Children attend full-time for 7.5 hours each day, and are served within an inclusive early childhood classroom in a staff-to-child ratio of 1:2. Following a collaborative consultation model using various Hanen® strategies, Early Childhood Educators work directly with children in the classroom and collaborate regularly with our on-site multidisciplinary team.

Our center’s general curriculum follows children’s interests, and our Early Intervention and Inclusion (EII) programs follow the “linked systems” approach, which systematically links together assessment, goal-setting, intervention, and evaluation into one cohesive process.

Our weekly early intervention small groups are 2 hours long and are co-facilitated by one of our on-site, licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and an Early Interventionist in an inclusive small group setting at our center. During the group, children are served within a staff-to-child ratio of 1:2. Parents are an integral part of the group and are expected to participate, as parent coaching is a key focus of our EII programs.

Each group consists of no more than six children, including 3 typically-developing peers and 3 children with special needs. Group activities are designed to follow the same developmentally-appropriate routines as general early childhood settings (e.g., circle time, snack, free play, motor activities, art, etc.), while embedding targeted intervention and instruction related to each child’s individual goals and objectives. 

Individualized early intervention sessions are provided by our Early Interventionists (EIs) within a 1:1 staff-to-child ratio either in the classroom or in the home, depending on the specifications of the Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) developed by the Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC).

The EI systematically assesses the child and works on IFSP goals and other individualized developmental goals designed to support the child in succeeding and thriving in their environment. Progress is monitored every 12 weeks to determine the effectiveness of teaching and intervention efforts. 

For all funded children enrolled in our inclusive large and small group programs, up to 2 home visits can be scheduled per month to ensure carryover and generalization of learned skills. Home visits are conducted by members of the multidisciplinary early intervention team, which allows for customization of the type of support, depending on the needs of each family and approved hours on the IFSP.

Targeted parent coaching and education are conducted within the context of a collaborative relationship to build capacity and long-term outcomes for children.

Speech, language and dysphagia (feeding) assessments are performed by our Speech-Language Pathologists. Ongoing therapy is provided in the child’s natural environment (home, community, or center) once per week or as stated on the IFSP, with each session lasting one hour. The SLP develops a treatment plan in collaboration with the parent, with input from other professionals working with the child. Following a collaborative model, the SLP and parent/caregiver work together to support the communication needs of each child. Targeted parent/caregiver coaching and education are designed to support capacity building within the collaborative context.