Our services
The Kids’ Care Collective is a team of Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Psychologists who work with children 12 years of age and under in a way that best supports the child and their family.
Connect the dOTs have been operating in the western suburbs of Melbourne since 2014. Our service is primarily clinic- based service but we also provide outreach services to school, kinder, childcare and home.Connect the dOTs has been providing Occupational Therapy services to children and their families in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne since 2014. (more…)
Paediatric Speech Pathology (PSP) is a team of speech pathologist who have been operating in the western suburbs of Melbourne since 2009. We offer clinic-based services as well as support in the school or kindergarten setting.
Psychology at Kids’ Care Collective provides psychological services and support to young people, and their families and carers across the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. Services are provided within the clinic and home settings, as well as liaising with schools and kindergartens.
OUR PROMISE
KCC is a unique organisation; we are not content with merely impacting your child for one hour every fortnight. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of positive change that benefits every client we serve We promise to steadfastly uphold our values and core principles, dedicated to providing unwavering support and empowering every child to reach their full potential. These values include delivering a service that is:
Evidenced-Based
Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our unwavering dedication to evidence-based practice. We believe in providing the highest quality of care by continually aligning our services with the most current and well-researched approaches. Through rigorous evaluation and application of evidence-based methods, we ensure that every child receives the most effective, scientifically proven interventions tailored to their unique needs. By adhering to evidence-based principles, we not only maximize the potential for positive outcomes but also offer a level of care that families can trust and rely upon, nurturing the growth and development of every child we serve.
Family-Centred
We wholeheartedly endorse family-centred practice as the cornerstone of our approach. We believe that parents and caregivers are invaluable partners in a child’s development journey, and their insights and involvement are integral to the success of our interventions. We work collaboratively with families to build capacity, provide parent coaching, and foster a supportive environment where parents are empowered to play an active role in their child’s progress. Our commitment to family-centred practice ensures that parents and caregivers are not just observers but active participants in the growth and development of their children, creating a nurturing and enriching space for every child to thrive.
Inclusive
We are committed to inclusivity, believing in creating an environment where every child, regardless of their unique abilities or needs, can access the support and care they deserve. Our practice is guided by the principle that diversity is a strength, and we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each child brings to our collective community. We embrace and respect individual differences and work tirelessly to ensure that every child is provided with equitable and tailored services that nurture their growth and potential. Inclusivity is not just a core value for us; it’s the foundation of our practice, reflecting our unwavering dedication to serving all children with the respect and compassion they deserve.
Collaborative
Collaboration is at the heart of our practice and we demonstrate this by recognizing the importance of working together with all stakeholders, including families, educators, healthcare providers, and support coordinators, to ensure the holistic well-being and development of every child. Our commitment to collaboration goes beyond teamwork; it’s about creating a supportive network where information, insights, and expertise are shared openly. We believe that when we collaborate, we can provide more comprehensive and effective care, tailoring our services to meet each child’s unique needs. By fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect, we empower children to thrive and families to be active participants in their child’s progress. Collaboration is not just a part of what we do; it’s our driving force in ensuring the best possible outcomes for the children we serve.
Outcomes-Based
We are dedicated to an outcomes-based approach that places the growth and development of the children we serve at the forefront of our practice. We understand that the true measure of our success lies in the positive, tangible changes we bring to each child’s life. This approach ensures that every intervention, every goal, and every strategy we employ is designed with clear, measurable outcomes in mind. By setting specific targets and regularly monitoring progress, we empower children to achieve their full potential and enable families to witness the concrete, positive changes that our interventions bring. Our outcomes-based approach is not just a commitment; it’s a promise to provide the highest standard of care that produces real, meaningful results for the children and families we support.
