service on a personalized level. One of the demographics most served by CAP’s centers is children with special needs. According to Goff, “Of 31 students, 26 will be classified as special needs. And that could be as simple as speech or it could be something like a behavioral disorder or autism.” Staff work at the beginning of each year to identify each child’s development level and any special needs that may have yet gone undiagnosed and then work with other specialists to develop an individualized plan for success. Campbell explains, “The first thing teachers do is test each child to define exactly where that child is in relation to where that child needs to be. They start working with the child in the specific areas in which they need growth. Children who may need speech therapy or who may have a developmental delay are identified through our initial testing and we are able to get them the resources, support, and help they and their families need immediately. Teaching strategies are catered to each child’s need and the instructors are constantly updating notes on progress made.” Every child’s progress is tracked meticulously throughout the year through observation during carefully planned activities designed to demonstrate progress in each learning domain, preparing them for
E
EDDIE
ddie has been involved in our CAP programming here at Eagle Child and Family Development Center (CFDC) since he was around one year old. It was evident from the start that Eddie struggled with some developmental delays and would require extra time and attention. Eddie was enrolled in our Infant Toddler Program, which utilizes proven strategies to address a child’s developmental delays and provides education to assist the parents as caregivers. Ms. Sharon Patrick, our Infant Toddler caseworker, worked closely with Eddie and his parents in their home on a regular basis. After some initial success, Ms. Patrick noticed a rapid decline in Eddie’s advancement and diminished support from his parents. Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, Eddie was eventually removed from his home and placed in the custody of his grandmother. Ms. Patrick continued her home visits at the grandmother’s home and in this more stable environment Eddie was once again making progress. As soon as Eddie turned three, he was enrolled in the Eagle CFDC preschool. He began receiving special needs services to assist with his speech, developmental delays, and behavioral issues. Eagle CFDC’s staff worked alongside Eddie’s grandmother and other professionals to develop a personalized plan to address all his needs. He attended Eagle preschool for two-and-a-half years. Eddie’s grandmother has always been committed to his potential for success and eventually moved them into an apartment. CAP’s Family Advocacy Program assisted Eddie and his grandmother in a number of ways during this transition, including purchasing them a washer/dryer. Eddie is now doing very. He will continue to require additional support for his developmental delays and cognitive challenges, but he is now on track for success. Thankfully, Eddie’s loving grandmother is his biggest advocate and she has been equipped with a network of resources through Eagle CFDC. And, of course, we will continue to be a champion for Eddie and will always work to ensure that he fulfills his potential. Brinda Campbell Manager of Eagle CFDC
SPRING / SUMMER 2017 | christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive
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