Child Headstart Program

📘 Program: Child Headstart Program (Pre-EIP)

👶 Suitable Age Group:

Children aged 2 to 4 years old with moderate to severe developmental delays, including Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and Down syndrome

🏫 Setting:

• Individualised and small group hybrid setting

• Structured environment with therapeutic routines

• Led by certified Occupational Therapists (OTs) trained in handling complex developmental needs

👩‍🏫 Therapist-to-Child Ratio:

1:1 or 2:3, depending on activity and need — ensuring intensive, focused support

🕒 Session Duration:

• 3.5 hours per day

• Delivered as part of a consistent, routine-based early therapeutic framework

🎯 Focus Areas / Domains:

This program is designed to build foundational life and sensory-processing skills through occupational therapy-driven activities, including:

• Self-Awareness (recognising body, emotions, and routine cues)

• Sensory Processing (managing oversensitivity to touch, textures, sound)

• Verbal Stimming Management (supporting regulation and alternatives)

• Physical & Movement Support (balance, walking, body coordination)

• Oral Sensory Support:

• Oral Placement Therapy

• Chewing and feeding exercises

• Support for picky eating and toothbrushing tolerance

• Toilet Training (routine, sensory and muscle coordination support)

🔍 Therapy-Led Structure:

• Daily sessions led by certified OTs with specialisation in early developmental challenges

• Activities tailored to reduce sensory defensiveness and build independence

• Regular progress tracking, parent updates, and transition planning toward EIP