Discover the joys, struggles, and behind-the-scenes stories that makes us who we are.
Welcome to the “Did You Know?” page, where we share the heartwarming and inspiring realities of life at Sparrow’s Nest. Here, every moment is a testament to our dedication, from celebrating each child’s unique milestones to overcoming the everyday challenges of running a non-profit. Discover the joys, struggles, and behind-the-scenes stories that make Sparrow’s Nest a place of hope and love for every infant we care for.
One of the most poignant milestones for Sparrow’s Nest is simply keeping their doors open after three years. Every arrival and departure is a moment of growth, and the team rejoices in the successes of each infant while feeling a deep, emotional farewell when it’s time for them to move on.
At Sparrow’s Nest, every child represents a significant milestone. The founders celebrate each achievement, whether it’s a baby’s first smile or a birthday. Each child’s journey is cherished, with countless photos capturing their progress.
One of the major challenges is the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the associated political and administrative hurdles. For instance, one founder has been waiting over a year for the renewal of their Form 39, which is crucial for providing temporary safe care. These delays are often caused by communication failures and administrative changes within the department.
The constant turnover of social workers complicates case management. Keeping track of these changes can be difficult, further exacerbating the challenges of an already strained system. Despite these obstacles, the founders have persevered, adapting to the shifting landscape and legal complexities.
Sparrow’s Nest does not receive government funding and relies heavily on donations and the founders' personal funds. This limitation often means having to turn away infants when capacity is reached or when faced with unexpected medical expenses, such as CT scans or blood tests, which can be financially taxing.
The founders of Sparrow’s Nest have adapted to the demanding nature of night shifts, often getting very little sleep. They manage by keeping infants close during their early months and transitioning older infants to a separate nursery. One founder shared her experience of being up every hour—sometimes as many as 14 times in a single night—while caring for an infant receiving immunizations. The team copes with short, frequent naps and the occasional lunchtime rest to stay refreshed.
Despite the demanding schedule, the founders find joy in their unique bedtime routines. One founder chants “Sleep well, whole family!” from the corridor of her home, followed by an echo of “Sleep well!” responses from the various rooms. The founders also acknowledge the infants’ ability to communicate their needs, which often guides the caretakers’ routines. For example, one toddler consistently seeks nightly kisses before settling down, helping shape the evening’s rhythm in one of the households. The commitment and adaptability of the team ensure that each child receives the care and comfort they need, even throughout the night.
Siblings play a crucial role in supporting the babies. Their involvement is invaluable, as seen when one sibling, on their own initiative, took it upon themselves to teach a toddler the sounds different animals make. These young helpers contribute significantly to the infants’ development and daily care.
Sparrow’s Nest is dedicated to fostering the development of each child. One founder has a special corner filled with educational toys and a kiddie’s carpet. They engage the children with interactive reading sessions, teaching them about animals and objects. For the younger infants, activities like tummy time and rolling exercises are part of their daily routine to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Child development refers to the progression of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional changes that children experience as they grow. It encompasses various stages, from infancy through adolescence, and involves learning essential skills like sitting, walking, speaking, and forming relationships.
Ensuring infants grow strong and healthy through proper nutrition, care, and safe environments.
Providing a loving and supportive atmosphere that fosters trust, security, and emotional growth.
Encouraging cognitive development with stimulating activities, learning tools, and personalised attention.
Promoting positive interactions and social skills through play, engagement, and nurturing relationships.
Children develop at their own pace, but certain milestones are typically reached at specific ages. These milestones help caregivers and educators monitor a child’s growth and identify areas where additional support might be needed. The key areas of child development include:
This involves a child's ability to think, learn, and solve problems, which helps them make sense of the world.
It includes forming relationships, managing emotions, and learning social norms and behaviors.
Children learn to communicate through words, gestures, and facial expressions, which are crucial for interaction.
This involves the use of small muscles in hands and fingers, allowing children to hold objects, write, and perform tasks that require precision.
It involves large muscle activities, such as crawling, walking, running, and jumping.
The early years are crucial for a child’s development, and engaging in play is one of the most effective ways to promote growth in these areas. Play-based learning encourages exploration, creativity, and problem-solving, supporting both mental and physical development. Monitoring your child’s progress through developmental milestone checklists can help ensure they are on track.
We strongly believe that a child also mimics the behaviors of those who care for them. If a child is shown that it is normal to scream and hurt others that is what they will believe and take as normal. Leading by example is very important to us.
We hope these glimpses into life at Sparrow’s Nest have given you an insightful look into the heart of our organization and the dedicated people who make it all possible. Every day here is an adventure filled with giggles, firsts, and the kind of love that makes even the toughest days’ worth it.
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