Narromine’s smallest learners are set to get a better start with the completion of a movement-based therapy room at the Narromine Preschool Kindergarten.
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The room includes a rock-climbing wall and a range of items to hang from, all aimed at stimulating a child’s central nervous system to improve their proprioception (sense of balance and movement).
The therapy provides early intervention for children who may be experiencing developmental delays – boosting their confidence – in way that feels like play.
“It provides an opportunity for early intervention within a preschool setting so that then it’s just integrated into part of their everyday activities,” occupational therapist Catherine Vincent said.
“And parents don’t need to take their children to therapy.”
The preschool extension was officially opened on Tuesday with the help of Narromine Shire mayor Craig Davies.
“I learned so much, going into this room here today,” councillor Davies said.
“It is brilliant what you can do with equipment such as that in there. I had no idea how much that can have a bearing on a child’s ability to learn, so it’s a fabulous initiative.”
Preschool director Louise Simpson said the extension – which has been at least four years in the making – was more than just one room.
It also includes a storage room, while in the movement-based therapy room, all but the rock-climbing wall can be packed away to allow the room to serve other functions.
That could include the annual hearing and vision testing the children go through before moving on to primary school, while the room could also potentially host sessions with a speech pathologist, or parent-teacher and other meetings.
But most days, the room will be “ready to go” for Ms Vincent and other teachers to work with the children, rather than having to take kids outside for therapy.
“It will be used as a therapy room for fun, play-based learning activities,” Ms Simpson said.
“The room can be used with small groups of children who have been identified as having developmental problems, or just for fun – they can all benefit.
“If we can identify this at a preschool level then when they get to school they’re going to be more confident and ready to learn … we can give them the best start.”
The Narromine Shire council did not contribute to the preschool extension, but Cr Davies said the council was always happy to help.
“You probably don’t need our help … but if you ever get to a point where council can help please let us know,” he said.
“We would love to help.”