The Berrigan Shire Early Childhood Support Service

Co-ordinator: Margaret Graham

What is an Early Intervention Program?

The program is a family centred service, which means that it tries to meet the needs of the whole family as well as the child. Families are an integral part of the Early Intervention Service and are resourced to become their child's primary intervention worker.

Who can access the service?

For families who have a child 0-5 years who have a developmental delay/disability, which may or may not be the result of a disability or a diagnosed condition.

Who is an Early Intervention Officer?

A person who has qualifications and experience in Early Childhood Development. The person may have qualifications in the Teaching or Nursing profession and may have in addition other qualifications. E.g. Counselor, Behavioral therapist, Family Therapist etc.

How much does it cost?

The service is free. Parents are expected to ensure their children arrive to sessions on time to ensure their child receives the full benefit of the sessions designed. Missed or late arrivals inconvenience other children.

What is an assessment?

The Early intervention Officer's assessment processes will vary, the age and developmental level of the child will be taken into account. Parents will be included in setting priorities and identifying needs. An individual program will be provided. The plan will address family priorities and concerns. Where appropriate, information will be supplied to assist with assessment from other services e.g. Speech Pathology etc.

Aims of Service and Mission Statement

Mission
Provide a specialised support service through family centered practice to families with young children who have developmental delays or disabilities.

Aims of Service

• Promote each child's optimal growth and development
• Early Intervention is fully committed to a family focused approach
• To work collaboratively with the whole family and encourage the whole family to be involved in decision making
• To Enable and empower families
• Promote the acceptance and support of the children and their families and so enrich the total community

Developmental Areas of Concern

• Physical - your child may appear clumsy or very awkward and/or have difficulty mastering skills
• Emotional - you may be concerned that there is a lack of emotion, or extreme emotional expressions
• Speech - may be delayed, difficult to understand or absent altogether and/or the child's comprehension or understanding may be vague
• Cognitive - your child may be generally slow learning things and/or have difficulty paying attention to anything
• Behavioral - your child's behavior may be very demanding, difficult, aggressive or withdrawn & extreme behaviors may be evident
• Your child may have a diagnosed disability or medical condition
• You may consider your child to be at risk of developing delays

Philosophy of the Service

• The belief that each child has the potential for growth and to work with families on the strengths of each child
• The belief in acknowledging the right of families to determine priorities and be recognized as the long term key workers for their own child
• To value and respect the family as the child's main intervention worker. To recognize and respect each family's right to make decisions
• To recognize and respect diversity of families
• To believe in providing education/therapeutic support and knowledge for families of children with developmental delays/disabilities
• To believe in a interagency approach towards service delivery
• To believe in fostering a teamwork environment and valuing equally the contribution of families and staff
• To believe in offering information and guidance for families in their choice of pre and primary schooling for the child and willingness to support the families in their decision
• To believe in the rights of children to participate fully in their community

How Can Help be Organised?

Through implementation of one or more of the following:

Home based program
A Early Intervention worker visits the child's home, weekly/fortnightly to provide an individual program. Home based programs are usually considered an appropriate mode of service for children 0-3 years

Early Childhood Integration
An Early Intervention worker provides a consultative service to preschools and provides information (with parental consent) for preschool staff to implement an individual program for the child

Early Intervention Centre based
The child is brought into a central location weekly/fortnightly for the implementation of the individual development program (with parents or career's present). An aquatic session is conducted in the heated swimming pool

Group Intervention
The child and parent is invited to attend a group session where various exercises, songs and music may be used. Through these particular songs and dance routines children can be assisted with gross and fine motor skills, brain integration, pre literacy and numeracy skills, coordination, balance, behaviour, self esteem and visual and spatial awareness will be enhanced. Playgroups are also provided with a session in order to access the target group of children 0-5 years or where a child with additional needs requires assistance to integrate into a group setting.

Where to Get More Information

• The Early Intervention Officer will be happy to assist with information and ways to help without obligation
• The Early Intervention Service have a section in the Finley Library with a variety of information
• The service has special educational toys and equipment that you may wish to access
• The Early Intervention Officer has a list of specialists/therapist that may be able to assist you

Children's Services for 0-5 Years

Following is a listing of services available for children 0-5 years of age.

These services include support for children with disabilities and development delays.

Playgroup NSW Inc
For over thirty years Playgroup NSW has been providing a service to the community by setting up and supporting community playgroups. These playgroups are located in every Local Government area in the State, and in many cases meet in Council venues.

To view the Playgroup NSW Inc website, please click here.