Learning about Adaptive Equipment – Play and Exploration

Creating an integrated and inclusive daycare environment through play and exploration.

When you walk into Hope’s Home, it will at first look like every other daycare in the city. There will be kids laughing and playing, Early Childhood Educators reading stories, a Nutrition Specialist cooking up a healthy lunch, and of course the loud noises of a childcare centre. But then you will look a little closer and notice some things that are a bit different. There is a cozy, quiet little room filled with sensory items, a ceiling track lift running throughout the daycare, a nurse providing medical care to a little kiddo with a feeding tube, and a Physical Development Consultant helping another kiddo into their standing frame.

The kids who attend our Early Learning & Childcare centres grow up seeing these things everyday; so to them, it’s just another day at daycare. But sometimes, curiosity gets the best of them (as it should) and they have a million questions. Last week was one of those times where they were extra curious about the different types of equipment their friends use and what exactly it all does; and our staff jumped at this chance to help them better understand.

Our amazing staff created hands on opportunities for the kids to try the equipment out for themselves. The kiddos were able to sit in Activity Chairs and take a ride on the Ceiling Track Lift. This showed them how the different equipment helps their friends be able to play and explore just like they do.

They learned that a wheelchair is just another way to move around, just like walking! And they learned that a ceiling track lift is just another way to get to the bathroom, just like getting a piggyback ride! They realize that all of these things that may seem different or unusual to them, are actually just ways for their friends to be able to do all the things that they do!

Not only is it our goal to create a safe place for children with complex medical or developmental needs, but we also want it to be a place where typically developing children grow up to be compassionate ally’s to their friends with disabilities. Encouraging curiosity, answering questions, and demonstrating differences, is big part of how we achieve our goal everyday. Activities like this help to to normalize the differences between the typically developing kids and the children who experience a disability. This is how we truly create an inclusive and integrated childcare experience.

That’s why there is no place like Hope.

Apr 6, 2021/0 Comments

No More Chemo – A Daycare Celebration

People, Stories

For half her life, Callie’s weekly routine has consisted of a round of chemo.

The reality of Hope’s Home is sometimes things don’t always go the way we would like them too. There are times when we are crying by hospital beds, being a pillar of support for a family going through a tough time, and saying our last “I love you’s” to a kiddo who has been with us since they were a baby. So when that can be our reality, we have to make sure we take advantage of all the small and large victories that happen too. And Callie finishing off her 70th round of chemo was one of those things we had to go all out for.

At 10 months old, Callie had complications which made her unable to eat food; and she has since been exclusively tube fed ever since. And it was just a short 5 months later that Callie received the news that the doctors found a tumor in her brain. And although the tumor was not cancerous, it didn’t mean there wasn’t a long road ahead for her. A week after they found it, Callie underwent brain surgery, but the surgeons weren’t able to remove all of it. So they moved on to the next option, which would end up being 70 rounds of chemo in 70 weeks.

The door the centre decorated for Callie’s party

Callie has had quite the journey in her little life; and although it’s been hard, she’s also had some victories. In December 2019, Callie finally began eating food!! At daycare, Callie’s friends were encouraging for her, and slowly but surely she began trying a couple bites here and there. Callie has now tried so many different foods she even has a couple favourites. This was a huge milestone for Callie and her family because it meant she was one step closer to no longer being tube-fed.

On Tuesday, the day after Callie’s last round of chemo, our staff and kiddos went all out for a chemo-free celebration party. They decorated the centre, had a dance party, played with balloons (a crowd favourite), and had a snack of some of Callie’s favourite: cheezies and popcorn twists. (She likes cheezies so much her mom calls her the “Cheezy Queen”)

We were so excited to throw this party for Callie. She is the sweetest, strongest little girl. Having her at Hope’s Home has been such a blessing and knowing that she will be coming to daycare tumor free from now on brings all of us so much joy. We love you Callie.

That’s why there is no place like Hope.

