The post August 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
Service Announcements
Hi Spring Forward families,
Find out what’s new and upcoming this month at Spring Forward, below;
“Words can inspire, thoughts can provoke, but only action truly brings you closer to your dreams.” —Brad Sugars
Running Groups and Programs
Messy Monsters
Mondays, 4h30-5pm with Therapy assistant Georgia.
Master Builders
Thursdays, 12-1pm with Speech Pathologist Hannah.
Upcoming Holiday Programs
More information will be available in our next newsletter.
Esteem Team
Master Builders
Attention Autism
Interactive Reading
Holiday Merch
Get ready for our holiday intensives and grab your t-shirt now!
Kids Holiday Colour In T-Shirt
Back & Front Print$19.99
Kids Holiday Colour In T-Shirt
Back Print ONLY$19.99
Collaborative Partnership Updates
Bayley Screeners
We continue to offer developmental screeners to kids under three and a half. Occupational Therapist Melissa will be visiting multiple centres across Penrith & surrounds during the course of the month.Interested?
Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Speech Screeners
We are excited to be bringing speech screeners to kids. Speech and Language Pathologist Erin will be visiting multiple centres across Penrith & surrounds during the course of the month.Interested?
Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Physio Screeners
We are excited to be bringing physiotherapy screeners to kids between three and a half and five. Physiotherapist Roxanne will visit centres in Penrith and surrounds this month!Interested?
Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Early Intervention Pathway!
Speak to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to see how they can advocate for their child’s needs for therapy. For NDIS participants and also individuals who aren’t eligible for funding, LACs provide a link to community support such as health, social, transport, and education, as well as outlining the need for additional services.
Staff Announcements
We would like to introduce Receptionist Rosie and Therapy Assistant Cooper! Both team members have already started with us and are excited to meet more of our wonderful community.
Click on their pictures below to learn more about them!
Products of the month
Tripod Pencil Grip
Improves handwriting by helping to give more control, reduce hand fatigue, and increase comfort.
Ice Trays
This fun activity reinforces pincer grasp and assists in strengthening the arches of the hand.
Blog Updates
Client Achievements
Adam Neville is copying complex pathways using his new LAMP app on the ipad to instruct myself and Cooper to paint different parts of our bodies in different colours.~ Speech Pathologist, Hannah
Check out our new Occupational Therapy introductory video.
The post August 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
The post July 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
Hi Spring Forward families,
Find out what’s new and upcoming this month at Spring Forward, below;
Table of Contents:
Quotes | Announcements | Holiday Programs | Service Updates | Product of The Month | Client Achievements | Blog News
Quotes
Something Inspirational
“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”- Martin Luther King, Jr
Something Reassuring
“Nothing is permanent in this wicked world, not even your troubles.” – Charlie Chapman
Announcements
A big thank you to:
- Katie ~ Break thru
- Taf ~ Umuntu Ngabantu
- Oliver ~ Noro Music Therapy
- Ivana ~ Hope Health & Care Services
- Jenny ~ Affinity Specialist Centre
“Thank you for the time taken to meet with me and for the opportunity to share knowledge. I really enjoyed the ethos of each company and how it shone through in my interactions with you.”
~ Roxanne, Physiotherapist
Bayley Screeners Continue!
We continue to offer developmental screeners to kids under three and a half. Occupational Therapist Melissa will be visiting multiple centres across Penrith & surrounds during July.
Interested?
Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Thank you to our current partners:
- Kids Academy – Caddens
- Kids Academy – Regentville
- Kids Academy – Penrith
- Kids Academy – Glenmore Park
Check your child’s development with our free online development checklist for children 0-3.5 years.
Speech Screeners Continue!
We are excited to be bringing speech screeners to kids between three and a half and five. Speech and Language Pathologist Erin will visit Kids Academy centres in Penrith and surrounds this month!Interested?Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.Thank you to our current partners:
- Kids Academy – Regentville
- Kids Academy – Glenmore Park
Physio Screeners Continue!
We are excited to be bringing physiotherapy screeners to kids between three and a half and five. Physiotherapist Roxanne will visit centres in Penrith and surrounds this month!Interested?Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Upcoming Programs
Term 3 Programs!
Below is a list of our programs running in term 3!
Contact us to book your spot today.
Your favourite program isn’t listed? Submit an expression of interest for the group you desire.
