First Steps is one of 18 Home Based Early Intervention Programs in Nova Scotia at 20 different sites. Programs are non profit and are operated by volunteer boards and are partly funded through the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services.
First Steps provides services to families who live within Lunenburg County.
There is an open referral system for E.I. services so long as the parent or guardian of the child consents to the referrals. Services are offered free of charge and participation by families is voluntary.
The role of the E.I. program is to provide support, and information to families who have a child between birth and school age who has , or is at risk for, a disability or delay in one or more developmental area (such as motor movement skills, general learning, speech/language, social/emotional) . This may include children who have a biological disorder such as down syndrome, autism, spina bifida, chromosome disorders, etc. , or prenatal or perinatal difficulties such as lack of oxygen or brain damage, before, during or after birth.
The Early Interventionist provides information and support to families within their home environment. The role of the parent as the primary teacher and advocate for their child is emphasized.
During a home visit session the early interventionist monitors the child's developmental progress and provides suggestions of exercises, play activities and adaptations to programs or routines, to address the areas of concern. The home visitor also helps to locate and access current information on the child's diagnosis, treatments and research available.
The early interventionist works in conjunction with the parents and, whenever possible, other services involved, to develop an individualized program that addresses the needs of the child and the family in relation to the child. Goals or objectives are set and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
A variety of services may be provided depending on the needs of the family and the severity of the child's delays, with the primary component being the home visit program. Other services may include; visits/consultations to agencies, daycares or clinics, school transition planning, swim programs, parent tot programs, play groups, parent discussion groups, parent work shops, referrals to other services, and case management.
Most E.I. workers hold an undergraduate or Master's degree in early childhood development or a related field such as social work, psychology, teaching, etc.. E.I. workers have a general background in all areas of child development, but can not take the place of a physical, occupational or speech therapist or a psychologist. |
