Frequently Asked Questions of The Children's Development Center of Lycoming County - founded as the Lycoming County Crippled Children's Development Center

Q: What type of programs and services does the Children's Development Center offer? We provide medical rehabilitation, individualized therapies, an inclusional preschool and several programs for infants, children and adolescents (birth to 21 years) with developmental delays and disabilities. Here is a listing of our programs and services: Therapies - Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy; Education - Inclusion Preschool, Autism Program; Adaptive Aquatics; Recreational Programs.

Q: When should my child start speaking? Children grow and develop in their own unique way and at their own pace. A child's age may act as a guide since there is a general range during which most children develop certain skills. If you think that your child is not developing as he should, discuss these concerns with your child's physician. Your child may simple need some extra help to meet his individual needs, and your physician can help you to decide the best course of treatment. The staff of the Children's Development Center is also available to talk with you about any concerns you have regarding your child's development.

Children begin to imitate some sounds at age 3 to 6 months. By the age of 6 to 9 months, infants start to react to voices and make new sounds. They will babble, laugh and coo with familiar people. They often speak one or more words between 9 and 12 months. By age 12 to 24 months, toddlers will initiate simple sounds and words.

Q: When should my child start walking? By the age of 9 to 12 months, infants will pull themselves up and hold on to furniture as they move around. They will begin to stand independently. Toddlers between the age of 12 and 24 months often walk independently and can walk up and down stairs with hand-held assistance.

For more information about children's development, please contact the Children's Development Center at (570) 326-0565 to receive our brochure on developmental milestones in young children.

Q: How do I get a referral to the Children's Development Center? Our case manager receives referrals from: parents and guardians; teachers; physicians; nurses; Mental Health/ Mental Retardation (MH/MR), early intervention for children birth to age 3; IU 17 for those children ages 3 to 5, other agencies in the community.

Most therapy services require a physician's prescription. If a prescription is required for the service you need, you will be informed prior to your visit.

Q: What happens when I visit the Children's Development Center for the first time? Once the Center receives a referral, an initial evaluation or treatment schedule will be arranged. At the time of your initial visit to the Children's Development Center, our case manager will meet you to conduct an intake interview. The purpose of the interview is to acquaint you with our services and to obtain information about your child's history which may relate to your child's treatment. The interview involves an orientation and completion of a family history form.

You should bring the following items along for your first visit to the Center:

" Insurance card (if applicable)
" Child/family history form (this will be mailed to you when your first appointment is scheduled)
" Prescription for therapy and/or physician recommendation
" Insurance forms
" School reports and any other recent reports regarding you child's development

Q: How do I pay for my child's care? The Children's Development Center is a charitable organization - our doors are always open to any child who is in need of rehabilitation services. No one is ever turned away due to financial difficulties.

The Children's Development Center has provider status with most insurance plans and health maintenance organizations. If you have any financial concerns, please contact our case manager. Your child may also qualify for medical assistance depending on his or her disability.

Q: What is my role in the therapy program? The Children's Development Center encourages parents' involvement in their child's program. Our therapists meet regularly with families to review a child's progress and develop future goals. The therapists also offer suggestions for activities that can be done in the home to maximize results and build independence.

Q: How is the preschool different at the Children's Development Center? The program is inclusional, which means that children with disabilities and developmental delays have an opportunity to interact with typical children each day. This type of program offers many benefits. The children with special needs have additional role models besides their teachers, and they gain confidence to try new skill by emulating their typical classmates.

The typical students learn to understand, accept and value diversity, and they become sensitive to children who may seem different because of their special needs.

The Children's Development Center's preschool is a year-round program.

Q: How is the Autism program different at the Children's Development Center? Children enrolled in the autism program receive early, intense therapeutic services by a staff that includes a classroom teacher, speech therapist and occupational therapist. To maximize social interaction and language the children may be included in programs within the preschool. Classes are scheduled four days per week, five hours per day.

Q: What types of programs and services does the Children's Development Center offer? The Children's Development Center provides neuropsychological evaluations, medical rehabilitation, individual therapies, a full day inclusional preschool, an autism program for children beginning at the age of two, therapeutic aquatic program, equipment loan program, OT summer camp, special classes and clinics. A listing of our programs and services includes:

Q. What is early intervention? Early intervention is a collection of services designed to help families balance the challenges of parenting. Early intervention can enhance your child's development by building upon the natural learning occurring in the first several years. Through these services, parents can receive information about their child's growth, improve both developmental and educational growth, help children with developmental delays become more independent and help prevent the need for additional costly intervention in the future.

Q. How does the Children's Development Center work with MH/MR and BLaST IU 17? The Children's Development Center has a contract with MH/MR-Early Intervention to provide physical and occupational therapy. Referrals are made by MH/MR case managers. MH/MR clients range in age from birth to 3 years. The Children's Development Center has a contract with BLaST IU 17 to provide preschool to eligible children from 3 to 5 years of age (space limited).

Q. How does the Children's Development Center work with physicians? The Children's Development Center receives referrals for services from physicians. A prescription is also needed from a physician to initiate therapy services at the Children's Development Center. Parents are asked to sign releases of information to allow Center therapists and case manager to obtain information from the physician and to provide important information concerning progress to the physician.

Q. What insurance plans are accepted by the Children's Development Center? The Children's Development Center accepts most insurance plans, including Medical Assistance.

Q. What if a client does not have insurance? Parents may speak to our billing clerk and/or case manager. They may qualify for a reduced fee which is contingent upon household income. In addition, your child may qualify for programs that are currently being offered through other agencies.