ECI Brochure/Pre Enrollment Brochure_03.11.21

Early Childhood Intervention Therapy Program Overview Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Specialized Skills Training & Case Management

A message from Brighton's Early Childhood Intervention Therapy Director Hello and welcome to Brighton Center's Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Therapy program! Brighton has been providing services to children and their families in the San Antonio community for over 50 years through in-home pediatric therapy, special education support & training as well as preschool programs for children of ALL abilities.

Having questions or concerns about your child’s development can be scary and overwhelming, but we are here to help. Our staff of therapists and Early Intervention Specialists are experts in child development for children up to age 3 and are dedicated to providing only the best services for your child and your family. In this program, we provide therapy, developmental services as well as family support and case management with the flexibility to provide services wherever your child spends their day (your home, daycare, etc.).

Once enrolled with Brighton, your assigned Early Intervention Specialist will help you access any of the services we provide, whether it be child care you need or learning about what to expect as your child transitions into a school setting or even advocating on behalf of your child. As your child gets closer to age 3 and transitioning out of our therapy program, Brighton will be there to help you navigate through the next steps of your child's developmental and educational future.

As the ECI Program Director, I want to thank you for trusting Brighton Center to help you through this process. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to personally reach out to me as I am very happy to do whatever I can for you, your child, and your entire family.

Sincerely,

Julie Yocham Director of Early Childhood Intervention jyocham@brightonsa.org (210) 547-5354

3 Reasons WHY Early Childhood Intervention with Brighton is Valuable!

1. Reduces the need for Special Education

The National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) Special Education and Part C Programs tracked children with a developmental delay and found 46% did not need special education by the time they reached kindergarten as a result of early intervention services. They also found that of these children who received early intervention:

36%

Had no disability and were not receiving special education services.

10%

Were reported to have a disability but were not in need of special education services.

2. Positive Results for Children

Studies found that children who participate in high-quality early intervention or early childhood development programs tend to have: Less need for special education and other remedial work Greater language abilities Improved nutrition and health Experienced less child abuse and neglect Maximized the most critical time of brain development

3. Positive Results for Parents

Being a parent is difficult, especially in the first 3 years of life. Research shows that if parents are able to reduce their stress, it positively affects their life and relationships. We offer assistance to help families reduce stress by giving them access to: WIC and food pantry Utility assistance Financial assistance & budgeting Diaper Resources

Parent support groups Parent education Stress management Social and relational support

An Overview of

Brighton's Therapy Service Cycle A Snapshot of the different phases of Early Childhood Intervention Pediatricians as well as other agencies across Bexar County make referrals to Brighton Center when there are concerns about a potential developmental delay for a child under the age of 3.

Parents can also make their own referral to Brighton at anytime if they also have concerns.

Once a referral for your child is received, you will be contacted by a Brighton team member to learn more about your child and family, and describe the next steps towards scheduling a nocost evaluation. If your child qualifies, you along with your Brighton team will develop a comprehensive plan to address the goals you have for your child as well as the services Brighton can provide to help reach those goals. As your child approaches the age of 3, your Brighton team will work with you to determine the best next steps for your child so that their developmental and educational growth continues.

REFERRAL A family will be contacted by Brighton within 48 hours of a referral being received.

EVALUATION

A no-cost evaluation will be scheduled to occur no later than 45 days after referral was received to determine if a child qualifies for services.

Children will go through the Evaluation Phase annually up to age 3

PLANNING

TRANSITION

At 36 months of age a child is required to transition out of ECI. Brighton will help the family determine the best next steps for their child.

SERVICES

A child's services will start no later than 28 days after the initial evaluation and plan is determined.

A plan will be developed immediately following evaluation to determine what services and what frequency of services will best benefit the child.

EVALUATION

WE WILL COME TO YOU: We will come to wherever your child normally spends their day. We work in your child's natural environment so we can evaluate their development in the place they spend the most time (home, daycare, etc.). While we prefer in-person evaluations, we also offer online (Teletherapy) evaluations.

