A successful partnership between the Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH) and the Y WA has delivered lasting benefits for children, families, educators and future allied health professionals, with two third-year Occupational Therapy students completing a four-week placement at the Y WA Kalgoorlie Early Learning Centre. The collaboration provided children with additional developmental support in a familiar learning environment while giving students invaluable real-world experience applying their skills in practice.
The partnership provided Curtin University students Tara Savage and Jasmine Oldenburger with valuable hands-on experience while delivering additional developmental support to children attending the centre.
Working directly with children aged between 2.5 and 4.5 years, and under the supervision of GUDRH Occupational Therapists, the students completed developmental screening reports using a range of motor, visual and cognitive play-based activities. Based on each child’s needs, they delivered individual and small group sessions focused on developing gross motor, fine motor, visual perception and functional skills over the course of the placement.
The students also developed recommendations for families and educators to continue supporting children’s development beyond the placement, including strategies for home and the classroom, referrals where appropriate, and a professional development session for educators on co-regulation.
Y WA Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza, who oversees the collaboration, said partnerships with universities were creating meaningful outcomes for children, families, educators and future allied health professionals across multiple Y WA Early Learning Centres.
“These placements are a wonderful example of how partnerships can create shared value. Our children and families benefit from additional developmental support and tailored strategies, while university students gain invaluable experience working in a real early learning environment alongside experienced educators.”
Y WA Kalgoorlie Early Learning Centre Director Cindy Hopkins said the impact of the placement had been evident throughout the centre.
“Our educators have seen first-hand the value Occupational Therapy can bring to an early learning setting. It’s been fantastic to watch everyone learn from one another, and we’re grateful to the GUDRH and their students for making such a positive contribution to our centre.”
