Birth to Three Developmental Center Programs
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Using a variety of play-based methods, Physical and Occupational Therapists work with children and their families to develop skills in the areas of mobility, coordination, balance and independent play. They help children develop muscles and dexterity needed to use their hands and upper body for dressing, self-feeding, and fine motor skills, including playing with toys and drawing.
Speech-Language and Feeding Therapy
Therapists help children build communication skills by improving how a child expresses his or her wants and needs through speech, sign language, gestures, or augmentative systems. Speech therapists also help children work to improved their ability to follow directions and understand the communication of others.
Some children have difficulty swallowing foods or liquids; have special diets; and/or have some or all of their nutrition from feeding tubes. These children require extra help when eating and drinking. Therapists assist children develop and improve feeding skills including sucking from a bottle, drinking from a cup, and spoon-feeding.
Special Education Services
Using a variety of methods including playgroups and one-on-one sessions, teachers help children develop skills in the areas of attention, reasoning and problem solving, social interaction with peers and adults, hand eye coordination and self-help. Services can be provided in play groups, in the child's home, or in childcare settings.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Outcome data collected for 2011 demonstrates Birth to Three's success in working with its population:
- 96% of the children who participated in Birth to Three's services reached at least one goal in one or more areas as documented on their Individualized Family Service Plans.
- 86% of the children reached at least one goal in two or more goal areas.
Studies show that children who receive early intervention services during their first three years of life enter Kindergarten better prepared and go on to lead more productive, independent lives. Studies also show that children who receive early intervention services are far less likely to require special education once they reach kindergarten. According to a recent report published in conjunction with the MIT Workplace Center, for every dollar spent on these services before age three, approximately $13 will be saved over the course of a child's lifetime.
A current need is assistance with developing a functional and updated website for our families and community.