Tiny Sparks WA Developmental Playgroup

Reaching developmental milestones in premature and sick full termers can vary largely and it is likely that they will reach major milestones later than babies born full term. This is due to the fact that they are younger or have had a difficult start to life. However in some instances delays in development are indications that further specialists assessment and early intervention is required. 

Monitoring development and keeping a close eye on babies and toddlers as they grow is of significant concern to many parents and a source of much worry; it is part of the Neonatal Unit journey that does not end with being discharged.

By partnering with specialist paediatric therapists and early learning specialists, the Tiny Sparks WA Developmental Playgroup has been designed to assist parents with developmental monitoring in a quality play based setting.

Objectives

The Tiny Sparks WA ‘Developmental Playgroup’ aims to:
1. Provide ‘at-risk’ babies and toddlers (due to prematurity or other complication / illness at birth) with high-level monitoring from a range of allied health professionals;
2. Provide guidance and advice to parents on their toddler’s development, particularly in regards to areas where deficits are more commonly noted in infants born very prematurely or otherwise at risk;
3. Provide parents with affordable short-term access to physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists for their children;
4. Provide parents with a social opportunity to interact with parents who have travelled similar journeys;
5. Provide toddlers with social opportunities in a safe environment with strict wellness policies; and
6. Provide families with a continuing connection to the groups they met during the Neonatal Unit journeys.

2024

This program is currently paused. For all children born after 1/1/23 we invite you to join our Nurturing NICU Families program. More information can be found here: