Growing Early Minds is a community based, not-for-profit organisation that provides early intervention and disability support to children between 0-16 years, and their families. We operate across North West Sydney, Western Sydney and Southern Highlands and are registered NDIS and Medicare provider.
Families can visit us in clinic or we can see children in their natural everyday environments such as at home, child care centre or school. Our clinics are also designed to provide telehealth services to families that reside in remote, regional or interstate locations – distance is no barrier.
Our services
• Speech-language pathology
• Occupational therapy
• Dietetics
• Psychology
• Behaviour support
• Autism diagnosis
• Cognitive/developmental assessments
• Feeding and nutritional management (SOS approach)
• Therapy groups e.g. social skills
• School holiday programs
• Educator workshops
• Parent training
Our Approach and why us?
Growing Early Minds operates using evidence-based approach which includes family-centred, strengths and play-based intervention. What sets us apart is families can access speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, dietetics and nutrition, psychology, behaviour and family support all under the one roof.
• Proud history of over 20 years
• Experienced allied health professionals
• Best practice, evidence-based methods
• Collaborative, holistic, family-centred approach
• Support offered in clinic, mobile or via telehealth
• Link to free supported playgroups and programs
• Registered NDIS and Medicare Provider
• Interpreting and translation services available
• Memberships held across all peak bodies
• Not-for-profit, registered charity status
Getting started and funding
Every family is unique, and we encourage you to contact us to chat about your concerns. No referral from a GP or paediatrician is necessary, anyone can access our allied health therapy services. Families may be eligible for financial support to offset the cost of therapy, for more information visit www.growingearlyminds.org.au
Little Bunnies Childcare Centre Limited vacancies are available for 2019!
Contact us today for more information!Call us and book a centre visit today! 02 9639 4478.
We have received a number of good feedback from our families this year who are very happy with us and this is a big encouragement for our team to continuously improve our care and education for our children and families in 2019!
We look after and educate children from 2 to 6 years in a safe and interactive learning environment.
Operating hours: 7:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, meals are provided and included in the daily fee. The meat is Halal certified and prepared freshly everyday. Meals with individual eating requirements are available and prepared fresh to meet families' expectations.
Our ultimate goal is to provide a holistic support for all children in our community across different learning areas. Our team aims at helping children succeed based on their learning interests and strengths.
Why choose Little Bunnies?
- Affordable fees (Childcare Subsidy is available)
- Quality care and education programs
- Strong Transition to School programs for preschool age children
- Fresh and nutritious meals provided daily
- Experienced educators with passion in working with children and families
- Highly engaging experiences and activities for children at all age groups
- Open to Families' voices and suggestions
- Flexible routines
- Positive parent feedback
Contact us for more information.
MindChamps Early Learning Cherrybrook special offer “2 weeks free” click here for more information * conditions apply
Located in leafy North-West Sydney in the lovely suburb of Cherrybrook, this spacious centre offers a large, modern, engaging environment for children aged 6 weeks – 6 years.
Set within the grounds of this well-known local community centre, MindChamps @ Cherrybrook offers a amazingly light, engaging and spacious environment with plenty of outdoor space for children to explore in and play. We are open from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and cater for 72 children.
This lovely, spacious centre has 4 separate rooms with their own dedicated outdoor spaces for the following age groups: Angel Babies (6 weeks-2 years); Little Treasures (2-3 years); Little Explorers (3-4 years) and Rising Stars (4-5 years). All our meals are nutritious and delicious, prepared on site by our expert cook, with breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea all provided.
Our carefully designed curriculum is based on internationally validated research and aligns with the Australian EYLF Framework. Our team of teachers is passionate and dedicated in creating enriching experiences for children under their care, and to empower our children in both creativity and structured thinking. MindChamps Early Learning Centre @ Cherrybrook offers every child the opportunity in nurturing the champion in them! Contact us for more information.
Learning Links
If your child is showing signs that they struggle with learning, have social, emotional or behavioural issues, or are behind their peers with speech development or fine and gross motor skills, Learning Links is here to help.
