Children's Developmental Services

I mentioned in a previous post that Zoe's pediatrician referred us to the local Children's Developmental Services because he was a little concerned about Zoe's head lagging when we pull her up by her arms and also because Zoe sometimes tends to leave her arms by her side instead of using them to explore.

Today a Service Coordinator came to our home and explained the program to us. She started by having me just talk about Zoe--explaining what she likes to do, what she doesn't like, what a typical day is like with her...she pretty much now knows everything there is to know about Zoe. She then set up an appointment for us to go to the office for a vision test (hearing test completed at the hospital when Zoe was born is sufficient) and for admissions. Then we have another appointment where an Occupational Therapist will come out to our home to evaluate Zoe.

The first 45 days of the program are focused on evaluating Zoe. Then they will determine if she qualifies for the program. If she does qualify, they will provide a physical therapist, etc. to help in whatever area we need. It's pretty cool.

Even if Zoe isn't determined to have a special need and doesn't qualify, the program will still give us ideas on how to help Zoe develop. So it's a win-win for us.

Here are the aspects of the program:
-Services that build on a child's strengths and prevent developmental delays from becoming more severe

-Encouragement of growth in physical, cognitive, communication, social, and self-help skills and abilities

-Prevention of the development of additional disabling conditions or delays

-A reduction of family stress

-A reduced need for special education services once the child reaches school age

The Service Coordinator said they even have a nutritionist who can help us with Zoe's feedings. Yeah!

More details to come after next Monday's visit to the office.