At FirstCare, we acknowledge that our service users who are children have rights – to participate fully in their community and to have the same choices, opportunities, and experiences as any other human being. We support the development and well-being of children with a disability from birth to school entry. At FirstCare, we understand that this is a period of rapid physical, mental, emotional, social and moral growth and development. The early years of a child’s life are a time when they acquire concepts, skills, and attitudes that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. These include the acquisition of language, perceptual motor skills required for learning to read and write, basic numeracy concepts and skills, problem-solving skills, a love of learning and the establishment and maintenance of relationships.
FirstCare works through multi-sectoral approaches and effective coordinating mechanisms between such sectors as education, health, and social welfare. This is necessary for early identification, holistic responses and school-based learning with home and community interventions. At FirstCare we utilise The Transdisciplinary Early Childhood Intervention plan, the plan provides flexibility in how and when supports are provided to your child. The Key Worker model is a system of service delivery where one team member is the key point of contact for a family that assists the family with co-ordination of support delivery of the early childhood intervention services.
The key worker model supports families and caregivers to provide the environment and experiences necessary to nurture their child’s development.
It simplifies the family’s relationship with the team, ensures that advice is well-planned, considered and co-ordinated, and involves the family in all decisions.
At FirstCare, the key worker attentively listens to you and understand your need, consult with the early childhood intervention team and if needed involve other team members and make a plan with you including goals and strategies. Additionally, the key worker refers to our children service users to relevant stakeholders that play a role in your child’s development.
Our key workers are part of the transdisciplinary team such as therapists whose role is to work in collaboration with the parents to best help their child. Our Social Worker’s role is specialising in providing counselling and support to families in understanding their child’s needs as well as supporting parents and caregivers in seeking information and other supports. FirstCare Special educators assist families in understanding their child’s challenges in understanding the impact caused by delayed learning and development.