Client Achievements
“Marcus is killig it with his words, forming two word sentences, communicating to mum and dad, so awesome to see his progress.”
~ Monica, Speech Pathologist
Service Updates
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
All private fees will increase by up to 6% on the 18th July 2022.
Early Intervention Pathway!
Speak to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to see how they can advocate for their child’s needs for therapy. For NDIS participants and also individuals who aren’t eligible for funding, LACs provide a link to community support such as health, social, transport, and education, as well as outlining the need for additional services.
Do you find yourself constantly telling your child to stand up straight? You’re certainly not alone – poor posture is diagnosed in approximately 38.3% of children. Read more here.
Many distractions take our attention away from learning and studying — added stimuli significantly affect the learning process for those diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, or various learning disabilities. Read more here.
Product Of The Month
10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
“This is an easy, short book that I found practical and respectful. I highly recommend it to parents, teachers and new therapists as an easy reference point”
~ Michelle, Occupational Therapist
Sensory Therapy Swing
Amazing and fun tool for sensory seekers:
- Builds strength and develops balance
- Swinging and movement help develop essential skills.
- Improves body and spatial awareness
Talking Flash Cards
Overall great autism sensory toy.
- Learn sight words
- Enhance cognitive ability
- Exercise hearing
- Build vocabulary.
The post July 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
The post June 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
Winter is here and we are counting down the days until our Winter School Holiday programs! Find out what’s new and upcoming this June at Spring Forward, below.
Table of Contents:
Quotes | Announcements | Holiday Programs | Service Updates | Staff Updates | Product of The Month | Client Achievements
Quotes
Something Inspirational
“If you focus on what you left behind, you will never see what lies ahead.”- Gusteau, Ratatouille
Something Reassuring
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Announcements
Kids Academy Preschool Bayley Screener!
We are excited to be bringing developmental screeners to kids under three and a half at Kids Academy. OT Mel will visit all 5 Kids Academy centres across Penrith during the first week of July. Dates and times TBC soon!
Interested?
Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Current partners include:
- Montessori Penrith
- Bright Stars Penrith
- Bright Stars Cambridge Park
- Kids Academy – Penrith Branches
Online Development Checklist!
Check your child’s development with our free online development checklist for children 0-3.5 years.
Get more information on the Bayley or check your infant’s development.
School Holiday Merch!
We are so excited to bring school holiday t-shirts to our clients. These t-shirts have been designed with creativity in mind. Buy your t-shirt and create your own design with our fabric markers during your holiday session.
Click below to PRE ORDER before Midnight 24/06/2022!
Service Updates
Cancellation Policy Reminder!
In the event that you are unable to attend your appointment, please refer to the information on our cancellation policy.
Early Intervention Pathway!
Speak to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to see how they can advocate for their child’s needs for therapy. For NDIS participants and also individuals who aren’t eligible for funding, LACs provide a link to community support such as health, social, transport, and education, as well as outlining the need for additional services.
Product Of The Month
Tubing!
What does it do?
- Strengthens joints, tendons and muscles
- Provides tactile sensory stimulation
- Allows children to focus and concentrate
- Keeps mind and hands busy
- Helps with oral motor development and chewing
Cost? $5.00
Contact us to purchase! Call and collect available.
Kids Balance Ball!
What does it do?
- (Half deflated) helps with regulation
- Activate the core
- Stimulate the vestibular system
- Helps with concentration
Cost? $28.77 Buy Now!
Gratitude Journal!
What does it do?
- Self-exploration journal- helps children focus on being thankful for what we have, the big things in life, as well as the simple joys.
Cost? $10 Buy Now!
Upcoming Programs
Circle of Security 
What is it?
Using attachment theory as its foundation, Circle of Security is a parent program that helps shine a light on how to gain and maintain a secure attachment with your child. Find out more.
Who is it for?
This program is for Parents and Guardians and is run as a safe, supportive and collaborative group of 5-18 people. Participants receive a personalised plan to help implement COS strategies specific to their needs.
When is it?
Starting Week 2, Term 3, COS is a 8 week program running weekly on Monday Mornings for 1 hour with Counsellor Danielle. Time TBC shorty as either 10 or 11am start.
Contact us to secure your spot!
Winter School Holiday Groups
We are now taking bookings for groups running during the winter school holidays. Find out more or book online by clicking on the group name.
