Question:
My son Gram (two weeks) has an initial interview tomorrow with an early
intervention program. Based upon my initial conversations with the program
coordinator, I believe that the program will suggest that Gram participate in
the program one day a week (for one hour). During this weeky hour, Gram will
see a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist and a
special education teacher. (Of course at any one session he may only see one
of these professionals.) This particular program does not operate during the
summer months. Although Beth and I are committed to work with Gram at home,
one hour a week (nine months a year) in a professional early intervention
program strikes me as being grossly inadequate. While I continue to search
for other programs, I would appreciate hearing about your early intervention
experiences. How many hours a week is appropriate? What other factors
should I consider?
Answer:
interview for an early intervention program and I'd like to tell you a
little bit about our daughter's early intervention program.
Jackie attended her earliest intervention at a special ed school (entirely
special needs) and was instructed one-to-one (well, one-to-two if you
include me) by a teacher with her masters degree in special education. We
did not have an ot, pt, or speech therapist at this early age, but the
teacher that we did have had all of the knowledge about what types of
exercies, etc. would help Jackie strengthen her muscles, etc.
Jackie started early intervention at the age of 3-4 weeks for one hour a
week. I personally feel, and felt, that one hour a week is appropriate for
such a tiny baby, as young babies tend to "poop" out and fall asleep before
the hour is up.
I believed that the purpose of the one hour a week was to give *me* the
instruction I needed to continue the therapy at home. I did not work with
Jackie 24 hours a day seven days a week and would even skip a day between
working with her. I chose to treat Jackie like a baby first and worry about
Downs second. She benefitted from early intervention by my (and my husband)
knowing how to play with her when we played.
Jackie did receive therapy for the summer months. The program that Jackie
was in was payed for by us and was not expensive ($10 a session).
I feel that I benefitted from having one teacher see Jackie as opposed to
two or three specialists. This enabled Jackie, the teacher and I to forge a
close relationship...a real caring relationship about my daughter. Jackie
reamained with that teacher for one hour a week until she was 17 months
old. From there she attended pre-school for 2 half days a week.
I wish you the best with Gram. If you have any other questions I'll be
happy to answer them.
Wishing you and your family the best...AND give that little guy a big hug
from Massachusetts!
