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Infant Services
This early intervention program encourages children
to explore their environment, develop their other senses and acquire age-appropriate
skills. Parents learn how to help their child reach developmental goals
which are based on a comprehensive assessment of each child’s needs.
Families are served through both home-based and center-based programs.
Home-Based Component
of Infant Services
The Home-Based Component offers home sessions
to children/families who are already enrolled at the Center; to new
clients who may be unable to participate at the Center due to a child’s
fragile health, lack of transportation or geographic distance; or
those who may not come to the Center due to emotional or cultural
barriers.
Educational Preschool
Our preschool provides individualized educational
programs including utilization of low vision training, sensory
development, orientation and mobility, occupational therapy,
literacy preparedness, speech/language consultation and a music
program. The educational staff consists
of specially trained teachers, teacher assistants and specialists
with a ratio of one staff member to three students and a maximum
of six children per class.
Therapeutic Support
Services
Therapeutic Support Services are an integral part
of the Center’s Infant Class and Preschool Program. The overall
goal of therapeutic services is to increase the independence, self-confidence
and self-image of the child who is blind or visually impaired. These
specialized services also teach parents skills to support their children’s
development. Therapeutic Services include Orientation & Mobility
Training, literacy preparedness, pre-Braille and Braille training
(Adaptive Services), Speech & Language, and Occupational Therapy.
Kindergarten Program
The Kindergarten Program serves children who are visually
impaired, ages five to six years. The program has been designed to offer
a fully inclusive environment, meeting all state curriculum standards
for kindergarten classrooms, while continuing to provide support and
expertise relating specifically to visual impairments. Classes have a
ratio of one staff member to four students and class size is limited
to eight students. The full-day program benefits both students and parents.
First Grade Program
The First Grade Program serves children who are blind or visually impaired, ages six to seven years. The program offers a fully inclusive environment with a limited number of sighted children in the classroom. The program meets all state curriculum standards for first grade, while continuing to provide support and expertise relating specifically to visual impairments. It provides comprehensive, individualized education and training in sensory development, utilization of low vision, literacy (including Braille), speech/language development, orientation and mobility (including cane travel), and occupational therapy (fine and gross motor skills) in combination with the required state curriculum for the first grade level. This unique program benefits both students and parents through extended instruction and specialized training directed toward individual needs. Classes have a ratio of one staff member to six students and class size is limited to twelve students.
Second Grade Program
The Center added Second Grade to its Educational Program in September 2009 after completing the construction of a new classroom wing. The Program serves children who are blind or visually impaired, ages seven to eight years. The program has been designed to offer a fully inclusive environment with a limited number of sighted children in the classroom. The program meets all state curriculum standards for Second Grade, while continuing to provide support and expertise relating specifically to visual impairments. It provides comprehensive, individualized education and training in sensory development, literacy (including Braille), speech/language development, orientation and mobility (including cane travel), occupational therapy (fine and gross motor skills) and utilization of low vision, in combination with the required state curriculum for the Second Grade level. This unique program benefits both students and parents through extended instruction and specialized training directed toward individual needs. Classes have a ratio of one staff member to six students and class size is limited to twelve students.
Parent Mentor Program
The Center’s parent mentor provides parents
with advocacy training and representation, peer counseling on a group
and individual basis. The parent mentor also educates parents on
how to navigate the medical and educational systems on behalf of
their children. He participates in The Center’s home-based
program with The Blind Childrens Center’s professional
team. He also participate in community outreach to organizations
interested in integrating parent mentors into their programs.
Family
Services
Individual and group services are delivered by a qualified staff.
Sessions include parent support and education, braille classes,
advocacy training, social opportunities and a variety of groups
addressing family needs.
Publications
A series of 18 educational booklets, including three
training manuals, and two videos have been published by the Blind Childrens
Center. Over 750,000 copies have been distributed to parents, educators,
and specialists in 75 countries.
Community Outreach
Pediatric residents from local renowned hospitals receive training
and information regarding Blind Childrens Center services. Medical
and applied research investigating childhood blindness is also supported
annually by the Center.