We offer a range of assessments, including cognitive/IQ, academic skills, dyslexia, autism, ADHD, behavioural, speech and language, and occupational therapy. Our professionals can determine your child’s strengths, needs, preferred learning style and any appropriate interventions – an important first step in understanding how to best support them. Following each assessment, you’ll receive a comprehensive written report to outline results as well as recommendations for your child.
Bulk billing for psychological therapy is now available at our Bella Vista Learning Centre to help children struggling with anxiety and depression, social skills or making important transitions. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for weekday appointments 9.30am-2.30pm when referred by a GP under the Mental Health Care Plan - for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
To find out more about assessments, contact our friendly Customer Care team on 1300 003 900 or visit www.learninglinks.org.au. Our Bella Vista Learning Centres is located at 6a/7 Meridian Place Bella Vista NSW 2153.
PARENT INFORMATION
Tantrums
Tantrums and negativity are a common behaviour during the toddler period as they learn to control their world. Nevertheless, these behaviours can be exhausting and frustrating for parents.
Reasons for Tantrums
- Difficulty telling parents and others what they need - not enough words to talk about their needs or emotions
- Frustration that they do not have the skills to do tasks others are doing
- Tiredness and hunger
- Difficulty controlling their emotions - quickly go from excitement to anger
- Fear - become scared when they lose control and do not know how to calm down
- Do not like to wait for things - as can only think of their own needs
- Habit - the toddler has learnt that if they have a tantrum they will get what they want
- Testing limits or rules - this is helping them learn about control and power
- Your toddler's temperament - some toddlers are easy going, others are shy or very active
- It is important to seek assistance if you are concerned about the number or intensity of the temper tantrums - occasionally temper tantrums can be due to more serious problems.
Things that make the situation worse
- Being tired (both you and your toddler)
- Being hungry
- Being too excited or overstimulated
- Being bored or under-stimulated
- Being unwell
- Being told no or don't all the time
- Being in a hurry.
Avoiding Tantrums
Whenever possible:
- have realistic expectations of your toddler's ability and needs
- anticipate and avoid (if possible) difficult situations or activities for your toddler when they are tired, hungry or unwell
- introduce new activities slowly and one at a time
- develop routines and rituals so your toddler has a feeling of control over their world
- limit the amount of activity and noise - have quiet times during the day
- use a distraction when your toddler is becoming upset or agitated e.g. look at that car what colour is it?
- provide your toddler with limited choices eg do you want milk or water
- always ask your toddler to do things using one command at a time, wait for the action to be completed before giving the next task e.g. come here ...... sit down ....... let me help you put your shoes on ....
- use positive language and praise - avoid saying 'no' all the time
- understand any stress your toddler may be experiencing eg the arrival of a new baby, being left in childcare
During a Tantrum
There are several strategies that can be used to help your toddler gain control of their emotions:
- Hold and rock your toddler while you use soothing words e.g. daddy is here you are safe. This method can assist your toddler calm down and feel safe. It may be safer for you to hold them on your lap facing outwards if they are kicking.
- Pretend to ignore, this can be difficult. You will need to ensure that your toddler won't hurt themselves during the tantrum eg take out of the bath, take out of shopping trolley or remove furniture. It is important that you stay calm, take some deep breaths and count to ten.
- Time out or putting your toddler in a safe place. If you are at home you can use time out for both you and your toddler to assist you gain control.
- Removing them from the situation this can be difficult as you will need to stop what you are doing and take your toddler to another area eg. move from one room to another.
Things that don't help
- Getting upset and yelling at your toddler - most parents feel guilty when they have lost control
- Giving lengthy reasons about why you wanted your toddler to do something or why you are upset - keep explanations simple
- Bribing your toddler to behave e.g. if you stop yelling I will give you a chocolate
- Physical punishments - shouting, slapping, namecalling or threats
The good news for parents is that as your toddler develops language and physical skills the number and severity of tantrums will reduce.
Remember each child is an individual and develops at their own pace.