Handwriting Heroes with TA Brittany, 9 am – 10:30 am, Mon 11th – Fri 15th of July
Messy Monsters with TA Georgia, 3:30 pm – 5 pm, Mon 4th – Fri 8th of July
Master Builders with SP Hannah,
2-3 pm, Mon 4th- Fri 8th of July OR
12-1 pm, Mon 11th – Fri 15th of July
Adventure Weekly: Early Explorers 7-11yrs with PT Roxanne & TA Brittany, 10 am – 12:30 pm, Mon 4th – Fri 8th of July
Adventure Weekly: Teenage Trailblazers 12yrs+ with PT Roxanne & TA Brittany, 2 pm – 4:30 pm, Mon 4th- Fri 8th of July.
Your favourite program isn’t listed? Submit an expression of interest for the group you desire.
Term 3 Programs!
We are excited to announce our term 3 programs! Contact us to express your interest. Days and times TBC soon.
Staff Updates
Welcome Isabella, Tayla and Sandra!
We would like to introduce:
- Business Development & Preschool Liason Officer – Isabella
- Receptionist – Tayla
- Counsellor – Sandra
Many of you would have already met Tayla and Sandra but if you haven’t, be sure to say hi during your next visit! Isabella has just joined us this week and is excited to expand Spring Forwards services to more of our community.
Click on their pictures below to learn more about them. Isabella’s Bio is coming soon!
Tayla – Receptionist
Personal Mission Statement:
” To provide positive client experiences to the community, through the services offered.”
Sandra – Counsellor
Personal Mission Statement:
“Providing a relationship-based, holistic language approach to support youth relate, connect, and find meaning in the world around them.”
Isabella – Business Development & Preschool Liason Officer
Full bio coming soon.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to Multi-Media Specialist Byron! We hope you had an amazing day.
Farewell Darcy & Deanna!
We’d like to thank Darcy and Deanna for being a part of the Spring Forward Family. Thank you for your hard work and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Client Achievements
Brock Neville
Well done to Brock who has worked really hard on building his confidence and social skills and using them in the community! – Counsellor Danielle & Speech Pathologist Monica
The post June 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
The post May 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
We hope you had a wonderful Easter break and start to term 2! Find out what’s new and upcoming this May at Spring Forward, below.
Table of Contents:
Quotes | Announcements | Blog News | Groups & Programs | Staff Updates | Product of The Month | General Updates | Client Achievements
Quotes
Something Inspirational
“Be a positive energy trampoline– absorb what you need and rebound more back.”– Dave Carolan
Something Reassuring
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston S. Churchill
Announcements
We are excited to be bringing developmental screeners to kids under three and a half at Montessori Penrith on the 12th of May.
Interested?
Share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Current partners include:
- Montessori Penrith
- Bright Stars Penrith
- Bright Stars Cambridge Park
- Kids Academy Regentville
Online Development Checklist!
Check your child’s development with our free online development checklist for children 0-3.5 years.
Get more information on the Bayley or check your infant’s development.
Gross Motor Checklist Coming Soon!
We are excited to announce that Physiotherapist Roxanne is currently creating gross motor checklists to bring to our local community. These checklists can help identify if additional support may be needed to improve gross motor skills of children 4-12.
General Updates
Happy Mothers Day!
We hope our Spring Forward community had a lovely Mother’s Day celebrating all mums!
What a Success!
We’d like to thank everyone who participated in our school holiday programs, intensives and Easter egg challenge. A great time was had and goals were achieved! What an amazing way to celebrate Easter! We hope you loved each moment just as much as we did.
Easter egg challenge ‘make a fort’.
Celebrating Mel’s 5 years at SFFC!
We celebrated OT Mel’s 5-year workaversary the best way we know how…CAKE! A big thank you to Adam and his mum Mellissa for making this beautiful and delicious cake.
Client Achievements
Xanthe Marshall
Well done to Xanthe whose confidence and communication have improved greatly! – Speech Pathologist Monica
Ivy Walker
Well done to Ivy who was able to identify three areas she needs support in, justify why and set goals for them. – Speech Pathologist Monica
Blog News
Physiotherapy and Autism- How It Can Help Support Your Child
Physiotherapy deals specifically with movement skills at all levels. But how can this help your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Read more
Has Your Baby Crawled Yet?
