Jacqui Couper
I am an occupational therapist and also qualified in both neurodevelopmental (NDT) and MAES therapies. I work in the field of early child development, with a particular focus on children under three years for early intervention. I recognise that the early years have the greatest opportunity and potential for growth. I am passionate about early intervention for children who develop differently and thus need extra support and guidance, as do with their parents and other caregivers. I presently live and work in Cape Town.
I completed my masters degree on the prevalence of disabled children in the community around Manguzi Hospital near Kosi Bay. This study enabled me to gain a broader perspective on rehabilitation services and the large number of disabled children in communities. I have benefited from a range of work experiences and insights, both from rural and urban contexts in South Africa. I learnt so much from working in a rural area for nine years. |
I offer neurodevelopmental therapy and early intervention for babies, support and guide parents and caregivers, facilitate workshops and run mentoring programmes and other courses.
I enjoy being creative in my work as an occupational therapist, seeking to place the child at the centre and to find the potential that is in every young child. I particularly enjoy working alongside parents and caregivers, who are the key to this early relationship. I do think that most parents need support as the role of parenting is demanding and complex.
I enjoy being creative in my work as an occupational therapist, seeking to place the child at the centre and to find the potential that is in every young child. I particularly enjoy working alongside parents and caregivers, who are the key to this early relationship. I do think that most parents need support as the role of parenting is demanding and complex.
To be honest, writing a book was a vague thought until a parent challenged me to write down some of my knowledge and thoughts for parents. I am aware of the challenges faced by parents; 'know it all' advice and traditions, assumptions about early child development and play and also the sometimes inaccurate and overwhelming knowledge available. It is my hope that ‘The Precious Years’ book will be a helpful and gentle resource for parents. I am grateful to the many parents who have added to the book in various ways through their own stories and personal experiences. The Precious Years book has been published at an exciting time in our history of increasing evidence that promotes the importance of the early, secure and loving foundational relationship between the young child and parent. This ultimately is the key to nurturing our present generation for the future.
Kathy Botha took all the photos in my book. I applaud her for the sensitivity and care she took with each photo. Kathy told me that she would not read a book like 'The Precious Years', although she did in the end, but would just look at the photos. Kathy's photos are especially for those who love beauty and see life through photos and visual stories. Well done, Kathy, we love your photos that have given so much joy to many and the book. |