EARLY CHILDHOOD

The Early Childhood Program in Defiance County continues to grow.

Early Intervention Services are available to help families with infants and toddlers, ages birth through two years, who have a documented developmental delay. Individual Family Service Plans are written to help meet the needs of the families of the children served. Services may be provided in a center-based setting with the parent accompanying the child to class, or in the home.

There are six Preschool classes for children ages three to five years old. Individual programs are followed for each child, giving them many growth experiences. Extensive work is done with language, body movement, self-care, getting along with others and readiness skills. Preschool classes are limited in size to 12 students. Children with developmental delays are in classrooms with typically developing peers.

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM

Good Samaritan School provides services to students from age six through twenty-one. There are four school-age classes. These classes provide training in self-help, basic knowledge, communication, fine and gross motor, socialization, independent living and leisure skills, and vocational skills. Training sites throughout the community help vocational students prepare for competitive employment.

SPECIALISTS

Many of the children served by Good Samaritan School have a myriad of handicapping conditions requiring the expertise of individuals trained in specific areas. An adapted physical education specialist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and two speech therapists provide ancillary services.

With the number of severely involved children enrolled at Good Samaritan School and their continual health care needs, a full-time nurse is a necessity. The duties of the nurse include emergency care, referral, health screenings, parent education and family support services.