Expanding Early Childhood Program to Help More Children with Special Needs
May 28, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council/Office of the Governor has just announced it is increasing funding to $50,000 for The Therapy Place to expand its Bridges Early Intervention preschool program.
Bridges is a unique combination of special education teachers, aides and therapists in which each child’s therapists deliver services during the preschool day and in collaboration with the teachers. The goal of the Bridges program is to “bridge” the gap between BabyNet and Kindergarten, a critical period of development for any child and especially a child with developmental delays. Staff works on each child’s physical, social and communication skills to maximize his or her independence and ready him for entry at the next level.
“There are so few options for children with developmental delays and special healthcare needs in the state and especially the midlands. We are so pleased to be able to offer this option to more families and work down our waiting list,” said Erin Bellinder, Bridges Director.
Dawn Darby, Executive Director of The Therapy Place adds, “For a grant program that typically decreases funding as a program grows, we feel this maneuver demonstrates the DDC recognizes our successes and the potential we have for impacting even more children.”
Bridges operates Monday through Friday 8:30am to 2:30pm in Forest Acres, SC. Contact [email protected] or (803)787-3033 to learn about the admissions process.
The Therapy Place mission is to provide traditional and innovative therapies and recreational opportunities for children with special needs in an environment that is family-friendly, to include resources and education for the parents/caregivers. www.thetherapyplace.org
The mission of the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council is to provide leadership in planning, funding, and implementing initiatives that lead to improved quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change. http://www.scddc.state.sc.us
