Home Based Services
One to One
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Pathways Early Childhood Intervention provides a range of family-centred services in the Inner West of Sydney for children with additional needs and their families. A Home-based visiting program is one of these services. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of families with children from birth to 36 months.
What is Home-based visiting?
The Home-based program aims to support, affirm and promote a families’ relationship with their child. It is a partnership approach; families work together with staff to develop an individual program for their child. Therefore, this program reflects the family’s goals, dreams and wishes for their child. Staff available for home visiting include: Early Childhood Special Educator, Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist and Family Worker.
Staff help families see new ways of playing and teaching their child to grow and develop. Families then practice these interactions with their child during both play and everyday routines.
Our staff provide support and information: on child development, education, resources, and services. This support and information can be on specific issues (for example, sleeping, feeding, behaviour etc) or broader issues such as preschool options, advocacy, inclusion, training for parents etc.
What happens in a home visit?
A trained staff member will visit you at home once per week or fortnight for one hour. All staff use a play based model of early intervention; play is used by the adults to help the child reach the set goals. Staff may bring some toys and equipment with them or use those available at home. Some discussion may take place around your child’s accomplishments, effective strategies and planning for future visits.
Who is eligible?
Children with additional needs, from birth to 36 months, who live in the 3 local government areas of Leichhradt, Marrickville, Ashfield. This includes the seven local government areas of Marrickville, Canterbury, Ashfield, Burwood, Leichhardt, Canada Bay, Strathfield. For children over 36 months, center based options are the recommended approach to early childhood intervention; children learn more in an environment surrounded by new experiences and other children.
What other services are available for my child?
In addition to home visiting by a member of the Pathways ECI team (Early Childhood Special Educator, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist or Family Worker) we offer:
- A block of therapy at our center if required ;
- Playgroups are a popular option for many families;
- Preschool program;
- Specialist groups.
Check with our center staff for availability.
What do we expect from your family?
- There is no charge for the Home-Based Program.
- Cancellation is required if there is illness or a contagious disease in your family.
- Adequate notice if you need to reschedule.
- Your collaboration in each session is important.