Neuroaffirmative
We are dedicated to a neuroaffirmative approach that celebrates the uniqueness of every child. We recognise that each child’s journey is distinct, and we respect and honour their individuality. Our practice is guided by empathy, understanding, and the belief that every child’s neurological diversity is a strength. We work to create an inclusive and supportive environment where children are encouraged to thrive on their own terms, with their unique needs and abilities taken into account. Our neuroaffirmative approach emphasises respect for neurodiversity, fostering a space where all children are empowered to grow, learn, and achieve their goals with dignity and confidence. It is not just an approach; it is the foundation of our practice, ensuring that every child is celebrated and supported for who they are.
GROUP PROGRAMS
At KCC, we take pride in our holistic approach to intervention, which goes beyond traditional one-on-one clinic sessions to cater to the diverse needs and interests of the children in our care. Other programs we have run include:
- Group language programs foster social interaction and language development among peers, providing children with valuable opportunities to practice and refine their communication and pragmatic skills in a supportive group setting.
- Special Interest Groups offer a wide array of exciting activities, from Lego and Minecraft groups that tap into creativity and problem-solving to sensory interests.
- Dance and movement groups that promote physical and sensory exploration.
- Literacy groups aim to enhance crucial pre-literacy skills and language development in a fun and interactive manner.
DELIVERING THERAPY IN A SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE
At KCC, our holistic approach extends to providing therapy services at schools and childcare centres. We recognise that the learning and developmental journey of children doesn’t stop at the clinic door; it continues in their educational settings. To ensure that we support children comprehensively, we work collaboratively with school staff and childcare providers to integrate our services seamlessly into their daily routines.
Here’s how we work holistically at schools and childcare centres:
Collaborative Partnerships: We establish strong partnerships with schools and childcare centres to create a collaborative and supportive environment. This involves open communication with educators, teachers, and support staff to ensure everyone is aligned in the child’s goals and progress.
Individualised Plans: We develop individualised therapy plans that are tailored to the child’s specific needs and goals. These plans take into account the child’s curriculum and educational objectives, ensuring that therapy complements their classroom learning.
On-Site Services: Our therapists provide on-site therapy services directly within the school or childcare centres. This means that children can receive therapy in familiar and comfortable surroundings, reducing the stress and disruptions that can occur with off-site appointments.
Incorporating Learning Objectives: We align therapy sessions with the child’s educational goals and objectives. This ensures that the child’s progress in therapy complements their progress in school, reinforcing their learning and development.
Support for Educators: We offer support and guidance to educators and teachers, providing them with strategies and tools to assist the child in the classroom. This collaborative approach ensures that the child’s learning experience is enhanced and that they receive consistent support across various settings.
Regular Progress Updates: We maintain regular communication with parents, teachers, and support coordinators to provide updates on the child’s progress and to adjust therapy goals as needed. This holistic communication approach ensures that everyone involved is well-informed and working together to support the child’s development.
By working holistically at schools and childcare centres, we aim to create a seamless and supportive experience for the child, where their educational and therapeutic goals align, and they can thrive in their learning environment.
TELEHEATLH
At KCC, we are committed to providing accessible and effective therapy services, and our telehealth option plays a crucial role in achieving this mission. Telehealth sessions are conducted through secure video conferencing platforms. This means children can receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes or any convenient location.
During telehealth sessions, children and their families interact with our experienced therapists just as they would during in-person sessions. Therapy techniques, strategies, and exercises are demonstrated and practiced together, ensuring effective engagement. Telehealth promotes family involvement in therapy. Parents and caregivers can actively participate in the sessions, enabling them to learn and apply strategies at home, which enhances the child’s progress.
Telehealth extends our reach to children and families in remote areas or those with transportation challenges. It ensures that quality therapy is accessible to more children. It also offers flexibility in scheduling sessions. It can be especially beneficial for families with busy schedules, making it easier to fit therapy into their routines. Children who feel more comfortable in their home environments are able to engage in therapy within familiar surroundings, reducing anxiety and enhancing participation. It also helps maintain the continuity of therapy even during challenging circumstances, such as inclement weather or health-related concerns. This ensures that children receive the consistent support they need.
