Tips for Parents Archives - Page 2 of 5

Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Early Intervention at Kidz Steps Centre

Written by Sook Wah Chew on December 22, 2024. Posted in Early Intervention Program, Tips for Parents.

What is an Early Intervention Program (EIP)? Early Intervention Program refers to identifying and providing effective support to young children who are at risk of developmental delays. These programs are designed to address developmental challenges in their early stages, ensuring children receive timely and targeted support to enhance their overall growth and development. Who Do We Help? At Kidz Steps Centre, our Early Intervention Program is designed for children aged 2 to 6 who have, or are at risk for, developmental delays. This includes challenges in areas such as: Speech and language development Fine and gross motor skills Emotional and behavioral regulation Social and interaction skills Cognitive and learning abilities We also assist families in understanding their child’s unique developmental needs and provide strategies to support them at home and in everyday life. Learn more about developmental delays here. Why Early Intervention Program...

Jump-Start Program for Young Children with Delays

Written by Sook Wah Chew on December 15, 2024. Posted in Early Intervention Program, Others, Tips for Parents.

Our Jump-Start Program is an intensive and short-term one-to-one early intervention program for children. It is tailored for young children under the age of 4 who show signs of developmental delays in the areas of speech, social & play, self-help, or motor skills. It is also designed for families seeking to address these areas effectively within a short period. This program is designed to accelerate children’s skills and help them achieve developmental goals that might otherwise take months to reach. It offers a unique opportunity for families to make significant progress in a condensed timeframe (6 – 12 months). With support from our child psychologists and therapists, we identify critical learning areas, assess challenges, and provide intensive, targeted support to address these concerns. Key Features of the Jump-Start Program: Intensity: 3-4 sessions per week to ensure consistent progress. Duration: Short-term intervention lasting 6 to 12 months. Focus Areas:...

Therapy for Delays in Young Children Aged 2–3: Why Early Intervention Matters

Written by Sook Wah Chew on December 3, 2024. Posted in About Us, Early Intervention Program, Tips for Parents.

At Kidz Steps Centre, we specialize in providing therapy for delays in young children, helping them overcome developmental challenges and reach important milestones. If your child is aged 2 to 3 and showing signs of delay, our Early Intervention Program (EIP) offers the personalized support they need during this crucial stage of development. Why Therapy for Delays Is Essential The ages of 2 to 3 are critical for a child’s development. Skills like speaking their first words, engaging in simple pretend play, or mastering basic motor tasks serve as the foundation for future learning and growth. Developmental delays can affect communication, motor skills, social interaction, and self-help abilities. However, the good news is that early therapy for delays can significantly improve outcomes, especially when started before age 3. Not Sure If You Should Be Concerned? It’s normal to feel unsure about whether your child’s development is on track. If you’re uncertain, you can...

Therapy for Autism: Are you on the right track?

Written by Sook Wah Chew on November 26, 2024. Posted in Others, Tips for Parents.

When it comes to supporting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), understanding their specific needs based on their level of autism is key to effective therapy. ASD is a spectrum, meaning each child experiences a unique set of strengths and challenges. Whether a child requires minimal, substantial, or very substantial support, the right approach can make all the difference. Tailoring interventions to match the autism child’s needs helps ensure they receive the most effective therapies, from speech and occupational therapy to behavioral interventions. By identifying and addressing these needs early, we set children with autism on the right track toward independence and success. So, how can you be sure your child is on the right path with therapy? Let’s explore how understanding their level of support can guide the way. What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is categorized into three levels of support based on the severity of symptoms and the level of support...

5 Warning Signs Your Child May Have a Speech Delays

Written by Sook Wah Chew on November 7, 2024. Posted in Early Intervention Program, Tips for Parents.

If you’ve been told that your child is just a ‘late talker,’ it’s natural to want to give it time. But when it comes to speech development, waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities for early support. While some children do catch up on their own, many benefit from targeted help sooner rather than later. We should not wait when child shown signs of speech delays. Common Sign of Speech Delays If your child is speaking but seems to be behind in vocabulary or frequency of talking compared to their peers, there are a few signs that might indicate a speech delay: Limited Vocabulary: By age 2, most children use about 50 words. By age 3, they should have a broader vocabulary, including the ability to form short phrases and sentences. Difficulty Forming Sentences: If your child mainly uses single words rather than two- to three-word phrases by age 2 or 3, it may be a sign of delay. Trouble Communicating Needs or Wants: This can be a sign of speech delays if your child...

Is Your Child’s Speech on Track? Cause of a Speech Delays

Written by Sook Wah Chew on November 7, 2024. Posted in Early Intervention Program, Tips for Parents.

Ever wondered why some children seem to learn to talk slower than their peers? Speech delays in young children can be puzzling, and the reasons behind them are as unique as each child. From hidden hearing issues to developmental disorders, there’s a wide range of factors that can impact a child’s ability to communicate. Understanding these causes early on isn’t just about labelling speech delay; it’s the first step toward empowering a child to find their voice. When to Be Concerned: Common Cause of Speech Delays Here are the common cause of speech delays: Hearing Issues: If a child has trouble hearing, they may struggle to understand or mimic sounds, which impacts language development. Even mild hearing loss can delay speech. Oral-Motor Difficulties: Some children have trouble coordinating the muscles involved in speech. This can make it hard for them to produce sounds or speak clearly. Developmental Disorders: Conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, or other developmental...

Early Intervention: Why Acting Early is the Best Choice for Your Child

Written by Sook Wah Chew on November 1, 2024. Posted in Early Intervention Program, Tips for Parents.

As a parent, you know your child best. It’s natural to feel concerned if you notice your child having some struggles in areas like talking, following instructions, coordination, focus or playing with peers. When children fall behind in these areas, it can sometimes be hard to know if it’s just a slower pace of development or something more. But here’s the good news: when you reach out early for early intervention, you’re giving your child the best chance for growth and success. Signs That Your Child Might Need Early Intervention If your child is experiencing any of the following challenges, consider reaching out for support: Speech and Language Delays: Your child isn’t talking as well as other kids their age. Difficulty Following Instructions: They struggle to follow directions at home or in school. Coordination and Movement Issues: They have trouble with physical activities like running, jumping, or going up and down stairs. Fine Motor Skill Challenges: They find...

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Helping Kids Manage Motor, Attention, and Sensory Challenges

Written by Sook Wah Chew on October 17, 2024. Posted in About Us, Others, Tips for Parents.

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children with special needs to develop essential skills. It provides support to improve motor skills, build attention span, and regulate emotions, particularly for children with developmental delays, ADHD, autism, or sensory processing issues. Below is a breakdown of how OT helps in three key areas, followed by a sample case to illustrate its impact. 1. Motor Skills Development Motor skills allow children to perform everyday activities such as writing, dressing, and running. Occupational Therapy focuses on both when helping children with special needs: Fine motor skills (like holding a pencil or buttoning a shirt) Gross motor skills (like jumping or balancing on one foot) Through fun and engaging activities such as cutting paper, obstacle courses, or threading beads, children build the strength, coordination, and precision needed for daily tasks. 2. Attention Skills Children with attention difficulties...

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