Early Intervention Speech Therapy services are provided in the home to families of children 0-3 years of age in Solano County via North Bay Regional Center. If you have concerns about your child’s development or would like to know more about North Bay Regional Center’s services, click here.
I believe that families are the most important members of the early intervention team. My job is to ensure that families have strategies and supports that address their individual concerns. Therapy goals will be designed to be functional and will reflect the changes that the family would like to see happen for themselves and for the child. It will be based on family priorities and the developmental needs of the child. I use evidence-based practices, multidisciplinary team collaboration, and family-focused service delivery.
Children learn best in their natural environments, and for infants and toddlers, this is typically at home or in the childcare setting. Working in natural environments provides opportunities for caregivers to work together to learn new strategies within daily routines and work on functional goals. Therapy techniques will fit into a family’s routines and build upon activities that are motivating to the child. Often times, therapy materials will be items in a family’s home, for example a child’s toys or food typically provided to the child. This will empower the family to continue working on target skills throughout the week.
Furthermore, I believe it is important for children to have the opportunity to interact and learn from their peers. This may occur at a childcare center or in community locations such as the park. I encourage caregivers to take advantage of these learning opportunities. I encourage feedback from caregivers about their experiences in various locations and may work with them in various settings to increase their confidence in carrying over therapy strategies and techniques.
Anticipated outcomes include improved functional communication with people in a child’s natural environment; i.e., a better ability to understand language and express needs. Family outcomes include recognizing natural learning opportunities that happen throughout the day and using techniques learned in therapy sessions even when the therapist is not present. The family and child will likely notice a reduction in frustration and negative behaviors as a child’s communication skills increase.