Term 2 Playgroup 2023

Enrolment is now open for Term 2 of Developmental Playgroup. We have 2 groups to ensure that the most appropriate activities are offered to you and your child. Each group meets fortnightly during school terms. The groups are split into ‘6 months to walking’ and ‘walking to age 3’. This is based on actual age. If your little one is taking their first steps then we could encourage you to choose the walking to age 3 group. Enrolment can be completed on our website here: https://www.tinysparkswa.org.au/shop/new-enrolment-developmental-playgroup-term-3-2021-9y8c2-xl93l-zwg6g-6dnfz-pr2c9

You are welcome to share the link with anyone who may be interested in participating.

This is what past participants have to say about playgroup…

We are extremely grateful to Telethon 7 for their continues support of our program and also to Ability WA for their amazing facilitation.

Term 4 Developmental Playgroup 2022

We are pleased to advise that enrolments for Term 4 of Developmental Playgroup are now open. Groups are running at Coolbinia and Canning Vale for children aged 6 months through to 3 years who were admitted for additional care after birth. Enrolment is strictly on a first come, first served basis and placement in the program is limited to ensure everyone receives access to allied health professionals.

Calling NICU Dads

Our friends at Telethon Kids Institute are looking for some NICU Dad’s to answer a short survey about their experience. This research will help us to better understand how to support fathers and their involvement in supporting their babies in the Neonatal Unit.

Research Opportunities

There is an enormous amount of research currently being undertaken in Australia relating to preterm birth. We have been contacted by a range of people requesting that we advertise their studies to our community. You’ll find all of the relevant details below.

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Preemie PAPAs

Are you a preemie Dad?
Researchers from the Preemie PAPAs Project at The University of Queensland (Australia) are shining the light on the unique journeys faced by preemie Dads by investigating the well-being and parenting experiences of fathers of preemie children between 0 – 18 years of age. If you are a preemie father, please share your experiences with them here: https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/preemiepapas.

If you are interested in their work, you can also follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreemiePAPAsProject/

Researchers have official ethics approval (#2020000736). Please comment below or email jemima.walker@uq.net.au if you have any questions or would like more information. 

Thank you!

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The FAB Study

Is your preemie child 0-18 years old?

Researchers from The FAB Study at The University of Queensland (Australia) would love to hear from you! See their website to participate: https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/fab

The FAB Study is taking a much-needed positive approach to understanding the family unit by exploring factors that promote resilience to stress following the birth of a preemie miracle. If you are interested in their work head to their website (link in their bio) or you can follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefabstudy/ 

Researchers have official ethics approval (#2020000734). Please comment below or email o.yaksich@uqconnect.edu.au if you have any questions or would like more information. 

Thank you!

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Executive functioning and everyday performance in school-age children born at term and preterm

Are you the parent/caregiver of a 4- to -5-year- old?

Would you like to do an online survey about how you find life for them, and for you?

We are two Honours students studying Psychological Science at the University of Tasmania. We are inviting parents and caregivers of children born preterm (before 38 weeks) or at term (38 weeks or later), aged 4 to 5 years to complete an online, multiple-choice survey. It takes about 45 minutes to complete. 

We are interested in studying the experience for parents of looking after their children, as well as the effects of preterm birth. If you would like more information or are interested in participating in this study, please scan the QR code or copy the URL below to access the survey. 

Kind regards, Student researchers, Holly and Ellie.

https://tinyurl.com/ybuye9o7

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The PICSI Study at Telethon Kids Institute

What's the study about?

More than 15 million babies are born preterm each year. Those that survive face a lifetime of ongoing breathing problems and lung function that worsens through childhood. Some researchers have suggested that ongoing inflammation in the lungs might contribute to worsening lung function.

Our study aims to understand how inflammation in the lungs contributes to these ongoing breathing problems during childhood. We will also look at how the exhaled breath of preterm children is different to term children and test how treatment with an inhaled anti-inflammatory medicine changes the lung disease in preterm children.

Who can take part?

We're looking for children aged 6-12 years old, who were born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Download the Parent Information Sheet for children born preterm here.

We are also looking for healthy children aged 6-12 years old, who were born at term (>37 weeks gestation) and have no history of recurrent breathing problems. Download the Parent Information Sheet for children born at term here.

How can I find out more?

Contact Rhea Urs or Denby Evans on 0421 489 869 or by email at Preterm@telethonkids.org.au

Father’s Day 2019

Today we celebrate Father’s Day and recognise all those Dad’s and Father Figures who…

• are currently watching their baby in the Neonatal Unit

• are anxiously waiting for their little one to arrive

• only have memories of their baby in their heart

• provide and care for their families

• get up early for their children’t sport

• receive phone calls from their ‘big babies’ who have grown up

Happy Father’s Day to all of you!

For our current Neonatal Unit Dad’s all over this great state of Western Australia, we have provided a small gift today. To let you know that we are thinking of you and whilst this day might not be playing out the way you had planned we hope this brings a little cheer during this extremely difficult time.

If you are a Dad or Father Figure looking for some extra support we would welcome you to join our Facebook Group specifically for Dad’s here https://www.facebook.com/groups/TSWAdadsupport