Playgroup is open to any child in WA aged 6m actual age to 3 years of age who was admitted to a Neonatal Unit after birth.  Neonatal Unit admission can be for any reason including but not limited to premature birth, sick full term, or surgical requirements.  The cost of this program is heavily subsidised by grant funding, our fundraising efforts and generous donors.  You can enrol for Term 3 via our webstore here:

https://www.tinysparkswa.org.au/shop

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Christmas 2021

Spending your baby’s first Christmas in hospital can be stressful and have a huge emotional impact on families. We truly understand what families are experiencing because several of our co-founders spent their baby’s first Christmas in NICU too. When establishing Tiny Sparks in 2013 we knew it would be important to assist families to celebrate all of the special occasions, to bring them a little cheer, and to let them know we care.

Since then each year we’ve had the absolute privilege of working with the gorgeous family behind Foote and Flame to create a unique ‘Baby’s 1st Christmas’ ornament. Year on year they have so very generously donated the ornaments to form part of our gift.

Our Crafty Creators have also worked hard each year to ensure a gift made with love, that can be treasured forever is provided to every baby. This year is no exception with hundreds of stockings and quilts received.

We know that any time a baby is separated from their family for medical care has an impact. It doesn’t matter if the separation is a few hours, days, weeks or months, it isn’t the way any family ever imagined it would be. This is why we send gifts out to all hospitals all over our great state of Western Australia. The families in Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Broome and others are often overlooked, but need just a such support and care.

As 2021 comes to a close we wish you all a magical holiday period and a healthy and happy 2022.

November Coffee Morning

Our final coffee morning for 2021 will be held next Monday 29/11 from 10am at Biara Cafe (formerly Stickybeaks) at Kings Park.  This will be a lovely opportunity to celebrate our 8th Birthday and close off Neonatal November celebrations.  Along with the usual pregnancy, birth and beyond chatter our Crafty Creators are very welcome to join in or drop by, to pass along any final items for the year.

Term 4 Developmental Playgroup (Copy)

Developmental Playgroup seeks to provide early support from suitably qualified allied health experts in the fields of physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, to provide advice and guidance to families in a play based setting.

Playgroup is open to any child in WA aged 6m actual age to 3 years of age who was admitted to a Neonatal Unit after birth.  Neonatal Unit admission can be for any reason including but not limited to premature birth, sick full term, or surgical requirements.  The cost of this program is heavily subsidised by our fundraising efforts and generous donors.  You can enrol in Term 4 here:

https://www.tinysparkswa.org.au/shop/new-enrolment-developmental-playgroup-term-3-2021-9y8c2