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kurrajong early childhood intervention service
TERM 2, 2009 NEWSLETTER
Name Change for KEIS:
At a recent Kurrajong Waratah Board meeting a motion was put forward to change the name
of Kurrajong Early Intervention Service to Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention Service.
Inside this issue:
Rural Beginnings
News
TheraTogs
Course
2
5
For a number of years now the term ‘early intervention’ which was originally applied only to
children’s services has become increasingly used generically in a variety of contexts. Eg.
Early intervention in aboriginal communities, early intervention into mental health, health care
services, early intervention in land, forest management etc. etc. The continued use of what
has now become a generically used term creates confusion for the identity and purpose of our
KEIS service with questions asked – Early Intervention into what?
It was felt that the inclusion of the word ‘childhood’ should be added to the service’s name to
identify our early intervention services being delivered specifically to babies and young
children.
Paediatric Clinic
Dates
Kites for Kids
Day
Transition to
School Groups
Early Learning
Groups
Triple P—Parenting
Program
Siblings Group
Book Reviews
6
7
8
8
The service will therefore now be called Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention Service,
however the current acronym KEIS will at this stage be retained.
New letterheads and business cards etc. will be printed when current stocks are replenished.
New Physiotherapist: Prue Golland will commence work in Term 3 as part time
physiotherapist, she will work three days per week. Prue is a very experienced paediatric
physiotherapist and we are very excited about the prospect of her joining our team. From
Term 3 Prue will be the physiotherapist for the Tumut area.
New Speech Pathologist: Gretchen Foster commenced work as part time speech
pathologist on the 24 June, she is working two days per week. Gretchen is an experienced
paediatric speech pathologist and has worked in America for the last five years. Gretchen will
be assigned to the Wagga team. It is great to have Gretchen as part of our team.
New Family Support Worker: Michelle Knight has been completing her university student
placement in Social Work at KEIS for the last two terms. We are very excited to be able to
offer Michelle a three day family support worker position. Michelle will take on the role of
family support worker for the Tumut area.
Helping Children With Autism Package (HCWAP):
We currently have 14 children utilising additional services through the HCWAP. During
Terms 1 and 2 KEIS has been delivering additional occupational therapy services. From
Term 3 KEIS will be able to deliver additional speech services for families who are eligible to
receive services under HCWAP. Services are able to be provided in the home, at early
childhood centres and or at KEIS.
During Term 2 an occupational therapist has been conducting a sensory modulation group.
It is a term program providing sensory experiences to develop motor planning, coordination,
body awareness and emotional and regulation of emotions and attention. This program is
available for Term 3.
KEIS is also able to provide Psychology services under the package, focusing on issues
such as stress management, social skills, daily routines, behaviour management and
anxiety.
Down Syndrome Coffee
Morning
In Term 3 under the autism package KEIS will be conducting the Hanen program, More
Than Words. It is a 12 week intensive family focused program that gives parents of children
with Autism practical tools to help their children with communication and social skills.
The packages enables families to access up to $12000.00 of additional services for their
child who has a diagnosis of Autism. For further information regarding the HCWAP please
talk to Susan (KEIS Service Manager).

