A major benefit of the Dayspring program is the team approach. Each member has a particular area of expertise and focus, but is also trained and experienced in looking at the whole child. For example, your priority for your child might be learning to walk, but you are also concerned about his or her communication skills. In a program using a team approach, if you receive services from a physical therapist, that person has the benefit of being on a team with a speech therapist with whom she may consult. You may see only one teacher or therapist, but you have access to the collective knowledge and experience of an entire team of professionals.

Early Childhood Specialist (also referred to as teacher, early childhood special educator, early interventionist or infant educator)

Early childhood specialists (ECS) support children in all areas of development. We focus on determining how children learn best, what motivates them, and what holds their attention. We provide parents with information on the next developmental steps and ideas and activities to assist and motivate children towards further learning. We also look at how children interact with other children and adults in their lives (social and emotional skills), how children play (play skills and socialization), and at how independent they are in eating, toileting, and dressing.

Occupational Therapy (OT) assists children in developing fine motor skills, such as using their hands to hold a bottle, playing with toys, or using both hands together to play ball. We look at children’s abilities to use their bodies and their senses of touch and movement to explore and learn. We also help to promote independence in activities by helping children learn how to feed or help dress themselves.

Physical Therapy (PT) assists children in developing gross motor or large muscle skills such as sitting, crawling, and walking. We use a variety of methods of treatment including handling (in which we may move and stretch the child’s muscles) and techniques (incorporated into play) to develop new ways to move. We share information, ideas and techniques with you so that you can assist your child in participating in activities at home or in your community.

Speech-language therapy (ST or SLP) assists children in developing speech and language skills, as well as to improve oral motor abilities, such as feeding. We look at ways to help you help your child communicate better. We provide information, ideas and activities to enhance your child’s understanding of his/her world (receptive language) and ability to express his/her wants and needs (expressive language).