Kuierkidz Learning Centre in Hartbeespoort
Kuierkidz Learning Centre is a holistic, independent, special needs school in Hartbeespoort. It is situated on a farm overlooking the Magaliesberg Mountain Range so we can combine the best of outdoor and indoor learning activities.
By René ‘Veertjie’ Coetzee (Principal)
Kuierkidz promotes the full potential of each learner and we recognize the child as an individual with unique educational and life skill needs.
Our Learning Centre follows a therapeutic model where each child has their own individual learning program. Adapting special needs programs such as SNAP, which is specially designed to keep the strengths and challenges of the learners in mind -with other relevant programs.
Kuierkidz has a radically different approach to schools of the neurotypical learner. We recognise a range of differences and create ample opportunity for each learner to reach their optimal potential. It is our mission to assist, empower and enable kids with disabilities – regardless of the barriers to learning – to achieve their full potential in a safe, nurturing and caring environment. We accommodate children with different syndromes such as Downs and Tourette. We also accommodate learners with Cerebral Palsy, some on the autism spectrum and various others with special needs who will never be able to adapt to a public-school environment.
We offer one-on-one tutor sessions and certain activities are presented in a group of three to four learners. We encourage independence and teach our kids to communicate their needs.
We provide activities for development in: mouth exercises and language drills; language and communication: perceptual education; sensory integration; life skills and body image; fine motor skills and writing activities; art and creativity; roleplay and fantasy; building blocks and carpet activities; gross motor skills and outdoor play.
Our main focus areas are language development, communication, social skills and life skills with sensory integration throughout. We create opportunities for learners to gain more independence. Toilet routine and movement are a huge challenge to some of the learners and we focus on social stories to improve that. The program changes with older learners. With them we focus on independence, life skills and vocational skills and activities such as pottery, gardening, domestic-life activities are introduced into the program.
We believe in team work where tutor, parent and therapist work together. Happy child. Happy parent. Happy school!
There are presently 28 learners; 12 tutors with one female kitchen staff member. Kuierkidz learning center is open 5 days a week from 6am to 6pm. This long day includes an aftercare program to assist working parents.
We do not receive any funds from Government or any other institution but rely on school fees, sponsors and fundraisers. We are a non-profit organisation and our BIG DREAM is to one day have a forever-home for the kids to have a safe place to stay when the parents can no longer look after them.
Kuierkidz was founded by parents who started small in temporary buildings in Meerhof and has grown into a Learning Centre of note! We are proud to say that we have moved forward and really worked hard to make a difference in the lives of special needs children as well as in our community.
Donations are always welcome and help to keep our doors open.
KUIERKIDZ – BANK ACCOUNT (SAVINGS): STANDARD BANK, HARTBEESPOORT: ACCOUNT NR 015061108.
Email: kuierkidz101@gmail.com
Cell number: 079 626 9859
NPO number: 083-526
PBO number: 930054687