Nestled in the heart of Gauteng, Little Gems stands as a dedicated provider of specialized care for children and young adults with special needs. Our services encompass a wide spectrum of care, from a Learning Center to Residential/Boarding and Respite Care, catering to those with diverse learning and physical disabilities.
Meet the Visionary
At the helm of Little Gems is Kerry Hackeson, a compassionate leader with over three decades of experience in the realm of early intervention and behavioral challenges. As a mother of a special needs child herself, Kerry's passion and commitment are deeply personal. During her 15 years in the UAE, she successfully managed a residential care facility, adding invaluable global experience to her expertise.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Little Gems is more than a care facility; it's a commitment to nurturing potential and providing the highest quality of care. Our dedication to this mission is evident in our:
Facilities and Ambitions
Comprehensive Day Care Program: We pride ourselves in tailoring individual education and care plans that enable each child to reach their full potential within an engaging and enjoyable setting.
Play and Sensory Areas: Our facilities include a spacious soft play area with a therapeutic ball pool, as well as a sensory room, creating an immersive and stimulating environment.
Comfortable Living Spaces: A cozy television lounge, equipped kitchen, and communal dining area are designed to foster independence and vital life skills.
Expansive Gardens: Our large garden areas, complete with climbing frames and a swimming pool, provide a safe and supervised environment where children can enjoy outdoor play and exploration.
Our Vision and Mission
At Little Gems, we strive to:
* Unlock the unique potential of every individual in our care, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
* Cultivate a safe and secure environment that nurtures well-being and personal growth.
* Encourage self-awareness and a deeper understanding of oneself, the community, and the world.
* Celebrate achievements and strengths, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.
* Equip our young people with the personal, social, and practical skills needed for life beyond our care.
* Develop robust communication skills, including the use of Makaton and PECs (Picture Exchange Communication System).
* Foster qualities such as self-confidence, self-control, independence, sensitivity, and consideration for others.
* Establish Little Gems as a distinguished provider of care, education, and support for children and young adults with special needs.
Our Unique Approach
We are distinguished by our collaborative approach, ensuring that families, caregivers, and professionals work hand-in-hand. Our integrated team, comprising teachers, care staff, learning support assistants, and therapists, places the young person at the center of every decision. Our approach centers on:
* Collaborative work with families and caregivers, recognizing their invaluable role in the journey.
* A 24-hour curriculum that integrates the efforts of professionals seamlessly.
* The sharing of goals, ideas, and knowledge to foster holistic well-being.
* A creative and problem-solving approach to address the specific needs and challenges of each individual.
Therapies & Interventions
Little Gems is an extraordinary place that provides individualized support through a holistic approach. We empower our children by integrating therapy and multisensory lessons into their daily routine. Our small class groups with a high staff-to-pupil ratio ensure personalized attention.
We are committed to:
* Providing holistic assessments and intervention programs tailored to individual needs.
* Offering a multidisciplinary approach that enriches cognitive, physical, and emotional development.
* Creating individual education and behavior management plans that break down objectives into achievable steps for continuous progress monitoring.
Our Daily Programs Include:
* Occupational, Speech, and Physiotherapy to address specific needs.
* Language and communication development for effective expression.
* Promotion of gross motor skills and cognitive abilities.
* Enhancement of self-help skills, social-emotional development, and applied behavioral analysis.
* Support through PECs (Picture Exchange Communication) and Makaton to enhance communication.
* Development of fine motor skills for comprehensive development.
For more information about our specialized care and educational services, please visit our website. We look forward to assisting your child on their journey towards fulfilling and productive lives.
