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Newsletter
March 2026
We put our heart in everything we do.
Spring Has Sprung!
Hello Spring
As the days grow longer and the air gets a little warmer, we are excited to welcome this season of growth, renewal, and fresh beginnings. Spring is finally here and at VIVA that means new opportunities to support your child as they grow.
Spring is a time of milestones and new journeys. The season also brings some new health considerations. As the flowers open up and pollen fills the air, many families notice an increase in sneezing, itchy eyes and asthma flare ups. If your child struggles with seasonal allergies, our team is here to assist with personalized care plans and practical tips to keeping them comfortable.
Coming Soon!
We’re excited to share some big news! We are opening two new PPECC facilities this year! Our newest locations will be opening in Hurst and The Colony, allowing us to serve even more kiddos and support more families in our community.
PPECCs (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers) provide skilled nursing care in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive setting during the day. These new centers reflect our continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality pediatric care while giving families more options closer to home.
We can’t wait to welcome new families, build strong care teams, and create spaces where children can receive the medical care they need while still getting to be kids.
Highlights & Happenings
Dallas Museum of Art: Spring Break Family Fun
March 18th- March 20th
" DMA Spring Break—where stars align and creativity shines! Spark, connect, and create during these fun-filled days of art-making activities, story times, sensory play, and gallery activities for families, all inspired by our current exhibition Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art. "
Reserve your spot using this link:
https://dma.org/programs/family-programs/seasonal-family-fun
Sensory Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese
1st Sunday of every month
Once a month, Chuck E. Cheese hosts sensory Sundays where they dim the lights and reduce the noise to welcome children with higher sensory sensitivities.
For dates, times, and locations, go to Chuck E. Cheese's website:
Wolfforth Farmers Market- Wolfforth, TX
Every Saturday, Year Round
Join your community at a family and pet friendly farmers market. Enjoy a full day of shopping on their 3 acres of dedicated space. The farmers market is open from 10:00am-2:00pm, and hosts over 100 local vendors.
More Info Here:
Longview World of Wonders Museum, Longview, TX
Open Thurs/ Sun 2pm-6pm and Fri/Sat 10am-6pm
Longview World of Wonders is a hands on children's discovery center that strives to give kids the opportunity to imagine, create and explore in a hands on educational; environment.
Reserve your spot with this link:
Spotlight on PPECC
Valentine's Day Fun and New Educational enrichment coordinator
Our PPECCs in Longview and Lubbock hosted festive Valentine’s Day parties filled with fun, laughter, sweet treats, and plenty of heartwarming moments for the kids we serve. From crafts and games to adorable photo opportunities, our teams created joyful celebrations that made each child feel extra special. Seeing our patients smile and connect with friends and caregivers is what these moments are all about!
We’re also excited to share big news from our Longview PPECC! We’ve recently welcomed a new Educational Enrichment Coordinator to the team. This important role will focus on enhancing developmental activities, creating engaging learning opportunities, and supporting each child’s individual growth journey. We’re thrilled to continue expanding the ways we support not just medical needs, but educational and developmental success as well.
Thank you to our amazing staff, families, and community for helping us create spaces where kids can thrive, celebrate, and grow together.
Small Bites, Big Progress: The Power of Pediatric Feeding Therapy
Swallowing Awareness Day
Each year, around the middle of March, healthcare professionals observe Swallowing Awareness Day. This year, swallowing awareness day is celebrated on March 18th and is apart of Nutrition and Hydration Week. Swallowing Awareness Day is observed each year to shine a light on Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and it's impact on children and their families. While this may seem like a minor day to day action, it's actually a complex process that requires precise coordination of muscles and breathing. For some children, swallowing can be extremely difficult, leading to trouble eating or drinking. This day also sheds light on how crucial support from a Speech Language Pathologist can be to a child's development.
How Can Speech Therapy Can Help at Every Stage
Infants: Building a Safe Foundation: For babies, feeding therapy focuses on coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing. The SLP will asses oral motor skills, positioning and feeding equipment, they will also coach care givers to ensure safe and efficient meals for baby.
Toddlers and Preschoolers: Expanding Skills and Variety: As children grow, they must learn to chew more complex textures, drink safely from cups without lids, and tolerate a broader range of foods. Therapists will address physical and sensory components of meal time. Through play based, low pressure strategies they help grow your child's comfort, confidence and safety.
School Aged Children: Strength, Coordination, and Confidence: Older children may struggle with chewing efficiency, fatigue during meals, food avoidance, or anxiety around eating. Some may have ongoing swallowing concerns or medical diagnoses that impact feeding.
The SLP will work on strengthening oral muscles, improving coordination, and helping children feel more in control and less stressed at mealtimes.
Safety First!
Some children are at risk for aspiration — when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the stomach. Speech therapists are trained to recognize warning signs such as chronic coughing, wet vocal quality, frequent respiratory illness, or prolonged mealtimes. When needed, we collaborate closely with your pediatrician and medical team to ensure your child is eating safely.
Why Early Support Makes a Difference
Feeding challenges rarely “just go away.” Addressing concerns early can:
- Support healthy growth and nutrition
- Prevent long-term food aversions
- Improve participation in school and social settings
- Build the oral motor foundation needed for speech clarity
The earlier we support skill development, the easier it is to create lasting change.
Resources
VIVA Pediatrics Resources
In an effort to help our families, we constantly strive to provide them with relevant and helpful resources and information.
Texas Star Kids
The Texas’ Star Kids mandate threatens the lives of our weakest and most vulnerable little citizens. Join us in standing up for those who have no voice.
The Parker Lee Project
The Parker Lee Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families of children with medical needs obtain the necessary supplies & equipment, education, and support they need. While most supplies are covered by insurance, some are not, or not enough supplies are provided.
Thrive Magazine
Need Resources for your child with special needs? Thrive Magazine shares resources and stories of other families in the DFW area who are living and thriving with special needs.
"When life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles."
-Winnie the Pooh
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