Service Implementation
Each family enrolled in Great Steps Ahead (GSA) receives services depending upon family priorities and child needs. Frequency of Early intervention services are determined initially at the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting but can be modified by the family at any time. Developmental outcomes, objectives, interventions, and strategies are determined through parent interview and priorities with support of developmental assessments.
The early intervention specialist and family will continue to modify objectives and activities as necessary. During sessions, the specialist will collaborate with the family or caregiver to provide and demonstrate family/culturally appropriate activities which will facilitate achievement of outcomes in the areas of sensory awareness (auditory, visual and tactile), speech and language, cognition, gross motor, fine motor, social and self help skills. The specialist may suggest activities and special play strategies to the caregivers, which can be incorporated within the context of the natural environments to enhance their child’s development.
Services may be provided in the home, at childcare providers, at local public facilities, other environments where children typically congregate, and at the GSA Center and Discovery Point Preschool. Parents will determine where services are to be provided based on their priorities and unique situations. Services will be provided on a ratio of one specialist to one child. Most often, services are delivered through everyday routines, relationships, activities, partnerships and places (ERRAPP).