New Health Program for Developmentally Vulnerable Children in Gympie

Artius, has launched Laying Down the Tracks, a new health service for children living on the Sunshine Coast. The program will assist developmentally vulnerable children to reach their developmental milestones and manage behavioural issues.

The 2015 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) National Report revealed Queensland has a significantly higher population of developmentally vulnerable children, more than10% above the national average. In the Cooloola Coast region, nearly one in three children show signs of developmental vulnerability.

Laying Down the Tracks, a pilot program funded by the Central Queensland, Wide Way, Sunshine Coast PHN for children aged 3-5years. The program will provide access to Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Speech Pathology services to assist in the development of fine and gross motor skills, speech development and general social competence.

Mr Paul Stokes, Managing Director of Artius said: “The AEDC Report shows concerning trends regarding the development of our children and their preparedness for school. Laying Down the Tracks, will assist children assessed as developmentally vulnerable to reach the milestones required to make a successful transition to school.”

“Laying Down the Tracks is an early intervention program that will provide fully funded access to a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals specially trained in early childhood services. Parent and carer engagement is also crucial to the success of the program in order to embed long-term benefits from interaction with the program,” said Mr Stokes.

The Laying Down the Tracks program will commence service delivery in Gympie from February 20th 2017. Each participating child and their family will receive fully-funded access to the program for 10weeks consisting of a combination of individual and group based sessions. Referrals for program participation are still being accepted and can be made by family GP’s, Child Care and Early Learning Centre Directors.

To contact Artius regarding Laying Down the Tracks, or other clinical services call 1300 ARTIUS (1300 278 487) or email referrals@artius.com.au