Early Intervention Matters
Early intervention is a critical factor in the development and success of children with developmental delays. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early intervention can significantly improve a child’s development, providing critical support to help children catch up to their peers and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Why Early Intervention is Crucial
Developmental delays can affect various areas, including speech and language, motor skills, social-emotional skills, and cognitive abilities. Early identification and intervention are essential because they can reduce the need for more intensive and costly services later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that early intervention can enhance the development of children with delays and disabilities, helping them to achieve their full potential.
Ways to Close the Gap in Developmental Delays
Several therapies and educational programs are available to help children with developmental delays. These include:
- Speech Therapy: To improve communication skills, language development, and social interactions.
- Occupational Therapy: To enhance fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills.
- Physical Therapy: To improve gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.
- Feeding Therapy: To address feeding difficulties and ensure proper nutrition.
- Early Intervention Day Treatment: Offered through language-based curriculum and developmental preschools like ACCESS Early Childhood, providing comprehensive support tailored to each child’s needs.
ACCESS Early Childhood Program
ACCESS offers intervention services starting as early as six weeks old. The program supports children with a range of developmental delays and disorders, including motor function disorders, language disorders, sensory processing disorders, and various developmental disabilities. By offering specialized care and education, ACCESS aims to help children develop the skills they need to succeed.
Unique Aspects of ACCESS Early Childhood
What sets ACCESS Early Childhood apart is its comprehensive, team-based approach to intervention. The program integrates therapy services, mental health support, and education, immersing students in language-intense, multi-sensory early intervention through its original curriculum. The classrooms at ACCESS are specially engineered to support students with developmental delays, fostering an environment conducive to growth and learning.
The highly-qualified experts at ACCESS provide both therapy and education, ensuring that children receive the best possible care. With low staff-to-student ratios, ACCESS ensures that each child receives personalized, person-centered attention, maximizing the opportunities for early intervention to be effective.
Monika Garner-Smith, Director of ACCESS Early Childhood, underscores the importance of early intervention:
“Research shows that a child’s vocabulary by age three is the number one indicator of academic success by third grade. Early intervention is crucial to helping children with developmental delays gain the skills they need to achieve their potential, and the earlier those interventions can begin, the sooner a child is able to reach their full potential.”
Proven Success of Early Intervention at ACCESS
The effectiveness of the ACCESS Early Childhood program is evident in its outcomes. In 2023, 91% of Pre-K and Kindergarten students who graduated from the ACCESS Early Childhood program transitioned to a regular academic setting the following year. This remarkable statistic highlights the program’s success in preparing children for mainstream education.
Moreover, Pre-K graduates who began receiving early intervention services at ACCESS before the age of two showed 33% more progress toward age-level development in Pre-K 4 compared to those who started after the age of two. This data underscores the importance of starting intervention services as early as possible instead of taking a “wait-and-see” approach when a child first begins displaying signs of delays.
Taking the Next Step
If you have concerns about your child’s development and whether they are meeting appropriate developmental milestones for their age, it is crucial to contact your pediatrician. Early assessment and intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s growth and future success.
To learn more about available openings through ACCESS Early Childhood program, fill out our online inquiry form or call 501.217.8600 to schedule a tour. Let’s work together to build brighter futures for our children through innovative instruction and comprehensive early intervention services.
By understanding and advocating for early intervention, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Join us in this mission and help us make a lasting impact on the lives of children with developmental delays.