1. Program "Kangaroo"

The program "Kangaroo” provides early pedagogical intervention for children with the following nosologies: cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, mental retardation, ZPRR, Hyperactivity, Hydrocephalus.

20 people attend the program this month.

The central event of this month was celebration of the New Year:

- decorating of Christmas tree;

- New Year Celebration;

- Christmas party.

So far all the sessions of December were dedicated to New Year Day. The key objective of these sessions was to give children an understanding of abstract concepts of "holiday" and its symbols. Along the way the developmental tasks fulfilled (language development, sensory, motor skills  and fine motor skills).

The outcomes of the preparatory activities were the last three days before the holidays.

On Friday, December 23 children actively participated in decorating of the Christmas tree. The event was accompanied with positive emotions and active participation of all children.

On Monday, December 26, children's studio with a festive presentation visited "Kangaroo". This show was based on the interaction of guests with children, which has very positive impact on expanding the communicative skills of children. Most of the games and exercises, proposed by studio, were consistent with capabilities and interests of children. Children from the studio promised to prepare such event for the International Women's Day.

On Tuesday, December 27th was held the final New Year Party. It was organized with such scenario that included all children. A positive aspect was the absence of parents at the event. First, parents didn’t distract children, and secondly, they have time for themself. The fact that the parents did not attend the party does not mean that they wouldn’t see the successes of their children, for this purpose the holiday party was captured on camera. Also December 27th was held parent meeting at which parents expressed their admiration for our center, work of the  staff, the success of children and future perspectives.

 2. Work with families

Program "Chudo” (Miracle) works with the Center  Florence (parenthood training courses  for young families). "Parent Club" held the seminar for parents: "Methods of early development" and the workshop "Developing child with pleasure!" During meetings important issues were discusses with parents - what is early development, why it is considered to be early and how necessary it is? Psychologists with parents reviewed particular methods of early development (Doman, Zaitsev and others), their specificity and structure of work with a child.

At the workshop the main rules of the organization the developing activities with children were defined, the discussion was held how to make communication with a child into a fascinating creative process, and the most important –  how to use the handy stuff for games and child development.

Parents emphasized the usefulness and saturation of the information, and have already identified the next topic of the seminar to be held in January. Many parents began to attend classes together with fathers who actively involved in the discussions.

At the end of the seminars parents received handouts, also individual counseling was conducted on the issues of development at the requests from parents.

3. Methodical work

Development of materials for seminars "Conflict Prevention" and "Prevention of early sexual activity."

 4. "Healthy Generation"

In December 2011, specialists of the "Florence" Center actively worked on the program "Healthy Generation". Within a month 9 lectures were held in 5 schools of Zaporizhzhya on the following topics: "Conflict Prevention", "Prevention of smoking", "Prevention of early sexual activity."

 5. "We are just like you!" (Detention Cener)

December 20, 2011 was a real treat for children of Kamyshevahskay rehabilitation school. That day traditional sports events were canceled because the New Year has come to the school: students - volunteers from Zaporizhzhya National Technical University visited guys with a festive concert. But  kids were not just spectators, they were the most active participants of the event!

At the first part of the concert school students surprised and impressed the guests with their performance. And there was something surprising: two songs performed by children in English! Also everybody was moved by cheerful and incendiary dances!

School has never seen such applause!

Students - volunteers showed the New Year performance, and dance miniatures pleased and improved mood of all the participants.

But the most unexpected and happy ending of the holiday was an improvised disco for children and students, and the staff. This thrilling rock 'n' roll dance melody made everybody dancing!

 6. Students practicum

In December Centre "Florence" signed an agreement with Zaporizhzhya National University to provide the placement for practicum of students majoring in "social work". Thus, in January, 2012 at the Florence Center students-social-pedagogues and students-social workers (Grade 1-5) will have their practicum.

  7. Gratitude

The staff of the "Florence" Centre express their gratitude to those who were not indifferent to the problems of children with special needs and helped to organize of the New Year Party. Thank you very much "Company Wizard,"  "Naslads," "Zelenhoz" volunteers of ZNTU and ZNU.