Close your eyes and imagine a vibrant classroom filled with children’s laughter and learning. Now, picture your child thriving in this environment, receiving the support they need to bloom. This is a vision that can be found in therapeutic preschools that leverage early childhood intervention.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how early childhood intervention can be woven into a therapeutic preschool setting to create a perfect fit for your child and your family.
Understanding early childhood intervention
Early childhood intervention encompasses a range of services and supports designed to help young children who have a wide range of conditions or disabilities that can hinder their development and well-being, including:
- Developmental delays
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Speech and language disorders
- Intellectual disabilities
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Behavioral disorders
- Genetic disorders
- Premature birth
- Sensory processing disorders
- Global developmental delays
- Neurological conditions
- Social-emotional disorders
Early childhood intervention programs encompass a range of services and supports designed to help young children with developmental delays or disabilities reach their full potential. They focus on the crucial window of early childhood, when the brain is most receptive to learning and development.
You can think of early childhood intervention as a toolbox full of strategies and interventions that can be tailored to address specific needs. These may include:
- Speech therapy — Helps children improve communication skills, whether they’re mastering new words, expressing themselves clearly or understanding spoken language
- Occupational therapy — Focuses on developing fine and gross motor skills, from holding a crayon to navigating the playground
- Physical therapy — Strengthens a child’s abilities, such as balance, coordination and movement
- Social-emotional development — Teaches children how to manage emotions, build relationships and interact with others in a positive way
Early childhood intervention services are typically delivered by a team of qualified professionals, including:
- Therapists
- Special education teachers and staff
- Social workers
This team works collaboratively with families to create a personalized plan that addresses the child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Benefits of early childhood intervention
Early intervention has been shown to have a profound impact on a child’s development. Here are some of the many benefits early childhood intervention can provide in a therapeutic preschool:
- Improved communication and social skills
- Enhanced learning and cognitive abilities
- Increased independence and self-confidence
- Reduced frustration and challenging behaviors
- Smoother transition to kindergarten and beyond
The therapeutic preschool advantage
Therapeutic preschools take early childhood intervention a step further. These preschools are specifically designed to meet the needs of young children who require additional support. They can be inclusive, giving typically developing children and children with disabilities the opportunity to learn and grow together. Here are some key features that can distinguish therapeutic preschools from traditional preschools:
- Smaller class sizes — A smaller class size, like with a provider-to-student ratio of 1:4, allows for more individualized attention and helps ensure that each child receives the support they need.
- Highly trained staff — Teachers, support staff and therapists have specialized expertise and work together to create a nurturing and stimulating environment.
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) — IEPs are customized plans that outline specific goals and strategies to address each child’s unique needs.
- Play-based learning — Learning happens naturally through engaging activities that are both fun and educational.
- Curriculum aligned with state standards — The chosen curriculum of your child’s therapeutic preschool should align with your state’s learning standards. For example, the Mary Shaw Branton Therapeutic Preschool in Kansas City, Missouri, uses the Creative Curriculum. It aligns with Missouri learning standards and is a research-based, all-inclusive, play-based curriculum.
Finding the right fit for your child
Every child is unique, and so are their needs. When considering a therapeutic preschool, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Specific services offered — Does the program provide the type of early childhood intervention services your child needs?
- Philosophy and approach — Observe the classroom environment and meet the staff to ensure that they align with your values and expectations.
- Family involvement — Choose a program that actively seeks your input and includes you as a vital part of your child’s development.
Making the most of early childhood intervention in a therapeutic preschool
Now that you understand the potential of early childhood intervention within a therapeutic school setting, let’s explore some practical ways to maximize the benefits for your child:
- Working with your child’s team
- Open communication — Maintain regular communication with your child’s teachers and therapists. Share your observations about your child’s progress at home, and ask questions about the strategies used in the classroom.
- Partnership approach — View yourselves as partners in your child’s development. Express your goals and concerns openly, and work collaboratively with the professionals to create a comprehensive plan.
- Progress reports and IEPs — Actively participate in meetings to discuss your child’s IEP. This plan outlines specific goals and the interventions used to help them achieve these goals. Ask questions and provide feedback to ensure that the IEP remains aligned with your child’s evolving needs.
- Supporting early childhood intervention at home
- Carry over strategies — Discuss strategies used by therapists with your child’s teachers. This helps ensure consistency and reinforces the learning happening in both environments.
- Incorporate interventions into daily activities — Look for ways to practice skills learned in therapy throughout the day.
- Celebrate milestones — Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s progress no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can help motivate them to continue learning and growing.
Empowering young minds together: Ability KC and the promise of early childhood intervention
If you live in the Kansas City area and are looking for a nurturing environment that leverages the power of early childhood intervention, Ability KC’s therapeutic preschool can be the perfect choice. Our team of qualified professionals creates personalized plans for each child, creating a strong foundation for future success. With a focus on collaboration and building a supportive network, we strive to empower children of all abilities to thrive and reach their full potential.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.