Mar 11, 2021/1 Comment

International Women’s Day

People, Stories

Women in Business – Advice from our CEO

Being a woman in business, even in 2021. can still be a challenge. So each year our society fights to make progress over gender disparities and skepticism, and each year we get closer to the goal of eliminating those biases and inequalities. There are many stories of success and victory for female leadership – Kamala Harris being elected the first ever Vice-President of the United States, Whitney Wolfe becoming the first female CEO to take a company public, to stories in our own backyard: Jennifer Denouden being a leader for Canadian CEO’s to Jacqueline Tisher, who has built a legacy for children in Saskatchewan.

As a successful, provincial wide non-profit, we are proud to be led by an inspiring, passionate, and hardworking CEO who is choosing to challenge those biases every day. Not only did Jacqueline build Hope’s Home from the ground up, she also built it without any framework. Since Hope’s Home is the first ever medically integrated daycare in Canada, there was no blueprint for how to do it. With a team of equally as driven and passionate females – they filled a gap in our community that has helped change and improve the lives of countless families.

So today, on International Women’s Day, we sat down with Jacque and asked her about her journey as a business woman. We ask her about her victories and her setbacks, and her advice for every young female entrepreneur out there.

Photo taken from Hillberg & Berk, Jacqueline Tisher interview

Did you have any fears in the early stages of Hope’s Home? How did you overcome them?

Facing your fears is a part of taking risks. Hope’s Home was the first of its kind. There was so much to learn and research to do, to figure what was the best way to support families of children with complex medical needs. Taking this risk meant leaving a secure job at the hospital, which I loved so much! Starting a new business meant facing my fear of losing job security, financial security, and professional security as a nurse. It meant rising above that fear and embracing my burning passion for children with diverse needs. Passion is empowering. Passion creates dreams and smashes fear. Passion gives you the freedom to take risks that will make a difference in the world. Yes, it has been scary at times, but Hope’s Home is worth it!

Did anyone ever doubt you as a female CEO and your ability to run a provincial wide organization? If so, how did you deal with that?

If anyone doubted me as a female CEO – I did not hear it or listen to it. I believe my passion for advocating for these children, my business mind, and my ability to build strong relationships has made my role as CEO successful. I surround myself with mentors and strong leaders – from my mom, who is my hero and an incredible leader/businesswoman, to other business leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals – who I lean on for advice, support, and guidance. Great leaders have a circle of support who strengthen their weaknesses, provide transparent and honest feedback, and build each other up to be the very best in life.

What were the biggest lessons you learned while running and growing Hope’s Home?

Oh, so many Lessons! When I think of the lessons I have learned in the last 16 years, I hear these quotes in my head:

Policy doesn’t change the world…passion changes the world.
Walk before you run.
It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to beg for permission.
People leave managers, not organizations.
Your values determine your actions.
Our children are our future – they are worth it!
Listen to your heart.
Stabilization.
People first.
Life is too short to be bitter…make the world better.
Life is fragile. Make memories. Enjoy the journey.
What mark are you making in the world?

Hope’s Home is about people. It is about our children, family, and our staff. Every decision we make as an organization needs to keep our children in the center. This is who we are and why we do what we do.

Do you have any advice for young women? Aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Dream big. Discover what your passion is. What keeps you awake at night? What makes you excited? What gives you purpose? I would encourage young women and aspiring entrepreneurs to ask yourself these questions to set your sight on the goal. It will mean you will have to face your fears and take a risk. It means you may fail. These are the greatest lessons! Never give up or be scared to challenge the norm to follow your dream. As I told my daughter Acacia who lived her life from a wheelchair – focus on what you can do, not on what you cannot do. It is important to be an ever-learner. Seek knowledge and wisdom in those that have journeyed ahead of you. Love yourself first and live out of this place of strength and purpose.

women in business - international women's day hope's home

From the opening of Hope’s Home Prince Albert

This years theme for International Women’s Day is “#ChoosetoChallenge gender bias and inequality.” What does that statement mean to you?

I believe each human is unique, born with special gifts, talents, and abilities. Discover those gifts that make you special and those around you unique. Treat each other with respect, kindness, and love. Challenge injustice, prejudice, and care for the people of our world. Embrace and celebrate our differences – this is what makes humanity so incredible.

Feeling inspired on International Women’s Day this year.