Telehealth encourages effective communication between therapists, children, and their families. Regular updates, discussions, and progress reports are easily facilitated, promoting a collaborative approach. By offering telehealth, KCC ensures that therapy services are accessible, flexible, and tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each child and family.
HOME PROGRAMS
At KCC, we understand the importance of continuity in therapy, even when a therapist or a child is away on holidays. To bridge this gap and ensure that therapy remains an integral part of a child’s development, we provide home programs that can be immensely helpful in several ways including seamless integration of therapy at home, building parent capacity, promoting consistency, customized to individual needs, providing resources to families, enhancing progress, fostering independence and adapting to a more convenient way of delivering therapy.
Incorporating home programs into our therapy approach allows us to extend our commitment to continuity, family-centred practice, and empowering parents to play an active role in their child’s progress. It’s a testament to our dedication to delivering comprehensive and effective care for every child we serve.
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT PROGRAM
At KCC, we offer the valuable support of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) to complement and enhance therapy for specific periods. Here’s how AHAs can benefit our clients and how they work alongside qualified speech pathologists and occupational therapists:
AHAs are especially helpful during busy periods, such as when therapists have high caseloads or when a child’s therapy plan requires more intensive support. They can provide continuity when a qualified speech pathologist or occupational therapist is away on holidays, ensuring that therapy doesn’t experience disruptions. AHAs work in close collaboration with qualified clinicians. They follow the guidance and instructions provided by the therapist to ensure consistency and alignment with the child’s therapy plan.
- AHAs work in close collaboration with qualified clinicians. They follow the guidance and instructions provided by the therapist to ensure consistency and alignment with the child's therapy plan.
- AHAs maintain open communication with the supervising clinicians. They provide regular updates on the child's progress, challenges, and achievements to ensure that therapy remains goal-oriented.
- AHAs reinforce therapy goals and practices, ensuring that children have opportunities to practice and apply what they've learned during therapy sessions.
- AHAs may assist in data collection during therapy sessions, helping to monitor progress and adjust goals as needed.
- AHAs can work alongside parents to demonstrate therapy techniques and strategies, ensuring that parents are equipped to continue supporting their child's development beyond therapy sessions.
- AHAs can offer flexible support, whether through in-person sessions, telehealth, or as part of group programs. This adaptability ensures that therapy is tailored to the child's specific needs.
Incorporating Allied Health Assistants into our practice allows us to offer more tailored and intensive support, ensuring that therapy remains effective and goal-oriented. The collaborative efforts of qualified therapists and AHAs create a dynamic and supportive environment where children can achieve their full potential.
SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
KCC takes pride in working with schools as valuable clients, offering comprehensive support and resources to enhance the educational experience for both students and educators. Here’s how our school partnerships benefit educational institutions and the students they serve:
- Assessments and Reporting: We provide schools with professional assessments and detailed reporting to help identify students' specific needs, whether related to speech and language, learning, or developmental concerns. These assessments play a crucial role in tailoring educational support.
- Funding Meetings: KCC actively participates in funding meetings, helping schools navigate the complexities of funding applications and advocacy. Our expertise ensures that schools can secure the necessary resources to support students effectively.
- Parent Information Sessions: We conduct informative sessions for parents and caregivers to provide them with a deeper understanding of various developmental and educational topics. These sessions empower parents to actively engage in their child's learning journey.
- Classroom Support: Our team offers classroom support to educators, collaborating to implement effective strategies that accommodate the diverse needs of students. This support enhances the overall learning environment and ensures inclusivity.
- Group Intervention: KCC provides group intervention programs that target specific learning and communication needs within the school setting. These programs are designed to maximize the impact of therapy and support multiple students simultaneously.
- Resources and Training: We offer valuable resources and training to educational support aides, enabling them to better assist students with diverse needs. Our training equips support staff with the knowledge and skills required to provide effective support.
Incorporating KCC into the school community ensures a holistic and inclusive approach to education. By actively collaborating with schools and providing a range of services, we contribute to creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.