Can:Do 4Kids Bright Start Graduates | Bright Start helps prepare for ‘big school’
The 2022 Can:Do 4Kids Bright Start students have graduated after completing an 18-week program during terms 3 and 4, which comprised of capacity-building activities designed to increase the primary school readiness of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Australian children who are deaf or hard of hearing are characterised by significantly reduced speech, language, communication and everyday functioning performance than children with typical hearing. Transition from pre-school to school can be a challenging time for all children and families.
The needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing are often underestimated in the school setting. For children with hearing loss the early years of school present children with new challenges – academic, personal, social and auditory. Starting school with confidence can help set the foundations for future school learning.
In light of these unmet needs, families of children seek support from allied health service providers, like Can:Do 4Kids, in order to enable their academic and daily participation more successfully. The program provides an opportunity to connect with other children and families on a regular basis, develop social connections and friendships. Typically children have the opportunity to increase early literacy skills, hearing equipment knowledge and management skills, social skills and self-advocacy to transition from preschool to primary school. The children have lunch during their Bright Start session. Lunch has purposely been included in the program as it provides an avenue for children to socialise and have conversations. Lunch also provides an opportunity for children to practise their self- help skills including opening and closing their lunch boxes, packets and drink bottles.
The program also provided education and support for their parents to help with the transition.
Now graduated, the children generally continue into the Can:Do 4Kids Junior CHAMPS program for 5 to 8 years of age and we find friendships that have been made, will continue.
We would like to acknowledge the Can:Do 4Kids Speech Pathologist and Listening and Spoken Language Specialists, who deliver the Bright Start program. To find out more about these programs or to book a place email CD4K.Groups@candogroup.com.au
