Helping Children in Our Counties Thrive
Our Message To Parents
Raising children is an exciting and challenging experience, no matter what their age. You are the most important, consistent person in your child’s life. This is why you might notice that he or she is growing and developing differently than a cousin or brother at that age. What you are noticing are changes in different developmental areas. While all children grow and change at their own rate, some children can experience delays in their development. Sometimes this can be a cause for concern.
This is where we come in to help.
Our Early Intervention Team consists of many professionals that are experienced in child development. We will not diagnose or label your child; rather we work with them and your family to reach their maximum potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention is a no cost program for children birth to three who have been identified with special needs and meet the eligibility requirements. This program is designed to help families better meet the needs of their child through a Family Coaching Model Approach provided in the child’s natural environment with the active participation of their parents and other caregivers. These services can include: home based special instruction, service coordination, physical, occupational and speech therapies, case management services and tracking (monitoring a child’s development.)
What is the purpose of Early Intervention?
It is a comprehensive, coordinated, collaborative, and cohesive system of supports that optimizes children’s development with emphasis on their value to society. It supports the family’s responsibility of caring for their children, and helps answer questions regarding a child’s development. Through a screening process (Ages & Stages Questionnaire), we help children with developmental delays be more independent and assist communities in becoming more aware of the gifts and abilities of all children.
Who Is Eligible for Services?
A child referred to our program has the option of receiving an evaluation conducted by a trained professional who will assess all five developmental areas (cognitive, physical, social/emotional, self-help, and language/speech.) If the child shows a delay of 25% or more in at least one of the five areas, they are eligible for services.
Additional qualifying criteria for Early Intervention Services include informed clinical opinion and diagnosed medical conditions which have a probability of resulting in developmental delay.
Funding for Early Intervention Services for children from birth to three years of age is provided by the Lycoming-Clinton Mental Health / Intellectual Disability program and Medical Access. The Intermediate Units in both counties fund services for children from age three to school age.
Connect With Us
Call or email us today for information about our services or a referral for your child/children.