Crawling is a vital skill for your baby to learn and is a significant developmental milestone. So when should your baby be crawling? Read more
Is Your Baby Struggling To Crawl?
Watching your baby start to move about and develop the foundational skills they need to start crawling is exciting! But what crawling patterns are unusual and how can you better support your baby’s crawling development? Read more
Upcoming Programs
Winter School Holiday Groups
We are now taking expressions of interest for groups running during the winter school holidays.
Secure your spot today. Find out more about these programs by clicking on the name.
Your favourite program isn’t listed? Submit an expression of interest for the group you desire.
Group Program Fun!
Our School Holiday Programs were a hit! Now, our groups Messy Monsters, Adventure Weekly and Fine Motor Club are in full swing!
Term 3 groups to be announced by 17th June. Interested in a particular group? Submit an expression of interest.
Staff Updates
Welcome Erin and Sandra!
We would like to introduce Speech Pathologist Erin and Counsellor Sandra! Erin has already started with us and is excited to meet more of our wonderful community. Sandra will start on the 17th of May and is keen to say hello. Click on Erin’s picture below to learn more about her. Sandra’s full bio will be available next month.
Erin – Speech Pathologist
Personal Mission Statement:
“Providing a relationship-based, holistic language approach to support youth relate, connect, and find meaning in the world around them.”
Sandra – Counsellor
Full bio coming soon.
Congrats Jess!
Congratulations to counselling student Jess who has joined our team as a Therapy Assistant!
Happy Anniversary!
A big happy anniversary to OT Jacque who has been part of the Spring Forward family for one year!
Farewell Santina!
We’d like to thank Santina for being a part of our Spring Forward Family. Thank you for your hard work and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Product Of The Month
Therapressure Brush!
What does it do?
- Improves ability to transition between daily activities
- Improves attention span
- Decreases fear or discomfort of being touched
- Enhances coordination
- Supports better self-regulation
Why do we use it?
Often part of a sensory therapy program, a therapressure brush is run over the child’s skin, using very firm pressure. It is like a deep pressure massage. Brushing starts at the arms and works down to the feet.
Who do we recommend it for?
Kids who are extremely sensitive to touch, including those who:
- exhibit tactile defensiveness
- fear/resist being touched
- have difficulty transitioning between activities
- are lethargic
- have autism
Cost? $7.00
Contact us to purchase! Call and collect available.
The post May 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
The post April 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.
School holidays are just around the corner and so is Easter! Find out how we can keep your kids learning and entertained this April. Read this, and more of what’s happening at Spring Forward, below.
Table of Contents:
Quotes | Announcements | Service Updates | Blog News | Groups & Programs | Staff Updates | Product of The Month | General Updates
Quotes
Something Inspirational
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”- Zig Ziglar
Something Reassuring
“Because life is a gift, all of us are gifted.”- Noah Benshea
Announcements
Are you up for a challenge? From the 11th of April Spring Forward will have laminated paper easter eggs hidden around the clinic. Each easter egg has a special challenge! How many challenges can you complete?
Preschool Bayley Screeners Coming Soon!
We are excited to be bringing developmental screeners to kids under three and a half at the following local preschools in the near future!
- Bright Stars Penrith (8th April)
- Kids Academy Regentville (TBD)
- Montessori Penrith (TBD)
Interested?
Get more information on the Bayley or check your infant’s development.
Service Updates
Physiotherapy sessions are now available! We provide tailored individual programs to best support your child. Treatment can be delivered on children as young as newborns.
Why Physio? Click here
Interested in booking a physio appointment? Get in touch
Physiotherapy Trial Session!
Thank you to all who participated in our physiotherapy trial session.
Intensive Spots Available!
We are in the early stages of getting intensives booked for the April school holidays. Contact us now to secure your spot!!
Who does intensives?
Everyone!
Why do an intensive?
- Kick starts therapy for new clients
- Address a specific goal
- Prepare them for a big life event
- To have in place of regular weekly session
- To have co-treat sessions with multiple therapists
Focus on certain interventions that might be time sensitive - Family counselling intensives
Enhance results!
General Updates
Autism Acceptance Week!
We wrapped up autism acceptance week by going red! By going red we wanted to show our alliance and support for the autism community.
Bayley Screener at Bright Stars Cambridge Park!
