Early Intervention
Early Intervention is a specialized education program, designed to focus on motor, social, cognitive, language and self-help skills for children from birth to three years. If you suspect that your child is having issues with his/her development, contact the Early Start program at 1-800-404-5900 for a free assessment.
If it is determined that your child qualifies for services, a Service Coordinator from the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) (a local state funded agency responsible for coordinating services [Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)] for individuals with special needs) will be assigned. Soon after, an IFSP meeting will convene to discuss your child's development and determine goals and services. Once they've determined your child qualifies for early intervention, services can take place in two ways:
- Home-based Early Intervention
An early interventionist and/or therapist will work with your child in your home and provide:
- Play based activities that you can perform at home
- Suggestions to incorporate developmental activities into your daily routines
- Recommendations on the most age appropriate toys, games and books
- Changes that can be made to your home environment to enhance development
Further, our early interventionists can meet with you and your child in the community sites, such as a park or playgroup to assist you meeting your child's goals.
The early interventionist and/ or therapist will come to your home weekly, twice a month, or monthly depending on your child's needs and service authorization. Every 6 months, your child's development will be measured and the results of that assessment will be discussed with you. At that time, goals and strategies can be updated based on your child's progress.
- Center-Based Early Intervention
The center based program focuses on children 18 to 36 months old who are beginning the transition into preschool. Activities take place in a group setting and are thematic and play based. The entire curriculum is developed by our trans-disciplinary team of early interventionists, occupational, physical therapists, and speech therapists. Individual therapy services are available if determined through the individualized family service plan.
Every 6 months, your child's development will be evaluated and the results of that assessment will be discussed with you. At that time, goals and strategies can be updated based on your child's progress.
Parent participation is encouraged and advised. During that time, you will be guided in play based interventions and therapeutic techniques to perform with your child.
