Multicap has broadened its support for children with disability and their families with the launch of its Avegates Before and After School Hours Care Program.
The highly requested service has been introduced at Currumbin Community Special School and Aspley Special School for Term 1, with plans to expand to additional locations throughout 2024.
Multicap Programming Manager, Claire Merifield Whan said it was exciting to see the program come to life.
“The launch of this service has been part of Multicap’s future vision for years,” said Claire.
“The program allows parents to have their child supported in a purpose–built environment alongside their peers, while also ensuring their ongoing development.”
“It’s a great step forward and it will be exciting to see how it continues to grow and evolve over time.”
Multicap Service Delivery Program Leader, Shauna Keating said the new offering from Avegates eases pressure for parents and carers.
“The demand for this service is huge across the state as it is not something typically available at Special Schools,” said Shauna.
“We have been approached countless times by families expressing an interest in the program. Previously they were required to pay for in–home support, where now they can access support in a group–based setting, which is more cost effective and convenient.”
“It is also a wonderful opportunity for the children we support to interact with their peers outside of school hours.”
The activities offered throughout Term 1 relate back to an “Around the World” theme, with music and singing, cooking and sensory play bringing a different country into focus each week.
Shauna said significant planning had gone into the program, involving extensive consultation with families.
“We brought a group of our existing families together to ask what they wanted for their children and applied their suggestions to our model,” said Shauna.
The Before and After School Hours Care Program was launched off the back of Avegates’ incredibly successful Vacation Care Program, which created lasting school holiday memories for 170 children Queensland–wide from December to January.
It marked the highest number of attendees since the program began in 2019 with just six kids.
Multicap Service Delivery Program Leader, Ana Edwards said the diverse range of activities on offer at Vacation Care meant every child could find something to spark their interest.
“Our program has become a go–to choice for families seeking a fun and engaging experience for their children,” said Ana.
“We can also cater to interstate and international families visiting Queensland for the holiday break.”
Ana said carefully planned water play proved popular as temperatures rose.
“Not only do water–based activities provide relief from the summer heat, but they also encourage social interaction among peers,” said Ana.
Shauna said for staff, a highlight of the program was seeing children grow and come out of their shells.
“It takes time for kids to feel comfortable in new environments, but seeing them engage positively with each other is magical,” said Shauna.
“Many children make meaningful friendships while attending Vacation Care and go on to have play dates and keep in touch.”
Bookings for Before and After School Hours Care and April school holiday Vacation Care are now open.
Virtual information sessions will be held on 19 March from 12pm to 1pm and 20 March from 6pm to 7pm and will include details on how to access funding for the programs. Spaces are limited, so visit our website today.