Radford Cares: Infant & Toddler Connection

Families with infants and toddlers who face developmental challenges need expert support and services. Radford’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (STEL) offers hope for parents and children through the Infant & Toddler Connection of the New River Valley.

Radford University serves as the local lead agency for Infant & Toddler Connection as well as the central point of entry – meaning it takes all referrals to evaluate each child’s eligibility, according to Kathy Pierson, the agency’s director.

“We average 215-230 children in the program on any given day,” Pierson said, adding that last year the program received 424 referrals from doctors, parents, daycare centers and social services.

Aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Infant & Toddler Connection offers crucial early intervention to children not developing as expected or facing medical conditions affecting their development. All eligible children and their families, regardless of financial constraints, have access to these resources. Children may be deemed eligible if found to have 25% or greater delay in any area of development.

Aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Infant & Toddler Connection offers crucial early intervention to children not developing as expected or facing medical conditions affecting their development. All eligible children and their families, regardless of financial constraints, have access to these resources. Children may be deemed eligible if found to have 25% or greater delay in any area of development.

The Infant & Toddler Connection’s approach extends beyond clinical intervention, emphasizing children’s active participation in family and community activities crucial for holistic development.

“All services are provided in the natural environment – typically the home because we coach the family on how they can help their child learn, grow and develop,” Pierson said. Each family gets a service coordinator/case manager, and the agency contracts with speech, physical and occupational therapists as needed to work with the children and families.

In addition, students in STEL’s Early Childhood Special Education program have completed internships with the program throughout its 20+ years of existence. Many former students have gone on to work with the agency, including Gabrielle Sisson ’13, M.S. ’14, a service coordinator.

“Working with families in early intervention was my dream from the moment I heard about the program in my second year of college,” Sisson said. “Seeing the children make progress and helping families work towards their goals are the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of my job.”

For more information about the Infant & Toddler Connection of the New River Valley or to make a referral, contact Kathy Pierson at 540-831-7529.