BTF

THE BIRTH TO FIVE PROGRAM

BTF

The Birth to Five Early Intervention Program is one of several specialized services provided at the Community Child Guidance Clinic.  It developed out of our awareness that early identification and treatment in addressing problems in the very young child is of utmost importance.  The adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies here.  Our service is available to any birth to five year old child (and his/her family) who may have developmental, behavioral and/or emotional problems.

ASSESSMENT

The Birth to Five Program begins with a comprehensive evaluation.  The child's problem solving, language, adaptive, gross and fine motor skills are assessed as are personality and behavior.  Health history and family functioning are also thoroughly considered.  Assessment is usually completed in 3 to 5 sessions and is followed by a meeting with parents to report results and to make and discuss recommendations.  In some instances, we may recommend additional specialized testing with one of more of our health care consultants.

TREATMENT

Recommendations may include treatment for emotional, behavioral and/or developmental problems at the Community Child Guidance Clinic, referral to preschool intervention programs in the home

community or to other appropriate agencies serving the needs of young children.  Additionally, we may coordinate and/or monitor services on an ongoing basis for those children whose handicap requires service from several agencies.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

The Birth to Five Team includes a child psychiatrist, developmental and clinical psychologists, and clinical social workers.  Further consultation may be arranged as needed from a variety of special services like pediatric neurology, speech and language therapy, audiology, physical or occupational therapy.

ELIGIBILITY

Any child from infancy through 5 years is eligible for our Program when there is concern the child is not developing successfully.

REFERRALS

Referrals to the Birth to Five program come directly from parents or physicians, nursery school and day care staff, schools or other agencies that service young children.

SERVICE COSTS

Fees are set on a sliding scale based on a family's ability to pay.  Fees may also be covered by private medical insurance and by Title XIX.

For more information contact:

 BTF Coordinator, Mary Machell, LCSW at:  (860) 643-2101,