Early Childhood

SMILE Programme
Sensory Motor Integrated Learning Environment
 

Children, aged 3 to 5 years attend Carlson School for 3 mornings per week where they participate in a therapy-based pre-school programme which aims to improve their functional independence in preparation for starting school.

The SMILE programme embraces the principles of Conductive Education and Te Whariki (Early Childhood Curriculum), but each child is provided with their own personal goals and individual therapy based on the Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) model.

Children are also encouraged to attend a mainstream pre-school facility to further develop their play, language and socialisation skills. The SMILE programme is staffed by a teacher, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language therapist and teacher aides.

The SMILE hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 12.15pm.

           

 

Early SMILE Programme
Babies and toddlers under three years attend Carlson School, with their parents, on one afternoon per week. The Early SMILE programme is additional to community based therapy services. Each session aims to provide therapy through play, stimulating the child towards active functional movement and language.

Following the Family Centred Care model that promotes the parent as the best therapists for their child, parents practise the handling skills that help their child to develop functional movement and language. Parents also enjoy meeting and sharing with other parents and children. The programme is run by an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist with teacher support

 

Mainstream Kindergarten
There is a mainstream kindergarten on site, which provides integration opportunities for children from Carlson School.