Our mission through early intervention is to provide individualized services to
enable young children under the age of three who experience developmental
delays to progress toward their fullest potential. The services of the infant
toddler program are provided by qualified personnel at
no expense to families.
Program
Goals:
The overall goal of this program is to help the child overcome,
or diminish, the delay to allow for an easier transition into
future required services.
Our programs are individualized. Once a child is screened and
evaluated, we work with the parents to develop the IFSP
(Individual Family Service Plan).
These plans are designed to target the strengths and needs of
the child and/or the family.
Our services focus on speech and language, fine and gross motor,
cognitive, self-help, and social skills, effective parenting
skills, as well as assisting with family needs.
The child's individual needs along with the family's choice help
determine the selection of services.
Children
& Families Served:
The Early Education
Center (EEC) is designed to meet the needs of any family with a child
under the age of three who is developmentally delayed, has an
established risk for delay, or qualifies based on clinical
judgment of the team after evaluation.
Our services are available to children in Barton, Pawnee, Rice,
Rush and Stafford counties.
The professional team that provides the services includes: Early
Childhood Special Education teachers, Assistant Teachers, Paraprofessionals,
Bi-lingual Paraprofessionals, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical
Therapists and Occupational Therapists.
Program
Options:
Home-Based Program
provides individualized services to children in their homes or
daycare
setting.
Center Based Program provides children ages two to three
years, with a wide range of individualized services in a group
setting, to include Play Groups and Parent Exchange Night, both
involving parents and siblings.
All EEC Programs place major emphasis on providing
parents the opportunity to become the major participant of their
child's total developmental program. Center-based programs
are structured to recommend inclusion of parent participation
(at the parent's availability and discretion).
Early Childhood Special Education Services are provided
for children experiencing developmental delays in the following
domains: social/emotional, self-help and cognitive development.
Speech / Language Services are provided for children
evaluated with expressive and/or receptive language delays.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services are
provided for children evaluated with concerns in gross and/or
fine motor development.
Keeping Your Child Healthy and Safe
At 3 months old keep me healthy and safe:
Let me sleep 14 to 17 hours each day. Follow the doctor’s directions on what to feed me. I should not go to sleep in my bed with a bottle.
Protect my skin and eyes from direct sunshine. Put me to sleep on my back.
Place me securely in the back seat in a safe car seat that fits me.
Wipe my gums with a soft cloth each day. Have my hearing screened before I am 3 months old. Help me support my head and neck when you hold me upright. Follow the doctor’s schedule for well baby check-ups.
At 6 months old keep me healthy and safe:
Don’t leave me alone on things I can roll off of. Continue to feed me what the doctor has advised. My first teeth are starting to come in. Cool, non-liquid filled teething rings may provide teething comfort. Fluoride is important for my new teeth – check with your dentist. Soft sounds will get my attention. Keep me protected from the sunshine. Continue to use my car seat in the back seat of the car.
At 9 months old keep me healthy and safe:
Protect me from sharp corners I could bump into. Gate off stairs at top and bottom. Lower my crib mattress again so I can stand safely. Never leave me alone in the tub. Secure me in my high chair. I look at people and things without my eyes crossing or squinting. Let me feed myself pieces of soft food. Don’t let me eat hotdogs, peanuts, hard candy or popcorn - I can choke. Begin to offer me a cup for liquids. Brush my teeth daily with a small soft bristled toothbrush and water. I should hold objects at a normal distance.
At 12 months old keep me healthy and safe:
Feed me 3 meals a day and several healthy snacks in between. Help me use a cup to drink milk and water. Let me try to feed myself, I’ll be messy. Keep me in your sight at all times. I should walk or crawl smoothly across shadows or areas that look different. Continue to use a car seat (in the back seat) approved for my size. Brush my teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and water. Take me to my first dental visit. My eyes should be clear, not watery or red. Re-baby proof the house for me walking and climbing.
At 18 months old keep me healthy and safe:
Wash my hands well before I eat. Expect I can get into many things and places – toddler proof inside & outside. Never leave me near any water source even for a minute or two. Keep me within your sight while you are on the phone. I can be a picky eater, offer choices of new foods but don’t force me to try. Don’t pretend that medicine or vitamins are “candy” or a treat. Brush my teeth daily, toothpaste may be needed so check with my dentist. My appetite may decrease, but I still need milk and water to drink. Offer me a variety of foods and let me choose.
At 2 years old keep me healthy and safe:
Supervise me ALWAYS in the tub or around ANY water. Keep me in a car seat that fits toddlers in the back seat of the car. Provide me with 3 small, balanced meals and healthy snacks each day. I may be a picky eater. I may have a regular time for a bowel movement each day and fewer wet diapers. Take me to the dentist and check to make sure my teeth get enough
Fluoride. Keep candles, matches, and lighters far away from where I can reach them.
Play with me outside each day in good weather.
At 3 years old keep me healthy and safe:
I may use the potty, but still have accidents. I can wash and dry my hands myself before a meal and after going potty. Offer me 3 meals with small portions, sometimes I don’t eat much. I like fruit and vegetables for snacks. Assist me with daily
tooth brushing and use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. I’m ready for regular dentist check-ups. I come when called from another room.
|
We encourage
parents
to contact the center if they
have questions concerning
their child's growth and
development.
Speakers are available
regarding
services available through the
Early Education Center and
child development in general. |