Today makes you feel inspired about the future and reflect on all the amazing women who have pathed the way for future generations. Jacqueline Tisher has certainly made a difference to all the young women she has met and the people who have heard her story. Which women have made an impact on your life? Tell us about them in the comments! And don’t forget to share your own #ChoosetoChallenge story. Happy International Women’s Day!

Mar 5, 2021/0 Comments

Celebrating Developmental Milestones

Stories

Each year we take a moment to recognize the strength and determination in the kids we care for across the province.

Each location nominates children in their room that they think are deserving of the Child of the Year title. Staff choose children who have overcome barriers, hardships, shown determination to accomplish their goals, etc. The staff then vote on the nominated children in their location.

This year Hope’s Home had some absolutely inspiring children win Child of the Year. And although we would love to brag about each and every child, there are privacy restrictions we have to respect.

Brody was one of the winners of Child of the Year 2020. Coming to daycare was a hard adjustment for Brody when he first started last fall. The loud noises and busy kids were too much and overstimulating. With it being his first time at daycare and his first time trusting people other than this family, it was a huge learning curve to figure out the right strategies and approaches that would be best for him.

Over time and through trial and error, our staff worked together and found the best ways to communicate with him and integrate him into the classroom.

Today, Brody enjoys music and floor time, can sit through the craziness of a toddler classroom, and is no longer scared of the physical touch of his aunties and uncles. He’s overcome so much since he started in our care, and we are so proud of him and everything he has accomplished.

We are also incredibly grateful for our hardworking staff members who went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure Brody enjoyed his time at Hope’s Home.

Congratulations Brody, we love you.

Feb 10, 2021/0 Comments

Incorporating Therapies into Daycare

People, Stories

Incorporating therapies into our day-to-day activities at daycare is one of things that makes Hope’s Home so special.

Children with complex medical or developmental needs often have various therapies they need to do everyday to promote healthy development. In order to provide high quality, inclusive care – we staff Physical Development Consultants to help children with their therapies in a way that doesn’t segregate them from the rest of the children.

To learn more about this, our wonderful Physical Development Consultant, April, explains more about it.

What exactly is a Physical Development Consultant at Hope’s Home?

As a Physical Development Consultant (“PDC”), I work closely with the Developmental Workers. My daily goal is to make sure that our children with complex medical needs and developmental delays are equipped with the programs and plans they need to master new skills and participate fully in activities. Whether with adaptive equipment, a hand over hand assistance, or them building the skills to be able to dance on the floor with their friends, we aspire to give the child the maximum participation and incorporate fun therapies into their daily activities.

I am a Physiotherapist by profession, specializing in pediatrics for most of my career. I have been trained for some Neurodevelopmental Techniques of therapy and recently received a certificate of training for the Cognitive Orientation Approach for Individuals with Motor Difficulties.

A closer look at therapies.

The programs and goals we set to support the achievement of the child’s developmental milestones are in continuance to the goals of the parents and all the supporting professionals that are involved in the child’s life. The various therapies are decided upon by the specialized professionals and carried out by the PDC at Hope’s Home in an integrated way.

A list of outside professionals we work with:

Physiotherapists
Occupational Therapists
Speech Language Pathologists
Psychologists
Social Workers
Teachers
Other professionals from organizations such as Children’s Rehabilitation Centres, Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP), and AIM (“Ability in Me”).

Integrating Therapies to make them fun!

After deciding on goals for the child, we work together as a team to translate them into different activities that are incorporated through play in their day-to-day fun. Ensuring that our staff are trained to adapt materials and help the child regulate emotions; and that tools such as switches to support communication and adapted equipment are accessible, is all an integral part of inclusion for Hope’s Home.

All of the therapies also occur in their classroom to allow other children to play along. This gives us more opportunity to educate and create that loving, caring, and helping relationship between typically developing children and children with complex medical or developmental needs.

Hopeful Stories

For example, when a child is in a standing frame they can happily do pretend play in the kitchen with friends. So even though standing for certain periods of time is considered part of their therapy, they are enjoying their time and therefore the therapy is incorporated in play.

A favorite memory was seeing a child in a walker playing eagerly with friends in the backyard. With just amount of challenge and support, he was able to let go of the walker and did his independent steps to catch his friends. And when you see a proud grin and friends proudly celebrating, you just know Hope’s Home made it happen.

