Smilingcrocodile | Centrum komplexní péče

What is the goal of our therapies?

To develop children's abilities, independence, self-care, and communication skills to the greatest extent possible, to teach them to relax and mitigate their undesirable behaviors, to relieve them of or distract them from chronic pain, and to generally improve the quality of life not only of the children but also of their families.

This also includes supportive therapies that help children in palliative care. Palliative care for children with severe combined disabilities begins with a diagnosis and can last for many years.

We believe that every child has the right to love, care, and a dignified life. That is why we provide therapy sensitively, respectfully, and always on an individual basis. We regularly and systematically train our team in accredited courses so that they can do their work to the highest standard.

We offer the following therapies:

Orofacial and basal stimulation
Helps with food intake, swallowing, breathing, and body awareness.
Communication development (e.g., AAC, Tobii)
Enables children who cannot develop spoken language to communicate in alternative ways.
Occupational therapy elements
Develops motor skills and independence, introduces the environment to the child.
Music therapy
Music as a means of relaxation, communication, and emotional expression.
Art therapy
Creating art supports the expression of emotions, improves motor skills, and creativity.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils help alleviate anxiety, tension, and sleep problems.
Multisensory stimulation (Snoezelen)
A safe space for relaxation and stimulation of sensory perception.
Serenity 3D therapy
Supports communication, sensory perception, and enables pain relief.
Canistherapy and animal therapy
Contact with animals strengthens emotional well-being and relationships with the surrounding world.
Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises
Relieves stress and promotes proper breathing.
Psychotherapeutic support for entire families
We provide support for children, parents, and siblings in difficult times.
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy
Promotes mobility, prevents stiffness, and relieves pain.

„We help where it is most needed.“

Support for families

We know that caring for a child with severe multiple disabilities is demanding, both physically and mentally. That is why we offer comprehensive support for parents, siblings, and other caregivers. Our services focus on psychotherapy, crisis assistance, experience sharing, and practical advice.

Psychotherapy and individual support

Parents can take advantage of individual psychotherapeutic support – in person or online. Our professionals provide a safe space for sharing emotions, processing difficult situations, and finding new strategies for caring for your child and yourself.

I am very grateful and satisfied with the professional psychological support that the school offers. It is very reassuring to know that help is available when I need it. I use individual consultations the most – I am glad that I can call or write at any time. “

— mother of a child attending our school —

Dial Crocodile – crisis and counseling hotline

Dial Crocodile is our specialized crisis line for parents of children with severe multiple disabilities at Smiling Crocodile. We offer:

crisis intervention by phone, online, or in person
support in acute and long-term stressful and anxious situations
counseling in complex life situations, including topics related to pediatric palliative care
information about diagnosis, services, and care options

The line is staffed by professionals with appropriate training in crisis intervention. We are currently working on its official inclusion among registered social services so that we can offer it to families outside our facility.

If you need more info, call: +420 604 748 637

Parent and sibling groups

A space for sharing, support, and making new friends. Parents and siblings can meet people in similar life situations and gain inspiration, understanding, and new perspectives.

Parent cafés – a space for sharing and inspiration

We organize:

morning “CROCODILE CAFÉ” at school
evening “CROCODILE BAR” online

The topics of the cafés are varied and are selected based on the needs of parents. Some meetings are open, others are thematic – often with invited guests from various fields.

The team around the child

We organize meetings of everyone involved in the care of the child:

parents
teachers
physical therapists
psychotherapists
and other professionals

At the meeting, we share current information about the child's education, health, behavior, and cooperation with other professionals. Together, we set priorities and determine next steps. We take detailed minutes of the meeting.

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Only with assistants can they achieve incredible things

Children with severe multiple disabilities want to live like their peers – go to school, learn new things, have friends. To do so, they need individual assistants who help them every day, both in and out of the classroom.

Why this project is important

Since 2020, there has been a change in the financing of special education. The state has stopped paying for so-called support measures, including the salaries of individual assistants. As a result, the education of the most vulnerable children, who cannot attend school at all without the support of an assistant, is at risk.

An individual assistant:

helps the child understand lessons and communicate with those around them;
provides care, hygiene, and safety;
responds to seizures, health complications, and challenging behavior; and
is a key support not only for the child, but also for their teacher and family.

Without an assistant, the child:

cannot participate in lessons;
remains isolated at home; and
is at risk of deterioration in his/her mental and physical health.

Education makes sense

Thanks to school attendance and assistance, children develop their abilities, improve communication and self-care, experience less stress, enjoy life, and their families can breathe a little easier again. Parents often return to work, care for healthy siblings is more balanced, and the whole family is better integrated into society.

A family matter? No, a social problem. Unfortunately, the law does not guarantee children with severe disabilities the right to an individual assistant. Many schools are forced to refuse these children due to a lack of funds. Society thus loses the opportunity to educate and integrate these children and relieve the burden on their families.