The Importance of Early Intervention as published in the quarterly FCM Communicator by the Department of Family & Community Medicine.
Every parent desires only the best for their child. Parents learn early on that they are their child’s best protector. New and experienced parents will investigate and research the best resources for their children. If it is a school, pediatrician or the most nutritious breakfast food, parents have learned to advocate for what is best for their child.
Today there is so much information regarding the developmental stages and milestones of children. How can a parent assess what is relevant or not? Parents have learned to listen to their instincts and ask their medical professionals. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities (DD) are common: about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. had a DD in 2006-2008. Identifying developmental disabilities early allows children and their families to get the help they need. Children who receive early intervention before the age of three are more likely to succeed in school with fewer accommodations.
Early Intervention (EI) helps families to assess the needs of their child as early as birth. The State of New Mexico’s funded program allows all parents access to a free full evaluation of their child’s physical and cognitive abilities. If it is determined that a child, birth to age 3, is in need of therapeutic or developmental services they will qualify for such services free of charge.
LifeROOTS early Intervention services support the child and their family. Therapeutic and developmental services are provided at the organizations Menaul facility and at the child’s home. LifeROOTS service providers not only work with the children but with the families as well. Services are best suited involving the entire family and are best practiced in a setting familiar to the child and family. Effective methods target building on new and existing everyday skills of a child and their family. Early intervention may begin at any time between the birth and 3rd birthday of a child; however, to achieve full potential, evaluation and therapy should take place as early as possible.
Research has shown that the rate of human learning is most rapid and critical in the early stages of life. Early intervention minimizes the risk of missing critical opportunities for a child to learn during a state of rapid growth and development. Once an important learning moment is missed it may cause a devastating effect and difficulty learning a related skill at a later time. Intervening early has a positive impact on the parents, siblings and immediate family of a child showing signs of a delay. With problems in a child’s development, families often display stress, frustration, helplessness and disappointment. These conditions may affect the families well being and will most certainly have an impact on the development of the child. Early intervention has a positive effect on improving family attitude, bonding, willingness to learn and the adaptation of patience.
Early intervention also has a significant financial impact on the child and family. Providing treatment at an early age will result in the child becoming more self-reliant faster and will eventually save the family money and time by eliminating expensive services later in the child’s life. For a child and his or her family, early treatment is a great investment in terms of development, happiness and financial standing.
Founded in 1958, LifeROOTS (formerly RCI) was the first organization in the state of New Mexico to treat children with polio and cerebral palsy. The center has evolved into a multi-disciplinary provider of programs and services, including: Early Childhood Intervention, Therapy, Supported Employment and Adult Enrichment. LifeROOTS Early Intervention support and services are designed to meet the full range of developmental needs of each child according to their strengths and weaknesses. LifeROOTS program builds upon the natural learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and their family. At LifeROOTS, families and staff work as a team to evaluate a child and develop a plan outlining services for the child and family. Most services are provided in the home or community to help children learn the basic skills that are a part of their family's daily routines.
LifeROOTS believes that Early Intervention is a proven and effective program to help families and children accomplish their goals and realize their dreams. It is a way to maximize a child’s quality of life and improve their life skills and natural development. LifeROOTS is proud to make a commitment to the community by providing people with disabilities and their families the resources and support they need to empower their lives and shape their futures.
