wendy03060
04-11-2003, 10:38 AM
Good news! There are free resources available to parents worried about developmental delays in their infant/toddler. Most states now have an agency that specializes in screening children birth to age three for developmental delays or difficulties and provide professional therapy......for no cost whatsoever! No income limits, no socio-economic limits, no labels for the kids, never a cost to parents. Just services for children who need them. Typically they are provided in-home or at the school/child care center the child attends and the parents or care givers are present and can be heavily involved at every step of the way. Therapy is stopped once the delay is overcome. Therapists are also eager to teach the parent/care-giver how the child can be helped in daily situations, as well. Considering the cost of in-home, private, licenced, professional therapy for infants and toddlers(physical, occupational, speech and such) this definitely qualifies as a bargain to me.
These sorts of agencies are usually a part of the state department of education or the department of health. Referrals are not needed and, in all of my experiences, parents can request an evaluation all on their own with just a phone call. Physicians and pediatricians can be a good resource for finding your state agency. So can local early childhood advocacy groups or college/university early childhood education programs. This is one program that is definitely working and making a tremendous difference in the lives of children across the country.
These sorts of agencies are usually a part of the state department of education or the department of health. Referrals are not needed and, in all of my experiences, parents can request an evaluation all on their own with just a phone call. Physicians and pediatricians can be a good resource for finding your state agency. So can local early childhood advocacy groups or college/university early childhood education programs. This is one program that is definitely working and making a tremendous difference in the lives of children across the country.