East County Programs
Services for each Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program (MCITP) family are based on needs, concerns, priorities, and outcomes identified on the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Sometimes it may be appropriate to provide a group experience to achieve specific outcomes. Here are group programs offered by our site:
Hanen Programs for Parents
It Takes Two to Talk - The Hanen Program® for Parents is a 12-week parent program that provides a family-focused approach to language intervention with children between the ages of 18 to 34 months whose communication abilities range from non-verbal to those who are beginning to combine words. Parents learn how to create and take advantage of everyday opportunities to promote language development. Hanen certified speech-language pathologists lead the program. This program (8 families) includes an orientation, pre-program visit, nine class sessions, and three home video tapings.
More Than Words
The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a 12-week program that gives practical communication tools to parents with children who have been diagnosed or in the process of being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or have significant difficulties with social interaction, communication and play. Hanen certified speech-language pathologists help parents identify their child’s stage of communication development, set goals, and incorporate strategies which reflect the child’s learning styles and sensory preferences. Parents learn to use visual helpers to support communication. This program (8 families) consists of an orientation, in-home pre-program consultation, eight class sessions, and three home videotaping/coaching sessions.
Building Bridges Program
Building Bridges is a program for children ages 18 months and older and their families that explores community resources and activities. Parents, children and our “activity staff” meet for 6-8 sessions, each session lasting one to two hours. This program offers parents and their children opportunities to interact in various settings, while facilitating the children’s skills in a natural community environment. Examples of activities are attending story time at the library, visiting a local farm, and playing at a gym. This group does not have a limit as to the number of families served.
Transition Groups
Transition Groups are designed to help children 27 months and older prepare for transition to a structured preschool environment. It is taught by a two professional staff members and a paraeducator. Depending on a child’s individual outcomes, other professional staff may consult with the group. The classroom experience consists of structured or unstructured play, circle time, motor activity, art/sensory activity, and snack time. If needed, there is the opportunity to meet with a parent educator to discuss concerns/questions about child development, family issues, and parenting strategies. The maximum number of children in a classroom is six. Groups meet weekly for 75 minutes.
Caregiver/Child Groups
Caregiver/Child groups are designed for children 24 months and older with developmental delays to improve problem-solving, language/communication, motor skills, and social skills through play with a group of peers. It is taught by a special educator and a paraeducator. A parent or caregiver helps each child to participate (when appropriate) in structured/unstructured play, circle time, art, motor activities, and snack time. The maximum class size is six. Group meets weekly for 60 minutes.
Intensive Needs Group
Classic Intensive Needs Group (CING) is a highly structured group for children with intensive needs. These children may have social and communication difficulties. The focus of the group is to promote social interactions, follow a routine, make choices, transition between activities, and communicate with others. All areas of development are addressed in this group. The group is taught by two special educators, one speech/language pathologist, one occupational therapist, and four paraeducators and meets three times per week for 90 minutes. Transition Intensive Needs Group (TING) provides the same focus, but meets two times per week for 75 minutes.
Modified October 20, 2008 | Maintained by (Anzer N.) Nikki Woodward
