Our directors and teachers receive training in child development and monitor children’s progress as they grow throughout the year. Each program works to help children meet developmentally appropriate goals and natural occurring milestones while also understanding that each child develops at their own pace. When teachers observe children, they look for these milestone markers and support their continuing development, helping children achieve their next steps.
At times children need extra support to move through their developmental stages. When teachers observe an indicator that a child might benefit from additional support, our teams will meet with families to collaborate and discuss resources and measures that can encourage growth.
Families always have the option to go through their pediatrician to seek referrals for screenings or services. We also encourage families to take advantage of Child Development Services (CDS) which offer free screenings for children birth – 5 years. Through these developmental screenings, specific needs and skills can be identified and children who qualify receive free services through CDS to provide specific therapies that promote skill development and growth. This is a great support for children’s success in our programs and we often see positive results for children, families, and classrooms!
CDS provides screenings and support services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as well as referrals for psychological evaluations which can provide additional therapies such as play therapy and emotional regulation support.
Children develop the strategies and skills they need to help them communicate effectively, move confidently, achieve milestones, and develop positive social-emotional behaviors by receiving the additional benefit of CDS programming in their early years. The sooner we can identify children’s needs and respond with effective support the more likely we are able to best meet children’s developmental needs within our programming. With these skills they have a greater ability to participate in and enjoy their learning experiences both in our programs and in their later school years!
Our centers are structured to run at the state recommended ratios. We work with all families to support their children within our programs and many children do well in large group classrooms and centers. At times children are better able to develop their skills in a program with smaller ratios and we work to help families find the program that best supports their child’s success.