Early Intervention Educators (EIE) work in partnership with kaiako in early learning services to support tamariki to be included in all aspects of routines, play and learning. The goal of this is to achieve a positive and inclusive early childhood experience and empowering all ākonga to reach their highest potential. EIE’s work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to generalise/integrate the Champion Centres therapeutic programme into the early childhood setting. Engaging in positive, strength-based and collaborative relationships with our tamariki, their whānau, Early Childhood Centres, and the wider community.

Early Intervention Teachers (EIT’s) are Early Childhood Teachers with post graduate qualifications in Specialist Teaching. Their role is to support the holistic development of the whole child with specific focus on cognitive and fine motor development. This is achieved through a range of playful activities that promote learning such as; cause and effect, colour concepts, numeracy and literacy concepts, bilateral use of hands, threading, drawing etc. Early Intervention Teachers work in partnership with the parents/caregivers. This involves hands on therapy with each child in a structured setting: listening to parents/caregivers, scaffolding, modelling and demonstrating the use of specific teaching methods.

Our Musical Play Therapy Team support all areas of development including communication, motor skills, learning and sensory regulation. Through playful and engaging music-based activities, children and their whānau work towards individualised goals with relationship at the heart of every session. Group and individual music sessions empower children to take musical lead, express themselves creatively, and experience a sense of belonging and success.

Occupational Therapists work in partnership with whānau and primary caregivers to provide support and intervention for tamariki. Occupational therapy focuses on developmentally appropriate goals and promotes engagement, participation, and self-regulation in daily life roles, enhancing sensory processing and motor planning. It involves direct contact with children, modelling, and demonstrating techniques, which supports whānau to transfer skills and strategies into home and other settings. The philosophy is that physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development is interrelated and facilitated through play. Assessments and funding applications are also undertaken for specialised equipment and housing modifications when needed. With occupational therapy, children and families gain the skills and support needed to thrive together, making every milestone a cause for celebration.

Physiotherapy at the Champion Centre is about maximising a child’s physical potential. By empowering parents and utilising play into therapy, therapists aim to improve each child’s motor and self-care skills. Equipment provision to support independence is part of this service, including walking frames, manual and power wheelchairs and other equipment.

Registered Psychologists are part of the Family Support Team, and work in partnership with all centre-based therapy teams to support children and families across the Centre. Psychologists work closely with families and preschools to make sense of various issues a child and family may be experiencing, and work together on strength-based strategies to navigate challenges such as sensory or emotional regulation, social communication, feeding, sleep, anxiety, toileting, and parent well-being. Walking alongside parents and children with support that strengthens the whole family unit, is always at the centre of the work psychologists do at the Champion Centre.

Social workers are a part of the Champion Centre Family Support Team and are usually the first contact whānau will have with the Centre. Their practice is whānau centred and relationship based. Social workers work in partnership with whānau to provide practical and emotional support. They advocate both within the centre and externally, and assist whānau in accessing of resources, such as benefits, Needs Assessments and community support. Social workers maintain a strengths-based approach to their work, starting from the belief that children and whānau have many strengths, and that it is from these strengths that growth and development occurs.

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) at the Champion Centre work with whānau and tamariki to support connection, engagement, interaction and communication. SLTs consider how your child is communicating, what they understand, and how best we can support their on going communication development. Your SLT may use a number of tools to support a child’s understanding of others and what is expected, and to find their voice. These include keyword sign (based on New Zealand Sign Language), pictures (visuals), Coreboards and speech output tools, such as an iPad with a communication App. SLTs also support children's early feeding, eating and drinking journey.

Technology assisted learning specialists help children explore the world using tools like iPads, computers, and smart TVs. We work in collaboration with the children, whānau, and other specialists to help children achieve their goals. During our sessions children engage in fun, hands-on activities that focus on cause and effect, numbers, colours, early reading, and how to tap or drag items on a screen. The apps and programs we use are interactive and enjoyable, helping children to share what they know and what they are ready to learn. Technology is often highly motivating and creates a positive, low-pressure learning environment setting children up for success.