Smile Daycare Hosts Open Day to Support Children with Special Needs

Meet the team of Smile Day Care with the Autism Western Cape department team on Both ends. (Photo: Kauthar Bassadien)

The sound of laughter and conversation filled the air in Searidge Park, Tafelsig, on November 7, 2025, as Smile Daycare Services welcomed parents, caregivers, and professionals to its much-anticipated Open Day. The event, held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive education and provide practical guidance for families of children with Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Delay Disorder.

Founded and led by Principal Narrima Small, Smile Daycare Services has grown into a trusted community space for families navigating the challenges of raising children with developmental differences. The facility caters to children aged 3 to 13, offering specialized care tailored to their unique needs and learning styles.

“We wanted to create a safe and understanding environment where every child could feel seen and supported,” said Small.

A Journey Rooted in Compassion

Smile Daycare began modestly , not as a fully fledged centre, but through house calls. As they wanted the children to feel at ease in a safer environment. For years, Small and her team visited families’ homes, providing individualized support to children who struggled in traditional schooling environments.

Principal Narrima Small opens up the special day for parents by welcoming them to the Open Day. (Photo : Kauthar Bassadien)

The Daycare quickly became more than just an early childhood learning space, it became a community hub, a place of hope for parents who had long searched for understanding and specialized support.

Today, three years later, that mission remains unchanged. The centre continues to serve children across Tafelsig and surrounding communities, focusing on developmental milestones, communication, and emotional wellbeing.

Services that are offered by the Daycare. (Photo: Kauthar Bassadien)

The Purpose Behind the Open Day

The 2025 Open Day represented a milestone for Smile Daycare. More than a celebration, it was an opportunity to educate and connect families, professionals, and community members around a shared goal by supporting children with special needs.

The event’s program was carefully designed to inform and inspire. Parents were invited to explore the daycare’s learning spaces, meet the staff, and attend interactive sessions led by experts in child development.

The Open Day drew participation from several key organizations and professionals. Among them was Roshan from Autism Western Cape, who spoke passionately about early diagnosis and the need for accessible intervention services.

“Every child on the spectrum deserves to be understood and accepted,” Roshan shared during his address.

Roshan from Autism Western Cape gives insightful information to the audience on their department's contribution to the province. (Photo: Kauthar Bassadien)

Expert Insights for Parents and Caregivers

(Photo : Kauthar Bassadien)

Representatives from the Mental Health Department of the Western Cape were also in attendance, sharing insight on emotional regulation and the mental health challenges faced by both children and parents. The presence of mental health professionals underscored a growing recognition of the need for holistic family support by addressing not only a child’s learning but also their emotional environment at home.

An occupational therapist and a speech therapist from the Mitchells Plain District Hospital explained their roles and the services they provide. They shared information on how parents can access support and therapy for their children, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and collaboration between healthcare professionals and parents.

These expert-led sessions proved invaluable, offering hands-on guidance to parents eager to support their children’s growth. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect directly with specialists and to learn strategies that are both affordable and easy to implement at home.

Building an Inclusive Future

The classroom one, where the kids spend their time learning how to build blocks and letters. (Photo: Kauthar Bassadien)

Smile Daycare’s efforts reflect a larger movement toward inclusion within the Western Cape’s education landscape. In communities like Tafelsig, where resources are often limited, centres such as Smile Daycare fill a crucial gap in providing quality care, emotional support, and educational development for children who might otherwise fall through the cracks of mainstream schooling.

Beyond the classroom, Smile Daycare emphasizes the importance of community education. The staff regularly engages with parents and caregivers, providing ongoing training and emotional support. This holistic approach ensures that progress continues even when the children leave the center each day.

Smile Day care team with some of the parents they offer their service to. (Photo: Kauthar Bassadien)

A Day of Awareness and Connection

By the end of the Open Day, the atmosphere was filled with optimism. Parents left with a renewed sense of confidence and a stronger understanding of the resources available to them. The event succeeded not just in raising awareness but in building connections that will continue long after the day’s end.

For Smile Daycare, this Open Day was more than just an annual event; it was a reaffirmation of their mission to nurture, educate, and uplift. Through continued partnerships with organizations like Autism Western Cape and the Mental Health Department, Principal Small hopes to expand the daycare’s reach and impact in the coming years.

“Your Smile, Is Our Smile” is more than a slogan — it is a promise.

A promise that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves to be supported, understood, and loved. And through initiatives like this, Open Day, Smile Daycare continues to prove that when communities come together, every child can truly shine.