WHAT I DO -
As an Early Interventionist I provide support and services to your family if you have a young child - infant, toddler or preschool aged - with a developmental delay. Our programs are home-based and individually responsive to your family's desires and to your child's unique abilities.
- I provide information - in answer to your questions about diagnoses, child development, local programs and resources.
- I provide ideas and plans - ideas for how your family can help your child at home and in the community, and plans designed to help you enhance your child's growing and learning.
- I provide assistance - as you contact other professionals and as your child moves on to new programs or school.
- I provide support - because you are the expert about your child. The dreams, hopes and suggestions that you have for your child and family are uniquely yours. No one can guarantee that they will come true, but sharing them with your early interventionist allows her to know what is important to your family.
WHAT I DON'T DO -
As an Early Interventionist I am not able to transport children and families to appointments or provide childcare for your children.
SOME TERMS I USE -
Although I use many terms these are some that you will hear often:
Family Centered Practice: This means that your child's services and supports are based on the strengths and needs, concerns, priorities and resources that you have identified. Services and support are designed to respect your family's concerns, interests, values and priorities.
Development: This is the lifelong process of learning and applying new skills.
|
Cognition: This refers to our thinking skills; your child's ability to receive, process, analyze and understand information.
Gross Motor Skills: These are the activities we do using our larger muscle groups; like sitting, walking & jumping.
Fine Motor Skills: These are the activities that require the coordination of the smaller muscle of the body, especially those of the hand.
Social Adaptation: This is a child's ability to respond to and interact with others at a level that is appropriate for his/her age. It can also mean developing self-help skills like dressing, toileting and eating which can lead to greater independence.
Communication: An exchange of information between 2 or more people. Communication can be verbal (using words or picture) or non-verbal (understanding facial expressions or gestures).
WHAT I NEED FROM YOU -
- Sharing of information: I rely on you to inform me of your child's progress and of any concerns, hopes or suggestions you may have about your child's development. This information will help us to create meaningful individualized services and supports.
- Participation: I rely on you to tell me when it would be best to visit and to call me to cancel when you are not available.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME -
You can expect our services to be Family Centered. We will do regular home visits and provide you with ideas so you can work with your child to enhance their development. We also have lots of information, resources, equipment and learning materials available for lending. We will be available and flexible to meet your needs and help you to advocate for your child and family.
|