WE WILL ASK QUESTIONS: During the Evaluation we will ask you important background information and medical history about your child and family as well as your child's daily routines and any concerns you are having about their development.

WE WILL OBSERVE & TEST: We will use the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI), parent report, and clinical opinion to determine if your child is eligible for services.

PLANNING

WE WILL CREATE AN INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN (IFSP): An IFSP will be created based on your child's unique needs identified through our discussions with you during the evaluation. It is called an Individualized Family Service Plan because it will include goals and activities for the family, not just your child. This plan will not only identify what services and resources will help your child and family be successful; it will also outline how often services will be provided and who from Brighton will be providing those services.

SERVICES

WE WILL PROVIDE SERVICES TO HELP YOUR CHILD: The evaluation will determine what types of services or combination of services will be most beneficial to your child. In addition to therapy services such as occupational, physical and speech therapy, every child will also be assigned an Early Intervention Specialist who will coordinate all of your child's services, provide case management and also provide Specialized Skills Training (SST), a service that focuses on specific and common areas of early childhood development. All services will take place at the location of your choice and will require the parent or caregiver to be active participants in every visit.

TRANSITION

WE WILL HELP YOU WITH THE BEST NEXT STEPS: As your child approaches the age of 3, we will begin working with you on a transition plan for the next phase after Brighton's therapy program. Brighton will work with you to develop goals for your child at age 3 and beyond and then will build a strategy to ensure that your child smoothly transitions to whatever next services he/she needs.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

Brighton's Therapy Team that might be a part of your child's development journey.

Brighton has the best of the best in early childhood development employed at the organization. Professionally licensed pediatric therapists and early intervention specialists work together as a team to deliver therapy to children. Here is an overview of what each of them does and how they work together to benefit your child and your family.

EARLY INTERVENTION SPECIALISTS (EIS)

SPEECH THERAPISTS

Early Intervention Specialists (EIS) Early Intervention Specialists (EIS) are specialists in: early childhood cognition, motivation and how infants and toddlers learn typical infant and toddler behavior and challenging behavior how developmental areas are interconnected EIS' provide Specialized Skills Training (SST), a service unique to only Early Childhood Intervention programs as well as Case Management Services.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Therapists & EIS Overlap Therapists & EIS are experts in:

implementing strategies within the family's daily routines and community infant and toddler development Therapists & EIS coach parents on how to help their child meet their goals.

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Pediatric Therapists Therapists are specialists in: typical and atypical development for a specific domain intervention practices for a specific domain The role of the therapist on a child's team includes recommending medically necessary services under their scope of practice based on the child's evaluation and assessment.

Early Intervention Specialists Early Intervention Specialists (EIS) are credentialed specialists in all areas of early development including: Typical infant and toddler behavior and challenging behaviors like biting, tantrums, picky eating, and sleep issues Infant and toddler social interactions How developmental areas are interconnected Early childhood cognition, motivation and how infants and toddlers learn Early Intervention Specialists (EIS) may also be referred to as your Service Coordinator and provide a Specialized Skills Training called "SST".

All of Brighton's EIS are certified in the Pathways Parent Training Program, an intervention program specific to young children with signs of Autism.

What is Specialized Skills Training?

Specialized Skills Training (SST) can be provided only by a credentialed Early Intervention Specialist (EIS) and is a combination of designing learning environments and activities that promote a child's acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental areas. SST also provides families with information, skills and support related to enhancing the development of the child. Below are some examples of SST.

Example of SST

To help a young child understand and anticipate transitions, the EIS suggests the family use a timer or a song to cue the child when he needs to stop one activity and move to the next one.

At a home visit, the EIS demonstrates how to incorporate the preferred "cue" when the child needs to transition in between activities. The EIS provides feedback and support to the family as they implement this strategy.

Example of SST The EIS teaches the parent to use verbal cues and hand over hand prompts to help the child learn how to operate a cause and effect toy. During the same activity, the EIS also demonstrates for the parent how to strengthen: fine motor skills by operating the buttons on the toy and receptive communication skills by pairing verbal requests with hand over hand prompts.