Page 2
RURAL BEGINNINGS:
For the last five years the outreach services provided by KEIS have
been funded by the Federal Government under the Stronger Families
and Communities Strategy—Invest to Grow. The Commonwealth
Minister for The Department of Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs, The Hon Jenny Macklin has advised
that the Rural Beginnings program will now receive ongoing funding
for the next two years as it transitions into the Government’s new
Family Support Program. The Minister stated:
Cootamundra Early Learning Group
‘The Government is restructuring the existing, fragmented collection of family, parenting and children
programs into one integrated whole – the new Family Support Program.
The new Family Support Program will deliver a consistent and coordinated approach to supporting Australian
families as their children grow, and as their families change.
It will bring together and build on the strengths of the existing programs to provide a more coordinated and
flexible approach to delivering services to children and families.’
This is exciting news. It means that KEIS will be able to continue
to provide education, therapy and family support work to up to 80
families with children with disabilities and or developmental
delays in two or more areas in the nine local government areas
that surround Wagga Wagga. The transition over the next two
years into the Austalian government’s new family support program
now provides the real possibility of recurrent funding being
received for the service.
Parenting Program—Triple P:
Susan (Service Manager) and Debbie (Family Support Worker) recently
completed Positive Parenting Program Training, other wise know as Triple P.
Each term KEIS conducts a parenting program for our families. The
program consists of four two hour groups sessions that provided
opportunities for parents to learn through observation discussion, practice and
feedback. Between sessions, parents complete home work tasks to consolidate their learning from
the groups sessions. Following the group sessions, four 15—30 minute follow up telephones sessions
provide additional support to parents as they put into practice what they have learned in the group
sessions. Triple P will be conducted at KEIS in Term 3 on Fridays from 1.00pm—3.00pm on
August 7, 14, 21 and 28. Free child care will be provided by Wagga TAFE students.
If you are interested in attending a parenting program please talk to Debbie, John or Michelle.

Page 3
MEDIA RELEASE
28 March 2009
PAUL LYNCH MP
MINISTER FOR AGEING
MINISTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES
MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
New Companion Card launched
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch today launched a new Companion Card program that allows people with
a disability to take their carers on public transport and to events for free.
The Card will be managed by National Disability Services (NDS), the peak body for disability services.
Eligibility for the Companion Card will be based on the physical needs of the person with a disability and won’t be
means-tested.
The NSW Government will provide the Card to eligible people who always or usually require the assistance of a
carer.
Eligible people should contact the Companion Card information line on 1800 893 044 to obtain an application form.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Williams 0408 602 936
KEIS Siblings Group
KEIS siblings group are lots of fun for brothers and sisters
aged between five and eleven years. They are held twice a
term, usually on a Tuesday from 4.30 to 6 pm.
Each group features different fun activities. The
children have so far this year chosen to have a T ball
challenge and sausage sizzle with Northcott Siblings
Group as well as a Bunnings tour and a pizza day. Last
year we had a Singstar and Guitar hero day, an
Olympics day and a trip to the Oasis.
KEIS Siblings groups are a great opportunity for
brothers and sisters to have some time out and meet
with other kids in a similar family situation, but most of
all they’re FUN. So come along- we would love to see
you.
If you would like to know more please ℡ John, Deb or Michelle 69262466

Page 4
BOOK REVIEWS:
Nobody Nowhere
Nobody Nowhere allows the reader to enter the world of Donna Williams as she takes us
on her journey of her life. Donna starts off describing her childhood in detail from a young
girl through to adulthood.
Donna is aware that others are not the same as her; that their world is not normal. However,
when Donna reaches her twenties she learns she is Autistic.
Donna’s experiences in life make you laugh, cry, feel angry towards those who have
mistreated her but also happy and proud of her achievements.
This book allows the reader to be more aware of the challenges faced by those children who have an Autistic
Spectrum Disorder and or Sensory Integration Disorders.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night - Time
This book has been written from the perspective of a teenage boy who has Asperger’s
Syndrome.
Storyline:
Fifteen year old Christopher has a photographic memory. He understands maths.
He understands science. What he can’t understand are other human beings. When
he finds his neighbour’s dog lying dead on the lawn, he decides to track down the
killer and write a murder mystery about it. But what other mysteries will he end up
uncovering?
I found this book intriguing right from the start where the chapters are prime numbers rather than
standard number order. The story is told as Christopher (the main character) sees life from his view. He
says things as he sees them.
It was light, entertaining and an easy read. This book held my attention from the beginning to end.
Vt{Ä|
CHILDREN’S LIBRARY AT KEIS:
KEIS has a whole range of books in the Children’s Library. Lots of beautiful books are available to be borrowed,
including special touch and feel books.
The Children’s Library is located in the Parent room at KEIS.
DID YOU KNOW?
Reading books is fun.
Looking at books helps babies learn language.
Looking at books together can become a special bonding time with your child.
Reading books together can help children learn to listen and concentrate.
Reading together can help children learn about themselves and solve problems.
Happy Reading. Jackie (Speech Pathologist)

