Yesterday, after sending Ezra to daycare, I figured I drop by the KDSF centre in Taman Milek 2, Jalan Lintas, Luyang, to continue my quest for more information on Down syndrome centres in Kota Kinabalu. It was fairly easy to find the place (well, easy since I already found the place via Google Map), and the sign board is large enough that you won’t fail to notice it.

The little ones were enjoying their tea break when I arrived at KDSF’s doorstep, so I had the pleasure of seeing those independent souls enjoying their food while Ms. Raneh, the centre administrator, answered my questions. Here’s what I basically found out about the centre:

• The centre is one of only two places where Infant Stimulation Programme (ISP) is conducted. The other place is the state-run Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) center in Likas. KDSF conducts the ISP every Friday, from 9am-10am. Both child and parent/guardian must attend together. The way their ISP works is that you attend a weekly session for about a month or two, where they will teach you the right techniques to stimulate the physical development of your baby. Once you get the hang of it, the sessions will go down to about once or twice a month where they will help monitor your child’s progress. The CBR centre also works in a similar way to KDSF when it comes to ISP.
• Some parents opt to go for ISPs offered by both KDSF and CBR because the programmes are offered on separate days. I may consider doing so, because 1) I’d like to learn the similarities/differences between those programmes, and 2) I may not be able to attend the ISP at KDSF in due to a meeting, or on medical leave or any other reason. Therefore, getting myself familiar with both programmes may be beneficial for me. I just hope I’m not stretching myself too thin.
• Focus of ISP in KDSF for an infant’s first few months are on gross motor skills. Cognitive skills will come in the later months, even speech therapy. Hm. This would mean that I will have to make some DIY for oral stimulation, which hopefully can jumpstart his speech development and train him for solid feeding later.
• KDSF offers daycare service for children between 2 to 7 years old. I think. I didn’t actually clarify this with Raneh. But for sure, they do not have any facility for infant care. I’m not worried about this anymore, though, because this morning I met with Sister Bernadine of Stella Maris Preschool (Taska Stella Maris) confirmed to me that I can send Edry to their place just as I have planned, yes!
• What else, hm? Ah, yes, payment! I did specifically ask for the payment structure, but Raneh didn’t mention anything about it. She did tell me about the Welfare Dept allowance that Edry is eligible for, and she specifically said that it’s “for Edry’s use”, not mine. Okaayyy…? I wished she could just be straight forward and request that the money be used to pay (or “donate”) for the centre’s services instead of being cryptic about it. I mean, even if there’s no allowance, RM150 out of my own pocket money is reasonable if what I get in return is the ability for Edry to grow up at his most optimum. These organisations shouldn’t be afraid to charge the public if they require so to continue providing their services.

I believe that’s the gist of it. Edry and I will go to our first ISP session this Friday, and I hope his daddy will tag along. Hopefully I can dig up some more details, particularly on the payment!