INTRODUCTION

Early Intervention is a service provided in the home to assist parents of children age, birth to three, who have been identified as having developmental delays. The goal of Early Intervention is to show parents how to work with their child through play activities to achieve developmental milestones.

The Early Intervention team is made up of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and special education teachers. The professionals working in Early Intervention have the training, skills and resources to make a difference in the lives of children and families they serve.

The goals, strategies and activities provided for a child are contained in an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The IFSP provides an outline of the goals to be achieved and the services to be provided. Every member of the team has a copy of the IFSP, and it is reviewed on a regular basis.

It is the belief of the Early Intervention staff that the child’s first teacher and most important teacher is the child’s parent(s). The aim of Early Intervention is to provide parents with the skills and understandings needed so they can help their child achieve his or her fullest potential.

Goals of Early Intervention

1. Have fun.

2. Encourage development

3. Encourage communication.

4. Teach appropriate play skills.

5. Develop attention and concentration.

6. Encourage awareness of sight, touch, taste and smell.

7. Encourage interaction with adults and children.

8. Provide general ideas to vary children’s activities.

9. To teach appropriate vocabulary.

10. To be the WHOLE CHILD.

Early intervention is a voluntary program, and the parents may stop services at any time.

 

For additional information please contact

Salem County Special Services School District Early Intervention Program

Ms. Kathleen McCarthy, Director

328-B North Broadway Pennsville, NJ 08070

Telephone: 856-678-1255 Fax: 856-678-2575

Administrative Office

Loren Thomas, Ed.D. Superintendent

P.O. Box 126 Woodstown, NJ 08098

Telephone: 856-769-0101 ext. 269 Fax: 856-769-3602