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Whooping Cough vaccine not just for kids:
NSW Minister for Health John Della Bosca has encouraged adults - as well as children -
to be vaccinated to help control the whooping cough epidemic.
Mr Della Bosca said while most people were vaccinated as an infant, they needed to
receive a booster shot as adults to keep them protected.
“It’s especially important for new parents or people who work with babies to be
vaccinated against this potentially deadly disease,” the Minister said. “The current rates
of whooping cough are alarming, but we can all do our bit to make sure the community at large is protected.
“A free booster vaccination for whooping cough is currently available to new parents, grandparents and people
who work with babies from all GPs across NSW.
Whooping Cough is a serious illness and all new parents, grandparents and any other adult that regularly cares
for infants less than 12 months of age are urged to get a free booster vaccine – available now from GPs.”
NSW Health advises the symptoms of whooping cough include:
Runny nose Tiredness Mild fever
“Coughing bouts then develop followed by a big deep gasp which sometimes produces a whooping sound.
Vomiting may follow these bouts of coughing,” Mr Della Bosca said. “However, adults often just have a
cough without the whoop. “Whooping cough is easily spread to other people by droplets from coughing,” the
Minister said.
“So it is important that people are treated early with antibiotics to stop the spread of the disease,” Mr Della
Bosca said. “NSW Health recommends all children be given the combination vaccine to protect against six
conditions including whooping cough – normally given at two months, four months and six months of age. “In
light of the current outbreak, parents and GPs are asked to bring the first dose forward to six weeks of age to
provide earlier protection. “A further vaccine is given at four years, with a booster due at age 15 through the
school based vaccination program. “Getting immunised against whooping cough can literally mean the
difference between life and death – and I would urge everyone eligible for the booster shot to get it as soon as
possible.”
13 March 2009
THERATOGS—PARENT TRAINING 29th JULY AT KEIS:
Donalee KEIS Physiotherapist and Cherene KEIS Occupational Therapist will be holding
an information session for parents who have a child using TheraTogs, intend to use or have
discussed the possibility of using TheraTogs with their KEIS Physiotherapist or
Occupational Therapist. This training will provide information on how TheraTogs can meet
the needs of children with both physical and sensory needs.
In this session parents will have the opportunity to try on an adult size kit so that they can
feel what their child is experiencing when wearing TheraTogs.
TheraTogs were developed by Beverly Cusick (PT) in the US. Earlier this year she provided
a three day training course in Melbourne where Donalee and Cherene attended. At this training session
Donalee and Cherene will provide a general overview of the principles of TheraTogs and how they can assist a
variety of children.
This training session will be conducted on Wednesday the 29th of July at 11am.