Brighton's Therapy Team that might be a part of your child's development journey.

Speech Therapists Brighton's Speech Therapists are licensed to practice in the State of Texas and specialize in the field of pediatrics. They will work with you to: Help your child learn how to process and understand information they hear.

Help your child learn how to produce words and then phrases.

Help your child learn how to communicate their wants and needs.

Physical Therapists Brighton's Physical Therapists are licensed to practice in the State of Texas and specialize in the field of pediatrics. They will work with you to: Help improve range of motion, strength & flexibility for your child.

Help your child learn how to move their bodies how and when they want.

Help make everyday activities easier for your child.

Occupational Therapists Brighton's Occupational Therapists are licensed to practice in the State of Texas and specialize in the field of pediatrics. They will work: Look at your child from a holistic perspective.

Work with your child to develop their fine motor and cognitive skills.

Help your child develop their Sensory System.

Help your child with self care skills and routines.

All of Brighton's staff have had a criminal history check, have received training in CPR and First Aid, and practice Universal Precautions as prescribed by the Texas Department of Health (procedures that greatly reduce the risk of spreading germs).

WE MAY BE THE EXPERTS, BUT

YOU ARE YOUR CHILD'S BEST TEACHER! The cornerstone of early childhood is that parents are a child's best teacher. We fully embrace this concept and therefore use a coaching approach during all of our visits to help give families the strategies, skills and knowledge that will help further perpetuate their child's development. That means that our services may be different from other medical service providers. We might suggest having a visit in places you and your child typically spend time and we will also guide you on how to use everyday activities to help your child learn and develop anytime you interact with him/her.

The Coaching Approach has 5 steps and they happen at every visit

1.

JOINT PLANNING At the beginning of every visit your Brighton provider will talk with you about the plans and goals from the last visit and will ask you to share what you tried and what did/didn't work. You and your Brighton provider will decide what to work on for the visit and plan out the focus of the next visit as well.

2.

OBSERVATION

3.

ACTION & PRACTICE

Your Brighton provider will watch you and your child interact during daily activities while using the strategies suggested to help with developmental progress.

Your Brighton provider will help you practice new ways to help your child learn and develop during your daily activities.

REFLECTION

4.

Your Brighton provider will ask questions for you to consider. For example, the ECI provider may ask what you think about a suggested strategy, or may ask for your thoughts on a challenge your child is having. Your provider will want you to reflect on which strategies are working well, which ones need to be changed, and when you can use each strategy.

5.

FEEDBACK Your Brighton Team Member will share information to build upon your knowledge and skills . They will help you figure out which strategies best help your child meet his/her goals.

Top 1 0 Ways to make your child's visit with your Brighton Team successful!

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YOU ARE THE EXPERT WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILD: Don't hesitate to give your ideas and opinions.

KEEP DISTRACTIONS TO A MINIMUM: Dedicate this time to your child and family. Before your visit, please silence your cell phone and turn off the TV, radio and computer. Please have your pet confined during the visit. Pets often become excited when a new person arrives in the home.

BE INVOLVED IN THE VISIT: Brighton will use a coaching approach to help families learn how they can use the strategies and skills used by therapists and early intervention specialists throughout their daily activities and routines. Not only does a child's development progress MUCH quicker when strategies are implemented by parents and caregivers, it also helps reduce the stress of the caregiver because you now have real life solutions for those difficult situations.

LOOK FORWARD TO THE HOME VISIT: Set the stage for the visit from your Brighton Team Member.

Talk to them about someone coming to "play" with them before your team member arrives (or whatever terminology is appropriate for your child).

REMEMBER YOUR BRIGHTON TEAM MEMBER IS IN MANY HOMES: If there is a contagious illness in your home, call to reschedule your visit. Please offer your Brighton Team Member a place to wash their hands upon arrival before beginning the visit.

USE YOUR CHILD'S TOYS OR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO ELICIT MORE LANGUAGE AND PLAY: Think about using your toys in different ways. Make up stories, introduce movement or sing a song, while involving your child in your daily chores and activities. Have the activity available for your Brighton Team Member when they arrive for the visit or your schedule your visit during a specific routine.

