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Our Service
- LEAP is an Early Childhood Intervention Service (ECIS)
- ECI services support children with a disability or developmental delay, from birth to school entry, and their families. An ECI service may take the form of therapy, assessment, parent support and education, case management and respite, and assisting the move to school.
- LEAP offers a small-group program to children, who meet the criteria, in Wodonga and surrounding area anywhere up to 70-80 kilometers, as well as to children in New South Wales located in the Albury area, should places be available.
- Parent education is an important part of our service, where we pass on to parents the skills and knowledge to assist their child in reaching his/her fullest potential.
- LEAP is also able to purchase equipment and resources to be used in the program, with a specific child in mind. If a child has a physical need or a special interest area, we can provide equipment to assist with physical development or games, puzzles and books on the particular area of interest to engage and assist the child in learning and developing skills within the program.
- Another important part of delivering a quality program is the communication which takes place between the Program Director and other ECIS therapists, service providers and practitioners involved with individual children. (For more information go to “Parent Info”)
- We offer support to students from University and TAFE through their practical placements. Assisting in the provision of the LEAP program provides the students with an awareness of, and first-hand experience in, the practical needs of children with disabilities and special needs. Our ultimate aim is to encourage students to work in the early childhood intervention field.
- Behaviour Support Intervention: The LEAP program also assists parents in dealing with challenging behaviours by developing strategies to support managing these behaviours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Service
What do I need to bring to the interview?
Parents/carers need to bring along any reports, letters and assessments concerning their child. This information will assist in developing a program to meet your child’s specific needs.
Do I stay with my child?
For LEAP to be able to upskill and inform parents/carers and provide them with strategies and activities to work on with their child in everyday family life, it is important for parents to participate in the sessions. Joining in sessions also provides parents/carers with the opportunity to meet other families, share information with be a great support for one another. Many long-term friendships have developed between parents/carers during their time at LEAP.
What can I learn from the program to help my child?
Many of the activities can be incorporated into your daily routines, for example: you can talk about body parts at bath time while washing hands, feet, ears, etc; you can talk about colours and objects in your home and while shopping, visiting, etc; at nappy change time you can perform some of the physical exercises learned; implementing strategies learned regarding management of behaviour and teaching your child appropriate skills in the many areas of development. As parents you are the main educators in your children's lives in these early years. The aim of the L.E.A.P Centre is to pass on to you the skills to assist your child in reaching his/her fullest potential.
Are siblings welcome?
Siblings are encouraged to join in (under parent supervision), as they also play an important role in your family, as well as providing role models for the other children.
Is there a cost involved?
We ask that parents make a contribution towards the program as we are a designated, non-profit charity and government funds do not cover all cost of the program. We have determined that an appropriate amount is $50 per term, or $6 per session.
All contributions made by parents are tax deductible.
The L.E.A.P Program:
- Each 2-hour session at LEAP consists of only 5-6 children so that more focus can be given on an individual basis to each child’s
specific needs.
- The playroom is set up with distinct areas of learning and play and sessions are designed in a structured format, individually tailored for each child.
- Activities are designed around the needs of each child in the group and include painting, craft, puzzles, special equipment, social interaction, music, song and outdoor play.
- The program for older children centres on transition to school, focusing on development of skills such as numeracy, literacy and socializing which will assist their progression into the mainstream or special schooling system.
For information on the Programs we offer, visit the Program Activities page.
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