Page 6
Autism Diagnosis at KEIS:
Our psychologist, John Shephard has recently become trained to diagnose
Autism for children aged 2—18 years. John has successfully completed ADOS
and ADI-R training and is very keen to start to conduct Autism assessments.
To access the diagnostic autism services at KEIS families need to be referred
by a paediatrician.
An Autism Assessment will cost $850-00. Families are able to claim a percentage of the cost
back on medicare.
PAEDIATRIC CLINIC DATES:
Dr Natalie Snyman’s next clinic will be held at KEIS on Wednesday
19th August.
Dr Preddy’s next clinic will be held at KEIS on Wednesday
28th October. Please phone Lindy or Dawn on 6926 2466 for an
appointment. These appointments are bulk billed. Please ensure that
you bring you medicare card and an up to date referral from your GP.
Hi to all the children and families at KEIS. My name is Cahli Wall and I joined the
KEIS team in January as an Educator. I am married and have two children. We made
the move from Sydney to the country three years ago.
I have worked in early childhood for over twenty years and have a wide range of
experience with infants and children. I have been involved in early intervention
working groups in Sydney to advocate for services to meet the growing needs of
families and children as well as to support early childhood services in their roles as
inclusive education providers.
I am excited to be a part of the wonderful team at KEIS working with you and your family. I am hoping
to extend my education in Inclusive Education by doing further studies through distance education at
University within the next year. In the meantime I am attending workshops, seminars and
conferences to gain new ideas, strategies and skills in which can be applied in group and individual
therapy sessions at KEIS.
Vt{Ä|
Tara Green (KEIS Speech Pathologist) recently graduated from
Charles Sturt University on the 23 rd
Convention Centre.
of April 2009 at the Albury

Page 7
KITES FOR KIDS DAY
The Sky’s the Limit!
Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention Service is hosting a Kites for Kids
Day to celebrate Early Childhood Intervention Awareness Week. It will be held
on Sunday 16th August at Ashmont Oval, (Lae Avenue, Ashmont)
from 11-00 to 2-00pm.
Bring your own kite to fly or make your own (balloons, flags, kites and
bubbles will be available for a small price).
There will be a free sausage sizzle and face painting. We hope we can have
as many families as possible join us.
Please contact Deb, Lindy or Dawn at Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention
Service on 6926 2466 to advise of numbers for catering purposes.
If wet weather, cancellation will be advised over the radio.
DOWN SYNDROME COFFEE MORNING:
Recently here at KEIS we held a very successful coffee morning for
families of children with Down Syndrome.
Lots of our wonderful families enjoyed a pleasant morning chatting and
getting to know each other. We had families who had left our service who
were happy to share their experiences and knowledge with our current families.
It was great to see every one connecting so well and enjoying each
other’s company.
Everyone present agreed we need to do it more often, so with that in
mind our next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 15th July
at 10.00am.
Please come if you can- we’d love to see you.
Debbie Young (Family Support Worker)

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TRANSITION TO SCHOOL GROUPS
The Transition to School Program is focused on children developing independent skills to help
them adjust to the school situation. For example, working independently, using their lunch box
and school bag independently, lining up and waiting their turn and many more skills that they
will need when they go to school. The team will work with your child in a group setting assisting
them generalize skills in a group setting and to be familiar with group work when they go to
school.
During Terms 1 and 2 families have attended the groups with their children. In Terms 3
and 4 families will attend a family support group whilst the early childhood educator and
the therapists assist the children in the transition to school group. Taking the families out
of the group is further preparing children for their transition to school.
During Terms 3 and 4 children will receive therapy services through group. It is a great opportunity for the therapists to gain an
understanding of children in a different setting other than one on one therapy and help children apply skills in a group situation.
Only children with severe needs will have individual therapy appointments in Terms 3 and 4.
During the time of group, parents have an opportunity to have a ‘cuppa’, discuss things relevant to school and any issues that
may be occurring. Other things to be discussed will include the Home-work book, easy lunch box ideas, behaviour
management support, what parent can expect when their child starts school, and other services available when families leave
our service. We will have guest speakers from the Department of Education, Spastic Centre and Department of Ageing,
Disability and Home Care (DADHC) to talk about what they can offer for families next year.
Some things coming up:
In Terms 3 and 4 the team will write transition to school reports so that relevant information is
handed over to the schools children will be attending.
Let your Family Support Worker know if there is anything specifically you would like discussed in
group that may be helpful for everyone. The Parents group is a great time to relax a bit and
develop friendships with other parents, sharing ideas and offering support.
The purpose of the early learning groups is to provide a fun learning environment in a social
setting where Educators and parents work collaboratively together to achieve their child’s
educational outcomes.
The early learning groups are scheduled to run for a two hour period. Sometimes families and
children can not attend group and the group size is significantly reduced. If there are less than
three children (that are clients of KEIS) in the group than the group time will be reduced to a
one hour session.
EARLY LEARNING GROUPS
In a smaller group the educator is able to provide more one on one support with children and
families and the planned activities are able to be achieved in a reduced amount of time.
We would greatly appreciate if families could notify us prior to the group if they can not attend.
Kind Regards Susan Macgillycuddy