ASK QUESTIONS AND KEEP A NOTEBOOK/FILE: Keep a list of questions to ask your Brighton Team Member. If concerns come up, please feel free to call in between visits. It is also helpful to keep all therapy paperwork in a notebook that can be filed and easily referenced.

KNOW A HOME VISIT DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE IN THE HOME: Any environment your family is in may be considered a home visit. Try the park or your backyard if your child is working on motor activities.

PLEASE BLOCK OUT TIME TO MAKE SURE YOU ATTEND ALL SCHEDULED VISITS: Please block off the time and mark your visit with Brighton as important on your calendar. Please attempt to keep all scheduled visits. Consistency is key to the progress of your child's development!

FOLLOW UP WITH SUGGESTED STRATEGIES: Remember, you are your child's best teacher.

Sometimes the smallest changes in your child's daily routines can make the biggest impact on your child's development.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SUCCESSFUL THERAPY VISIT! Choose a space to practice that is most comfortable to you and your child.

Think through your daily routines, how you want your child to succeed and what could help make your life a little easier.

You and your providers will work together to develop strategies to achieve these goals.

Remove items that may be distracting including muting phones and turning off TV's, radios, other auditory/visual distractions.

Be prepared to actively participate in your child's therapy session as your Brighton Team Member coaches you on how to use these strategies throughout your day.

For an in-person visit, everyone in your household must be healthy.

Vomiting Diarrhea

COVID/Flu Symptoms

Sore Throat

Body Rash or Itching

Fever

For an online/teletherapy visit, you will need access to a WiFi Connection.

For an online/teletherapy visit, you will need access to a smart phone, tablet, or a computer with webcam and speakers.

For an online/teletherapy visit, you will need to have Microsoft Teams Software installed or downloaded on the device you plan on using for the visit.

What is the cost of services with the

Family Cost Share System a fair way to ensure your child gets services they need.

Brighton works with the State of Texas to provide Early Childhood Intervention to families in Bexar County. The State supplements some of the cost of therapy services but also has a Family Cost Share system that is designed so families pay a fair share for the therapy services they receive from Brighton.

However, there are several services that are free and many factors that are taken into account when determining a family's cost share amount.

Some services are NO COST to you no matter what!

Evaluation and Assessment of your child's current development Case Management Services to help meet any health and human needs of the entire family Development of an Individualized Family Service Plan also called an IFSP that outlines the services and resources that might help your child and family reach their developmental goals Translation and Interpreter Services, so that you may receive information and services in your native language and communicate with members of your Brighton team These are initial services that help identify your child's strengths and needs as well as locate resources to meet those needs. You will not pay anything for these services, however you may be asked for permission to bill you or your child's insurance.

Commonly asked questions regarding the

Family Cost Share System What if my child has Medicaid or CHIP?

What if my child is in the Foster or Kinship Care?

What if my family's income is under 100% of the federal poverty level?

What if my child has private insurance?

Can I choose for my child to not receive SST services if my insurance doesn't cover that cost?

Your family pays $0 for any and all services, including therapies and specialized skills training (SST).

Your family pays $0 for any and all services, including therapies and specialized skills training (SST).

Your family pays $0 for any and all services, including therapies and specialized skills training (SST).

Your family will likely have a Family Cost Share amount for any services or fees that private insurance doesn't cover but the amount will be based on your family's income and applied deductions. Your first bill for services will be sent to you approximately 30-60 days after first date of service. The average family cost share amount per month is $28.

Unfortunately, private insurance doesn't cover Specialized Skills Training (SST), a unique service that only Early Intervention Specialists (EIS) can provide. While you pay out of pocket for this service, it is essential to your child's progress and should remain a part of your child's service plan.

It is important to remember that you will only pay up to a certain amount of month, regardless if you receive more services!

THERAPY EXECUTIVE TEAM Every member of the Brighton Team is here to support your child and your family in anyway that we can. We not only have the best therapists and early intervention specialists out in the field working with young children and their families, but we also have a committed and passionate executive team that stands ready to do what they can to ensure that children in Bexar County have the early intervention services they need to reach their fullest potential!

