South King Early Intervention Program Programs
When we meet a new family we see a child with unique abilities and individual needs. We see moms and dads who are eager for information and tools so they can help their child reach their full potential.
Every family is paired with a Family Resources Coordinator and a service provider(s) from a team that includes Speech Therapists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Early Education Teachers. In addition to direct therapy and education services, SKIP providers coach families and caregivers on how to recognize learning opportunities which occur during typical family routines.
We empower parents, grandparents, siblings and other care providers – who truly are the key to the child’s development. Everyone participates, we take the journey together!
We base our service delivery model around this truth: Children are always learning. And, they are always practicing what they learn. It is for this reason that our services are provided in each child’s natural environment - including their home, daycare, and other community settings in which they live and play.
At SKIP, we believe:
Parents are the child’s first and most important teacher, and the family is the cornerstone of the child’s development.
Therapy often looks a lot like play…and play is the job of a child.
Parent coaching and support can take place through conversations that happen while sitting on the living room floor, feeding at the table, or trouble shooting bath time or a trip to the store.
The achievement of any milestone, big or small, is worthy of a celebration.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
By targeting the younger population, we save tax payer’s money by reducing or eliminating the need for future specialized services. Washington State has determined that approximately 26% of those receiving quality early intervention do not need services later in life. By getting kids the services they need early, taxpayers can save hundreds of thousands of dollars per child. Early intervention has demonstrated results in children needing fewer specialized services later in life, and, in some cases, being indistinguishable from classmates without disabilities (WA State ESIT Program).
Because of this remarkable response to intervention, we now have the opportunity to make a tremendous impact on numerous individuals and society. The total lifetime cost savings per individual who receives intensive early intervention can be $2 million. The impact on the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families is immeasurable (University of Washington, 2010).
Current Needs
Recent media stories have illustrated the rise in developmental delays and disabilities. As a result, we are receiving more referrals for the critical early intervention services we provide. Unfortunately, we cannot expand our services until we have more space.
In conjunction with our other Dynamic Partners, we have purchased an 18,630 square foot building located at 127 SW 156th Street in Burien, Washington and are renovating this office building into a vibrant new multi-service center serving children with special needs. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO HELP BUILD THIS NEW CENTER!