Early Intervention (EI) has been a lifeline for families of young children in The Merrimack Valley and across the Commonwealth. Countless families refer their children to EI at The Professional Center for Child Development (PCCD) every year and even more could benefit. Children in EI are under the age of three and may not be reaching one or more age-appropriate milestones.
Parents and caregivers have been spending more time than ever at home with children throughout the pandemic. They may be noticing that their child is not at the same developmental level as their peers. Infants, toddlers, and young children develop so fast during the first three years of life, if concerned, it is critical to take that first step and call EI. At no cost, an evaluation with the EI team will be scheduled to determine a child’s eligibility. Using a holistic family-centered approach, the team will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) based on the needs of your child. The Delgado-Cruz family of Methuen know first-hand how Early Intervention benefits everyone.
In April of 2020 Angélica Cruz and Josué welcomed their daughter Kathaleia, during the first months of this global pandemic. That summer the new parents noticed their precious infant wasn’t using her right arm much and contacted their pediatrician. The doctor referred her to PCCD Early Intervention (EI). The family said they were “directed to the right people.”
During the EI home visits, Angelica remembers “from the beginning Katha has been a sponge, absorbing everything and putting it into practice. Everything was perfect.” But then it all changed. As COVID-19 cases started to rise in the area, home visits were suspended. Katha began receiving EI via Telehealth. The therapist and family connected virtually, “we encouraged Kathaleia to stimulate the use of her right hand, with toys, textures and lights” Angélica said.
As restrictions eased, the family took Katha to PCCD for center-based visits. “Katha continues to work on her coordination, she is able to roll over on her own, sit upright, crawl and with help… she stands on her little feet. PCCD brought into our lives the tools that we need to support our baby’s development” said Kathaleia’s appreciative mother.
The family shared, “Even though the pandemic continues… we feel more than grateful for being present and supported each step that our little girl manages to take, since PCCD came into our lives at the right time.”
Just as Angélica Cruz did, call EI. Any child can be referred to PCCD Early Intervention by parents, pediatricians, caregivers, teachers, friends, or other professionals. To make a referral, get an evaluation or for more information please call 978-688-5070 or go to www.thepccd.org.
