Keywords

birth-to-3, community-based program, developmental disabilities, developmental systems approach, early intervention, individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Kindering Center, part C, special education, special needs

 

Authors

  1. Greenwald, Lisa MS, CCC-SLP
  2. Siegel, Mimi MA
  3. Greenwald, Ralf PhD

Abstract

Early intervention (EI) programs around the nation who serve infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities are varied in the types of services they provide, and many community programs have not fully incorporated evidence-based services into their programs. However, Kindering Center is described as a comprehensive community EI program model in the hopes to provide other EI agencies with practical ideas for program implementation. This highly individualized, family-centered, interdisciplinary EI program is provided under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Specifically, this article outlines Kindering Center's EI program in terms of the Developmental Systems Approach and core principles of EI. The guiding philosophies and values of the Center's programs, as well as challenges encountered, are discussed. Furthermore, the article describes the comprehensive services that are in place to meet the many individual needs of children and families consistent with a developmental framework. Overall, the authors assert that it is both feasible and preferable to have such a highly integrated model program model.