Mel (OT) had the pleasure of visiting Bright Stars Cambridge Park in March to administer developmental screeners with a selection of their kids under three and a half. This collaboration allowed Mel to support more community members understand their child’s development level and whether further support may be needed. We are so grateful to the Bright Stars team at Cambridge Park and look forward to our upcoming opportunities to screen more kids in the community.
Interested?
Get more information on the Bayley or check your infant’s development.
Or, share our details with your preschool, daycare, parents group or early development centre.
Big Red Roll + Stroll!
A big well done to our SFFC Team who strolled 5km for Muscular Dystrophy on the 20th of March. Their efforts raised $258!
1 in 500 people live with a neuromuscular condition, which is approximately 13 thousand people in NSW alone. Thank you to all who donated.
Blog News
Making Mindful Children: How Mindfulness can benefit your child
What is mindfulness? What does mindfulness do? How can my child benefit? Mindfulness is an appropriate strategy to help reduce worrying thoughts that are possibly creating anxiety. Read more
Compassion Fatigue- Do you have it?
What is compassion fatigue and why is it important to identify this in ourselves?Read more
Methods To Help Prevent and Recover from Compassion Fatigue
What can we do to help ourselves stay mindful? We need to look after ourselves physically, psychologically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Read more
Groups & Programs
April School Holiday Groups
Last chance to secure a spot in our April school holiday programs!
Handwriting Heroes with Therapy Assistant Brittany at 10:30 – 11:30am, 11th-14th April.
Messy Monsters: Avoiders/Food Play with Therapy Assistant Brittany at 2 – 3:30pm, 11th- 14th April.
Messy Monsters: Seekers with Therapy Assistant Brittany at 3- 4:30pm, 19th- 22nd April.
Master Builders with Speech Pathologist Hannah at 11am – 12pm, 19th- 22nd April.
Mindful Magic with Therapy Assistant Brittany at 11:30am – 1pm, 19th-22nd April.
Esteem Team with Counsellor Danielle at 10am – 1pm, 19th-22nd April.
Book your spot today. Find out more about these programs by clicking on the name.
Your favourite program isn’t listed? Submit an expression of interest.
Win a $20 Products Voucher!
Do you know someone who might love one of our groups? First, send them this link: https://www.springfwd.com.au/individual-program-enquiry/
Then, get them to include your name in their booking for you to go into the draw for a $20 products voucher.
Term 2 After School Groups
Secure your spot in our after school programs! Programs run once a week over 10 weeks.
Messy Monsters: Seekers with Therapy Assistant Brittany on Mondays from 4 pm – 5:30 pm
Adventure Weekly with Therapy Assistant Brittany on Thursdays from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Crash n Move with Therapy Assistant Georgia on Tuesdays from 4 – 5 pm
Your favourite program isn’t listed? Submit an expression of interest.
Staff Updates
Welcome Paula & Lyra!
We would like to introduce Occupational Therapist, Paula and Admin Assistant, Lyra! Lyra has already started working with us and Paula will be starting on the 11th of April. Click on their picture below to learn more about them.
Paula – Occupational Therapist
Personal Mission Statement:
“Providing quality care and intervention to children while empowering and educating their parents and caregivers.”
Lyra – Admin Assistant
Personal Mission Statement:
“To maintain positive client engagement and administer a proactive approach with the aim that our health professionals can bring forth valuable service to everyone.”
Happy Anniversary!
A big happy anniversary to Brittany who has been part of the Spring Forward family for three years, and Melissa who has been part of the Spring Forward family for five years.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to three of our amazing team members, Santina, Darcy and Amy! We hope you all have the best day.
Product Of The Month
Roll-A-Dough Letters!
What does it do?
It builds finger strength, fine motor skills & letter recognition skills
Why do we use it?
It’s a multi-sensory approach that prepares children to write whilst building the above skills. Children can roll and cut dough snakes to make capital letters and numbers. They can use the tray with sand, shaving cream, or rice for additional practise making letters. Roll-A-Dough cards fit perfectly on the Stamp and See Screen as a template for tracing letters.
Who do we recommend it for?
Children who need something engaging to learn important skills. Those learning how to recognise and form letters and numbers. Children who need to improve and develop finger strength.
Cost? $34.95
Contact us to purchase! Call and collect available.
The post April 2022
Newsletter first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.