For babies and infants, playtime is discovery time. Playing helps children to grow and develop, but for special care babies, their opportunities to play can sometimes be limited.
Designed specifically for infants from birth to 48 months, the Early Activity System (EAS) is a most exciting development. With an emphasis on learning through play and preventing problems before they occur, the System provides the support and training needed for special care babies.
The EAS is designed to be used by parents and therapists allowing babies with special needs the opportunity to learn and develop throughout this vital stage of their lives.
The System promotes various activities and is based on five key positions: Lying on the back (supine), lying on the stomach (prone), lying on the side, sitting on the floor (with the legs extended), and on hands and knees. The system supports the child in a secure and comfortable position, allowing him or her to engage in a much broader range of activities than what might be possible otherwise.
Variety the Children’s Charity Tasmania received an Appeal Application for financial assistance for an Early Activity System from the Early Childhood Intervention Service in Devonport. This Service provides assistance to families of children from birth to four years with special and additional needs. Variety Tasmania contributed an amount of $1600.00, which enabled them to purchase an EAS.
Since receiving the System, staff at the Service has been delighted with it. According to Principal Suzanne Jones, it’s not only been beneficial for children, but also for staff. “We used to roll up towels to position the little ones, but now we just have to place the system to whatever position is required for the individual child. It’s so easy to use. It’s just wonderful”.
In particular, Suzanne remembers the first time the EAS was used for a very young premature child who had never been happy lying on her tummy. “But the first time we placed her in the System, she lay there, looking around and playing happily. She obviously felt very comfortable and secure, whereas rolled towels moved too easily”, says Suzanne.
.jpg "Play with Purpose")
The Early Activity System is put to the test at the Early Childhood Intervention Service