Royal Far West’s Schools and Early Years Services team had a successful week in Queensland, visiting several early childhood centres in Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Gladstone to provide vital early intervention services, made possible through the generous funding from Country to Coast, QLD (CCQ).
Our multidisciplinary team, consisting of Annabelle (Occupational Therapist), Louise (Speech Pathologist and Team Leader for Queensland), and Danni (Partnerships Coordinator), spent the week visiting local kindergartens to provide vital early intervention services and support children’s development. Jacqui Emery (CEO) also joined the visit to meet with educators and community leaders in Bundaberg to discuss the needs of these communities and how Royal Far West can continue to support them.
The kindergartens we visited:
During the visit, the team had the opportunity to engage with children, parents/carers and educators at the following early childhood centres:
- Goodstart Early Learning Pialba
- C&K Forestview Community Kindergarten
- Bears and Books Early Learning and Childcare
- YMCA Childcare & Kindergarten
- Cradle to Crayons Education & Care
- C&K Clinton Community Childcare Centre
- Goodstart Early Learning Calliope
These visits were part of our early intervention program, designed to identify children who may require additional support before they start school. The program, funded by Country to Coast Qld, ensures that children are able to access occupational therapy and speech pathology early, setting them on the path to thrive.
Filling a gap in allied health services
In many of the communities we serve, there is a significant gap in access to local allied health services, with families often facing wait times of up to two years to access speech pathology and occupational therapy. Our visits to these kindergartens help fill this crucial gap, providing timely interventions to children who would otherwise face long waits for local services.
A hands-on approach to supporting early childhood development
The team conducted a range of activities during the visit, including screening children, 1:1 therapy sessions, conducting observations and holding consultations with educators, parents and carers. This hands-on approach allowed our team to truly immerse themselves in the child’s learning environment, fostering trust and building stronger connections with both the children and their caregivers.
One of the key goals of our program is not only to provide direct support to children but also to empower educators with the knowledge and resources they need to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Through hands-on training and resources, we’re equipping early childhood educators to better support children..
Positive community feedback
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with educators and parents expressing their gratitude for the support and guidance provided by our team. The ability to work directly in the community allows us to deliver tailored interventions that meet the specific needs of each child, making a lasting impact on their development.
The power of consistent care
An essential aspect of the program is the continuity of care provided by the same clinicians over time. This allows educators, children, and families to build meaningful relationships with our team, which ensures a seamless approach to care.
Through our virtual care activities and in-community visits, we are able to consistently provide high-quality services to support children’s development, which has led to improved outcomes for many children in these communities.
Looking forward
As we reflect on our time, we are inspired by the resilience and strength of the communities we serve. Our work is only possible thanks to the continued support of Country to Coast Qld, whose funding allows us to provide these crucial services to families in need.
We look forward to continuing our journey of supporting country kids and strengthening our connections with the communities in Queensland.
Learn More about Schools and Early Years Services