KIM JEFFERIES, Chief Executive Officer

Mrs. Jefferies has been with Brighton since 2000 and the CEO since 2006.

She holds a Bachelor of Education from UTSA as well a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the Lake University.

In addition, Mrs. Jefferies achieved her certification in Nonprofit Leadership from Harvard's Kennedy School for Excellence in Education. She is a Certified Parent Trainer in the Nurturing Program curriculum and is a Licensed Director with the Department of Family and Protective Services. kjefferies@brightonsa.org | (210) 264-5033

HOLLY GROGAN, Chief Program Officer Mrs. Grogan has worked at Brighton since 1999 and served in a leadership capacity since 2004. She holds a BA from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Child and Family Development and a Masters in Family Studies from Texas Woman's University. She is a Certified Early Intervention Specialist and oversees all functions of Brighton's Programs that include: Early Childhood Intervention Program, Early Childhood Education Centers and the Special Education Support & Services Program. hgrogan@brightonsa.org | (210) 385-1392

JULIE YOCHAM, ECI Director Mrs. Yocham has worked at Brighton since 1995 and has served as a member of the leadership team since 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science degree in psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. Julie is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional counselor. She currently serves as the Early Childhood Intervention Director. jyocham@brightonsa.org | (210) 547-5354

JOANN DUFFEY, Manager Mrs. Duffey has worked at Brighton since 2011 and has served on the leadership team since 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Midwestern State University. JoAnn obtained a Supervisory and Management Certification through the University of the Incarnate Word and the San Antonio Area Foundation in 2019. She has been a Certified Early Intervention Specialist since 2005. She currently serves as Early Childhood Intervention Team Leader. jduffey@brightonsa.org | 210-322-9527

JANELLE MOLINA, Manager Ms. Molina has worked at Brighton since 2018 as a Certified Early Intervention Specialist and has served on the leadership team since 2021.

She is fluent in both English and Spanish and holds a Bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas PanAmerican. Janelle has been a Licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant since 2013 and currently serves as an Early Childhood Intervention Team Leader. jmolina@brightonsa.org| (210) 322-9379

MONICA GARCIA, Manager Ms. Garcia has worked at Brighton since 2008 and has served as a member of the leadership team since 2013. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station. Monica obtained a Supervisory and Management Certification through the University of the Incarnate Word and the San Antonio Area Foundation in 2019. She is a certified Early Intervention Specialist, an Infant Massage Instructor and currently serves as an Early Childhood Intervention Team Leader. mgarcia@brightonsa.org| (210) 323-9091

Therapy | Preschools | Education Advocates (210) 826-4492 www.brightonsa.org Two Locations: 14207 Higgins Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217* 265 E. Lullwood Avenue, TX 78212 * denotes Corporate Headquarters

HOW TO LOOK UP A THERAPIST LICENSE The mission of the Executive Council is to protect the health of those in Texas who find themselves in need of physical therapy, occupational therapy services and/or speech therapy services.

Effective March 1, 2021, in compliance with changes in physical therapy rules (TAC 337.1 & 337.2); the information below will be your resource for looking up a physical therapist license in Texas.

The website below can also be used to locate an occupational therapist license information. https://www.ptot.texas.gov/page/look-up-a-license To look up a speech therapist license, use the link below: https://vo.licensing.tdlr.texas.gov/datamart/mainMenu.do FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE THERAPY BOARD If you have a complaint against a licensee or registered facility of either Board, you are encouraged to notify this agency by one of the following methods.

Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist: http://www.ptot.texas.gov/page/file-a-complaint or Health Professions Council 1-800-821-3205 Speech Therapist/Audiologist: The State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology were created administratively within the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Complaints can be filed with the Investigations and Quality Assurance Unit.

You are encouraged to notify this agency by one of the following methods: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/speech/sp_complaint.shtm; or call 1-800-942-5540.

If you have additional concerns, please contact one of Brighton Center’s Therapy Executive Team members.