Polkaspot started in April 2009 based on a vision of providing a unique facility where children and their families could get multiple services under one roof.

The Polka Spot mission is to maximize the potential abilities of children with differences in aspects of their development. We aim to optimise each child’s potential through multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention, providing Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutritional Advice and Psychological support as appropriate. While offering continuity with the ease and convenience of providing all therapies under one roof, the multidisciplinary approach fosters collaboration, thereby maximizing progress according to the child’s ever-changing needs, as the team works interactively catering for the child in totality

At Polka Spot, we encourage active participation by parents and consult with other health professionals and specialists working with the child.  

We strive to increase awareness of the importance of early intervention among parents, educators and medical professionals as well as to offer multi-disciplinary resources and services through parental guidance and support, preventative and remedial therapies.

According to our Constitution education is a basic Human Right. Children with special needs need an Individual Educational Plan with supportive therapies. Our ultimate dream is that all children in South Africa will have access to the support they need to realise their potential.

Our aim is to provide a model for Early Intervention services that can be duplicated in every community in our country.

We aspire

1. To having a pre-school affiliated to Polkaspot where young children can be educated with seamless therapeutic support in the classrooms and individual sessions taking their individual differences and ever changing needs into consideration. A multidisciplinary team of therapists passionate about Early Intervention for children with special needs, who work together ensuring that parents are be supported, and children have access to the therapies they need on their journey to reaching their potential in all aspects of their lives.

2. To provide therapy to children whose parents cannot afford it.

3. To provide training for therapists parents and facilitators in accordance with principles of child centred intervention; where the child’s social and emotional development and needs are respected and are the starting point for facilitating change.

4. To establish a resource centre for parents of children with special needs and professionals needing materials and information on topics related to Early Intervention.

If you know any person or organisation who can assist with funding to help us to reach these dreams which seem unattainable at this point, do not hesitate to contact us at info@polkaspot.co.za

Upcoming Events

Venue : 11 Orphan St. Cape Town

29 Feb 25 April 30 May 25 July 29 August 26 September 31 October   28 November

MORE oral motor programme  / grading whistles Feeding issues-Frequently asked questions: around food  Introduction to Therapeutic Listening Introduction to NDT Sleep issues including dummy dependence, night terrors etc Eneuresis /encopresis from SI perspective How do use floortime at home Children very set in their home routines, but can become flexible at school and in Treatment. Topic to be decided by group

---

Polkaspot Workshop Schedule 2012  - Wed evenings 7 – 9 pm Cost : R200
Date	Topic	Presenter
22 February	Polkaspot Cocktail Party	All
29 February	Making meaning through music: an interactive introductory workshop to music therapy	Carol Williams  Music Therapist
6 March	How to enhance concentration (Part 1)	Cornelia de Wet (OT)
7 March	How to Enhance Concentration (Part 2)	Cornelia de Wet (OT)
14 March	The importance of communication	Catherine Barry (ST)
18 April	“Deer in the Headlights “ Dealing with childhood anxiety for parents and teachers using  Floortime.	Kerry Wallace (OT)
2 May	Parenting: Discipline	Tanya Vollenhoven (Clin Psych)
9 May	Enhancing Fine Motor Skills at Home	Kirsten Cross (OT)
16 May	Why are so many children referred to Therapy these days? Does your child have to be perfect? normalizing therapeutic intervention in the 21st century.	Catherine Barry (ST)  Kerry Wallace (OT)
23 May	How to setup a sensory diet at home and at school	Peggy Shnaps (OT)
6 June	Parenting: Television and Violence	Tanya Vollenhoven (Clin Psych)
1 August	Down Syndrome and Communication	Catherine Barry (ST)
15&22 August	How to Enhance Concentration	Peggy Shnaps  (OT)
5 September	Parenting: Bullying	Tanya Vollenhoven (Clin Psych)
12 September	Why all the assessments? The importance of  an accurate assessment in planning intervention.	Anna-Marie Markgraaff (Psych)
17 October	Parenting	Tanya Vollenhoven (Clin Psych)
14 November	Tool and Tips for the holidays	OT and SALT