Play Haven is Heaven for Families

Joeie Schwartz, like any three-year-old girl, loves playtime. But Joeie has a serious heart condition that makes any infection life threatening. A simple cold could cause her heart to stop. As a result, Joeie has spent most of her life in hospital or at home, isolated from the neighbourhood kids.

However, Bloorview MacMillan Centre in Toronto now offers Play Haven, a weekly preschool program for children considered "medically fragile." Here, Joeie can run, sing and play with other kids her age.

The kids meet in what looks like a typical preschool room, with colourful toys, a painting easel, a play kitchen, and sensory bins. What’s different about this program is that it’s small, the teachers follow strict rules of sterilization, kids are not encouraged to share materials, and parents sign a contract stating that they will not attend if their children are sick.

"These children have compromised immune systems and Play Haven provides them with a normal play experience that they couldn’t get anywhere else," says Janice Spitz, coordinator of Play and Learn, Bloorview MacMillan’s integrated preschool program, of which Play Haven is a part.

In addition to play-based activities such as music and parachute games, Play Haven gives families access to therapists who can answer questions. Parents like Hannah Davis say they benefit from sharing practical information and support. "I like being with other parents who understand what I’m going through," Hannah says.

Spaces are still open for Toronto-area families. Call Janice Spitz at (416) 782-1105.