Page 9
You will need:
GOOP
2 packets of cornflour
2 cups of water
Food colouring
Plastic or newspaper-covered table,
preferably outdoors
Large container
Aprons
1. Adult—mix the water and colouring into the cornflour. The goop
should have a thick consistency; add extra water if necessary.
2. Put on aprons. Plunge hands into the good and feel the consistency.
Use words to describe the feeling: “stocky, slimy, cool”
etc.
3. Enjoy exploring the behaviour of goop: it runs through the
fingers, swirls slowly and has a pleasant, heavy feeling. Patterns
can be made in the air and on the tables.
This activity looks messy but clean-up is quite easy; goop can be
picked up or wiped off the able and easily washed off hands.
However, aprons should be worn.
You will need:
SLIME
1 cup Lux soap flakes
2 litres warm water
Egg beaters
Kitchen gadgets such as a funnel, cup,
whisk, soup ladle, scoop, sponges, jug,
etc.
Large plastic container
A pinch of Edicol for colouring (optional)
1. Adult—dissolve soap flakes in warm water in a large plastic
container. Add Edicol, if desired. Allow mixture to stand until it
becomes thick, add more water if necessary. Beat mixture
with egg beaters. Children can help too!
2. Use the kitchen gadgets to pour, measure, scoop, beat and
whisk. Children can also use words to describe how the
mixture feels and what they are doing.
Note: Younger children also enjoy slime but need careful supervision
to avoid soap getting in their eyes.
Sponges are wonderful in “slime”, making mounds of bubbly
froth and providing great exercise for small hands.
POSTING CARDS
This Fill and Empty game uses playing cards—popular with most older toddlers—which give you plenty of
opportunities for reinforcing other skills.
Ideal Intro Age: 18 months
Tools and Materials
Age Range: 18 to 36 months
Deep adult-sized shoebox, with lid, scissors or sharp knife, masking or packing tape (3.8 cm wide),
pack of ordinary playing cards.
Instructions:
Cut a slot in the lid of the shoebox, It should be at least 2.5 cm longer than the cards, and at least 1.25 cm wide. Line the slot of
all four sides with the tape to prevent tears.
Play Tips (from 18 months):
Show your toddler how to insert cards through the slot one by one, then how to open the box, tip out its contents, and start again.
Make it fun; pretend you’re sending postcards to friends (‘Let’s post this one to Granny’), or putting notes into a bank (‘Here goes
another note into our account—soon we’ll have enough to by those silver sandals’).
NOTE: You might give your toddler just a partial pack; inserting all 52 cards may be overwhelming.
Alternate turns: he inserts a card, you insert a card, he inserts a card ….. This helps him learn social rules like taking turns.
Play Tips (from 24 months): (Use just the aces, 2’s and 3’s).
Help your toddler count the spots on each card before he inserts it. Great for early counting skills. Lay all 12 cards face up on the
floor. Pick up 1 card (say, a 3), and ask your toddler to find all the other cards that have the same number of spots, then to insert
them into the box.

TRIP TO THE NATIONAL
CANBERRA
KEIS and Cootamundra Brighter Futures
worked together to take 14 outreach
families to the National Zoo in Canberra. The
KEIS Family Support Team and a Brighter
Futures Case Worker accompanied the
children and their families on this wonderful
outing.
Kurrajong Waratah provided the
buses for the trip. The trip to the
Zoo was a great experience for
everyone and was enjoyed by all.