Our goal as an Early Intervention and Preschool program for children ages birth to five is to provide the highest quality of service to all children, with and without special needs, in an integrated and natural setting where all children share the same learning environment.

Our early Intervention services respond to overall family needs and priorities that are set by the families themselves and approved by the child's County Early Intervention Program. The constellation of services that each child will receive reflects that individual child and his/her family's needs. Birth to three services are family centered and family driven and include options such as home based and center based visits as well as integrated developmental toddler groups.

The preschool program focuses on providing a rich and varied learning experience in which each child can experience success. We anticipate, whenever possible, that the children who have special needs will gain in skill development through their interactions with typical children and typical children will develop positive attitudes of caring, friendship and understanding, while the group as a whole will experience many exciting and innovative preschool activities. We will work toward the development of a positive self concept and self reliance and independence within each child's ability.

Roosevelt Children's Center Early Intervention and Preschool Programs

Roosevelt Children's Center (RCC) provides Early Intervention and Preschool services to children birth to five years old in a variety of home, community and center based options. RCC currently serves families and children in Wayne, Ontario, and Monroe Counties with approval to serve children in Yates and Cayuga Counties.

RCC's Early Intervention and Preschool Program provides the following services:

• Preschool programs for typically developing children in our Newark, North Rose-Wolcott, and Williamson sites
• Half day classes in North Rose and Williamson
• Full day and half day classes in Newark
• Day care at our Newark site
• Evaluations and screenings for those children suspected of having a delay in development
• Special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, psychological services, assistive technology services, music therapy and vision services
• RCC offers a wide range of options for children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and their families. We provide a family centered approach that will meet the unique needs of each child and their family. Services can be delivered at home, daycare or at our center in Newark. A combination of home/daycare and center based services is also offered.

In cooperation with a child's Early Intervention Official or School District CPSE, RCC will develop a program consisting of one or a combination of any of the following accepted theoretical approaches to treatment of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
• Developmental Interdisciplinary Services (DIR Approach)
• Training and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)

RCC emphasizes team collaboration in the assessment of abilities, development of goals and in program planning. Parents are an integral part of the team. A holistic view of each child is taken as various disciplines join together to plan effective programs for individual children. Open and direct communication is expected among staff members, parents/caregivers, and service coordinators as well as patience, respect and support for one another's viewpoint.

At Roosevelt Children's Center we base our methods of teaching on the High/Scope approach. (High/Scope Educational Research Foundation) The basic premise of the High/scope approach is hands on; child centered learning incorporating strong adult-child interaction, observation and the use of natural, everyday materials and activities to encourage active exploration. In our home based program providers are encouraged to use materials found in the child's home and actively involve the parents in the sessions. Children are given the lead in choosing what they want to play with while the provider incorporates the child's goals into the play. That level of choice as well as structure is provided in our toddler and preschool classrooms. Adults encourage children to actively explore their environment while helping them to develop skills. Parent-staff communication and involvement is accomplished through home visits, personal, written and phone conversations.