Holistic Development
Holistic development is crucial during the early childhood years, its about supporting and growing the whole child, in all their areas of development. In order for children to develop into happy and functional adults, it is important that they are raised holistically.
Having a daily amount of quiet time is a very important part of any child’s development, not something we are always able to make happen and support at HOKISA, at the same time if we are informed and we know we can work hard to make it possible. It is important that it is the same person that does activities with the child every day, chose one CYCW on the shift for that week and they do the activities with the child for the whole week. This means that the person doing the activities can see the progress of the child, start to notice the areas the child struggles and can report to the rest of the team.
Without developing the body and gaining control of movements, children cannot learn to write or perform any tasks. Not only do children need to develop certain motor skills, but they also need to have their basic physical needs met, such as warmth, nutrition, physical affection, health, hygiene and a safe learning environment.
Our children come from different backgrounds. They need love, care, nurturing and understanding. It is also very important to note that playtime is vital for every child’s development and growth. Generally they will not get everything right at an early age, they need exposure for the learning to happen. Our main role as parents and care givers is to ensure holistic development of a child through free paly and guided play activities.
HOKISA aims to equip children in their care with skills to interact with their environment as independently as possible and develop skills to become contributing members of society. This includes skills which develop a sense of dignity and worthiness, skills to problem solve appropriately and responsibly in life situations and skills to one day manage their own personal affairs. Thus life skills encompasses communication, interpersonal, leisure, independent living, pre-vocational and vocational skills. In the two houses living skills are practiced at an age appropriate level and children are shown, supported and guided through specific tasks. There is a monthly developmental group during which children have the opportunity to engage in fun developmental tasks, outside of their daily routine
