The Capital Area Intermediate Unit Early Intervention Preschool Program provides a wide array of programs and services for children from their third birthday until entry into school. Services for children during the preschool years are provided without cost to their families when the child is determined to meet eligibility requirements. IEPs are written to define services, including related services as appropriate.
Screening and Assessment
Screening and Assessment services are available in order to determine the eligibility for early intervention services. Assessment services include developmental testing, audiological testing, deaf and hard of hearing assessment, speech and language evaluation, occupational and physical therapy evaluation, vision screening and psychological/psychiatric assessment. Assessment information also includes informal evaluation. Informal evaluation uses play observation, nursery school/day care observation reporting, and an intake which allows parents to provide information about the child's medical and developmental history along with current developmental strengths and areas of concern. A Comprehensive Evaluation Report is written as an outcome of assessment.
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Specialized Classroom
Specialized classrooms are available for those preschoolers who need a small-group setting with support from the classroom teacher, educational paraprofessional, and speech and occupational/physical therapists.
An Early Childhood Specialist and the support team provide educational services in a developmentally appropriate setting. Classroom size is eight to ten children with a teacher and paraprofessional. IEP goals and objectives are implemented. Parents are part of the IEP team.
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Support in the Least Restrictive Environment
Inclusion services are provided in order to offer educational and developmental support to eligible children enrolled in nursery school and day-care programs. An Early Childhood Specialist is available to the eligible child's parents and teachers to provide information to support appropriate developmental activities in the home and school setting. The Specialist facilitates development and implementation of the IEP. The Specialist models appropriate teaching methods and advises family and staff on the selection of instructional materials and equipment.
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Therapies/Treatment
Eligible children can receive a variety of therapies in order to improve or enhance their development. Therapies may include speech and language, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and play therapy. The amount and duration of these services is determined in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Family Resource Services
Family Resource Services assists families in accessing community services and agencies to meet the needs of the family. The Family Resource Specialist serves as a referral source to available service providers and establishes and maintains relationships with other parent/information/or educational programs in the region. The program provides behavior management and parenting assistance to families on a case-by-case basis and facilitates parent groups.
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Community and Agency Involvement
The Local Interagency Coordinating Council meets on the third Thursday of most months at 6:30 PM at the CAIU Summerdale Office Center. It is comprised of 50% parents and 50% professionals and focuses on the needs of children receiving early intervention services from birth to school age. All are welcome to attend. Please contact the Preschool supervisor for information.
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Early Language Parent Training
The Early Language Parent Training Program is one program in two parts. The two modules focus on teaching parents the skills to take the role as the primary language facilitator in their child's life. Module I trains parents to use daily interactions to enhance the development of their child's communication skills. Module II trains parents to plan specific play activities that focus on developing their child's language skills.
The training program incorporates the use of parent group sessions, home visitations, and videotaping. The parent group sessions allow for the exchange of information, as well as provide a supportive environment for families to share experiences. Individualization of information from the group sessions occurs during the home visitations and strategies.
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