Our Physical Development Consultants are an un-funded position at Hope’s Home. If you wish to help us out and ensure that our children are getting the best care possible by having a PDC on staff, please visit our donate page.

That’s why there is no place like Hope

Jan 29, 2021/0 Comments

Partner Painting - ideas for Early Childhood Educators

Teaching Kindness – Project Ideas for Early Childhood Education

Stories

Implementing early childhood development activities is so important for our kiddos.

This month, some of our lovely Early Childhood Educators created a project based on sharing, turn taking, and how to be kind to your friends. Keep reading to hear all about it!

We started this kindness project by talking to the kids about emotions and what they can do to make their friends happy – using a thumbs up for being kind and a thumbs down for an unkind action. They have started to use this new language throughout their day’s interactions – it has been great to see!

We have seen incredible growth from this Kindness Project such as:

The kids helping each other get shoes on and off when we are going outside
Coming to an adult to tell us when they shared a toy with a classmate
The kiddos are asking their friends for a turn instead of the adults always intervening in situations
They are learning to negotiate for a turn with the toy in a friendly way

Some activities that have helped reinforce these kindness behaviors:

1. The Sharing Tree.

This is a tree the kids painted and put in the hall. We add hearts to it when they do kind things both at home and at daycare. The entire centre is taking part in this – it’s great! It encourages the kids to keep kindness in the forefront of their mind because they enjoy the reward of putting on a new leaf and watching the tree grow!

2. Partner Painting.

Partner painting is where the kids are put into pairs to paint a picture, but they only have one art tool. This encourages them to use their sharing and negotiation skills to take turns creating their art. This helps build on the skills they are already learning while promoting team work as well.

3. Fill the Bucket.

An activity we haven’t started yet, but plan to, is Fill the Bucket. This will visually demonstrate to the kids how doing nice things will make themselves and others feel better.

That’s why there is no place like Hope.

Jan 14, 2021/0 Comments

A Look Back on 2021

People, Stories, Updates

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accessible vans for children with disabilities

Happy New Year! 🎇

Before we leave 2021 behind, we want to take a moment to reflect on the year.

2021 was another year of unique challenges as we continued to navigate the pandemic, putting our kiddo’s health and safety as our top priority. We are proud of our ability to remain open during the most critical parts of the pandemic to support parents and families. We’ve had plenty of highs and lows navigating the storm, but we have done it together.

One of those high points was delivering brand new accessible vans for our Regina and Prince Albert Supportive Living Homes. None of which would have been possible without Affinity CU, Prince Albert Canadian Tire and a generous personal donation. ♥

We finally came back with a blend of in-person and virtual events for Swinging with the Stars in both Regina and Prince Albert, and hosted our 8th annual Charity Golf Tournament in Prince Albert. It feels SO GOOD to be back, in whatever capacity we can manage!

Above all, we’ve kept our kiddos at the center of everything we do. We show up every day for them. To see them learn, grow, hit milestones, celebrate their success and allow them to teach us about life from their perspective. We are reminded daily that each child is unique and requires different support than the child next to them. We show up for the lightbulb moments, and for the hard days too.

To our staff. You are without question the backbone of Hope’s Home. You are there every day. You understand our kiddos, you fight for them, you make sure they are included in their community and you love them as your own.

To our kiddos. You are the reason we show up every day. You teach us so much about life. You are our inspiration and our light on the hard days. You always give us a reason.

Thank you 2021. For the good and the bad, and all of the in between.

Look out 2022, we’re coming for ya! 🍾

#hopeshome #diversity #inclusion #inclusivechildcare #inclusivedaycare #yxe #ypa #yqr #warman #nurselove #eceappreciation #newyear2022 #newyears

Jan 1, 2021/0 Comments

A Look Back at 2020

Stories

2020 was a challenging year to say the least. Our organization was hit hard by having to cancel our largest fundraiser of the year and we faced some extra hard goodbyes to two beautiful boys. But we were also blessed with incredible community support and bright and hardworking staff members with a positive attitude.

So let’s take a look back at 2020 and reflect on all the wonderful things that did happen:

1. We started the new year by sharing our completed mini documentary on the Trudel’s and their little boy Thomas. This little boy was a huge inspiration to our organization and his community. If you missed it, click here.

2. Our staff came together to support one another. We created our #WeHaveHope campaign to share all the wonderful things our staff were doing and our community were doing. Including businesses such as the Everyday Kitchen who donated $10,000 to not only us, but many other non-profits in the community!!

3. During a nation wide shortage of PPE, two companies came through to help us out. FCC donated procedure masks and Sleek Signs donated Face Shields. All to help keep our staff and kiddos safe.

4. During the midst of the pandemic, CN Railway came through with an extremely generous $20,000 donation. We created this video to say thank you.

5. Our staff remained positive through all the chaos by looking for the silver linings such as:

Being able to take on new roles and spend time with kids they normally wouldn’t.
Finding joy in the simple things such as planting gardens, going for walks, and enjoying all the fun that can be had in our own backyard.
Having time to slow down and appreciate time spent with family.
The joys of working from home!!

6. Had more time to focus on new endeavors such as creating blog posts, improving our recruitment methods, and saying some extra special thank you’s to the amazing businesses that support us.

7. We managed to still have some outstanding fundraising totals!!

SWTS Regina. The event didn’t even happen, but because of our incredible supporters, we raised $69,300!
Prince Albert Golf Tournament: $14,000
Hope the Hippo: $58,350
Right before the world shut down, we squeezed in SWTS Prince Albert: $110,000

8.And lastly, we celebrated a huge milestone for our organization – we turned 15!!

We are looking forward 2021 with a positive mindset as we see light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine on its way. We are wishing all the best to everyone in the new year and hope it brings bigger, better, and brighter things.

Dec 30, 2020/0 Comments

Christmas Cheer is in the Air

Stories

Making the holidays extra special is one of our favourite ways to make memories with our kids.

Last week our Regina Supportive Living home put on their Santa hats and blasted the Christmas tunes to get into the holiday spirit. But the best part was when Santa sent his Christmas Light Elves to deck out the house with lights and decorations. (A huge thank you to our volunteers who helped make this happen)

There was so much excitement in the air when the kids came home from school to see the front yard all decorated up. But it got even better when it got dark and they could see it all in its full effect. Our kids deserve to have the full Christmas experience and we love to be able to give it to them. But we wouldn’t be able to without the help we receive from friends, family, and generous donors.

The Christmas spirit is truly something special. It makes us appreciate what we have, take time for the simple things (like watching lights twinkle), and have a little extra love in our hearts. It’s the season of giving – a special time for us. So if your heart is bursting, and you have a little change to spare, you can donate today by clicking here.

That’s why there is no place like Hope.

Nov 27, 2020/1 Comment

Hill JDC West to the Rescue

Stories

We’ve had a tough go lately, but thankfully we have amazing supporters to help us out in a time of need.

Between COVID -19 causing daycare closures, the stress of new policies needing to be put into effect, and taking a hit to fundraising opportunities, our organization has been pushed to its limits. But fortunately, we are in a generous and compassionate community, filled with people always willing to help out.

JDC West, a group out of the University of Regina Hill School of Business, has been a long time supporter of Hope’s Home. Each year they plan third party fundraisers for us and donate their time to volunteer.

This year they were unable to put on their Chillin’ for Charity event with COVID-19 restrictions. So instead, they altered their plans and put on a bottle drive for us this summer and are now in the middle of a Virtual Raffle filled with donations from local businesses such as Dandy’s Artesian Ice Cream, Me + You Handmade, Uforia Muse, and so many more!! If you are interested in checking out their raffle packages, check out their Instagram or Facebook page. You can also click this link, to purchase tickets!! All ticket sales go directly back to our organization.

You think that’s a lot of support? It doesn’t stop there. This week, a car drove through the front yard fence at our Regina Supportive Living home. Within minutes of reaching out to JDC, they had rounded up volunteers, a truck, and a plan and were ready to clean up the mess the very next day!!

We honestly can’t say enough good things about the amazing folks over at Hill JDC West. Their kindness and generosity towards Hope’s Home is so appreciated. Once again, a HUGE thank you to everyone over there and for everything you do to help our kiddos.

That’s why there’s no place like Hope. ❤️

Nov 12, 2020/0 Comments